The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released the second edition of its Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, showcasing a 27 per cent rise in the number of global travel businesses setting climate targets over the past three years. More than half (53 per cent) of the 250 leading businesses analysed have committed to emissions reduction, a significant jump from 42 per cent in 2021.
Unveiled at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the roadmap highlights the progress made by the sector, with a third of these businesses adopting Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals. This marks a doubling in the number of companies embracing rigorous climate benchmarks since 2021, signalling the industry’s intensified focus on aligning with global climate standards.
Developed in collaboration with Accenture, UNEP, and supported by Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, the roadmap introduces enhanced decarbonization strategies, including target corridors tailored to each industry within the sector. These updates emphasise transparency and collaboration, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable travel as 75 per cent of global travellers now express a preference for eco-friendly options.
WTTC’s latest Environmental & Social Research (ESR) shows the sector’s carbon footprint has decreased from 7.8 per cent of global emissions in 2019 to 6.5 per cent in 2023. This represents a 10.2 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity, underscoring the industry's efforts to decouple growth from emissions.
Key industries within the sector have achieved significant milestones in reducing carbon intensity. The aviation industry reported a 6% reduction in carbon intensity compared to 2019, while the cruise and accommodation industries each achieved an 11 per cent reduction. These advances demonstrate a meaningful transition toward lower emissions, balancing sector growth with environmental responsibility. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a cornerstone in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint, with the potential to cut emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle. The roadmap calls for increased SAF adoption across airlines, supported by investment and regulatory alignment, to accelerate decarbonization efforts.
Expert perspectives
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said, “The urgency of climate action in our sector has never been clearer. Climate change is not a future threat – it’s here, and we are all facing the consequences.
“This updated roadmap is a call to action for every business in Travel & Tourism. The sector is moving forward; but we mustn’t rest on the laurels. We must work together with greater ambition and urgency to create a sustainable future for Travel & Tourism. Every step counts towards preserving our planet and the livelihoods of millions.”
Niclas Svenningsen, UNFCCC Manager, Programmes Coordination said: “Since the first edition of this report was published three years ago, the world has experienced a continued out-of-control climate change with new heat records set across the entire planet.
“The impact has been devastating, not least in the tourism industry where many destinations have not only been negatively impacted, but in some cases the impact has been enormous. In a world where business-as-usual for Travel & Tourism is no longer an option, acting on the pathways and target corridors presented in this report, is the only way it can maintain its Licence to Operate.”
The roadmap also provides focused guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the Travel & Tourism sector. SMEs often face unique challenges, such as limited resources to implement sustainability measures and difficulty accessing green financing. The roadmap emphasises the importance of accessible financing options and strategic decarbonization approaches to enable these businesses to contribute meaningfully to the sector’s climate goals.
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