On November 20, 2024, Tourism Day at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, convened global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the tourism industry's impact on climate change. The event featured the signing of a Letter of Intent between Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency and UN Tourism, aimed at fortifying collaboration on the Enhanced Climate Initiative for Tourism, which promotes sustainable practices.
Azerbaijan also endorsed the Glasgow Declaration Initiative on Climate Action in Tourism, committing to create comprehensive climate action plans focused on decarbonization and international alignment. This signature reinforces Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable tourism and adherence to the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism, supported by over 50 countries and 8 non-state actors.
In closing remarks, Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, emphasized the importance of recognising tourism's role in climate action, suggesting this would influence future COP gatherings. The World Travel & Tourism Council launched the Second Edition of the Net Zero Roadmap, noting a 27 per cent increase in businesses setting climate targets, with discussions on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and green financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Three thematic roundtables also took place, addressing critical topics such as measurement and decarbonisation, adaptation strategies, finance, and innovative solutions to promote collaborative dialogue and effective tourism practices.
