Since the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021, a historic proposal introduced known as the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism has reached the 500-signature milestone. Three big names in the industry have signed the document, underscoring the industry’s commitment to accelerate climate change action at every level and demonstrating the joint commitment of small and large stakeholders to achieving a common objective.
The Glasgow Declaration’s signatories all pledge to decarbonize the tourism industry and to restore and safeguard ecosystems, enabling tourists and host communities to live in closer harmony with nature. According to the Declaration, “Stabilizing our relationship with the natural environment is essential to renewing both our personal, social, and economic well-being as well as its ecological health.”
All follow the underlying concept that restoring nature is essential for both our industry’s epidemic recovery and its long-term success and resilience. The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is a cross-sectoral commitment supported by over 538 tourism-based organizations and businesses worldwide including:
- DRV German Travel Association
- Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- PATA
- Hostelling International
- EXO Travel
- Europa Mundo Vacaciones
- The Cayuga Collection
- Turisme de Barcelona
- Turismo de Portugal
- West Sweden Tourist Board
- Destination Québec
- London & Partners
“It is time to act,” according to UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The quantity and diversity of businesses, destinations, and other groups pledging support for the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action demonstrate our industry’s commitment to improving. Tourism must flourish in harmony with nature. I’m thrilled to welcome the newest signatories, Booking Holdings, Expedia Group, and Condé Nast.”
Collaboration between stakeholders is essential to ensuring that host communities, service providers, and tourists have access to the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to bring about change. The Glasgow Declaration includes providing guidance on emissions assessment and climate action planning with the assistance of working groups as one of its top priorities for 2022.
Glenn Fogel, chief executive officer of Booking Holdings, stated that “It is now more important than ever to combat the negative effects of climate change. To ensure that climate action supports science and the Paris Agreement, it is crucial to sign the Glasgow Declaration and adhere to the Net Zero Standard and the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).”
Expedia Group Vice Chairman Peter Kern said, “We are honored to join the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism as part of a coordinated effort with our partners and peers to advance a more sustainable travel sector. We have the honor to bring people together around the globe every day as a travel company. As more people fly, we must ensure we have sustainable operations. We can reduce our footprint and provide sustainable options for our travelers. We’re improving travelers’ awareness of their influence and providing more responsible options. In order to protect travel for future generations, the sector must cooperate.”
At the 26th UN Conference on Climate Change, the Glasgow Declaration was officially introduced. It is a voluntary commitment that asks organizations to endorse significantly reducing emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050 to produce climate action plans (or update existing plans) within a year of signing the agreement. The strategy to implement those plans is to conform their plans with the five pathways of measure, decarbonize, regenerate, collaborate, and finance.
To report publicly on the advancement made incorporating those responsibilities, and to perform on a collaborative mindset. The One Planet Sustainable Tourism Program, in conjunction with the Travel Foundation, and UNWTO is the driving force behind the Glasgow Declaration.
