In a powerful address to world leaders during Ocean Action Day at COP29 in Baku, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) emphasized the urgent need for climate investment to protect coastal and marine tourism from escalating climate risks.
To effectively mitigate these risks, the WTTC calls for annual investments of $30 billion specifically aimed at reducing direct emissions, with total funding requirements potentially reaching $65 billion when factoring in necessary climate adaptation efforts.
The upcoming report, “Climate and Ocean: Quantifying Coastal and Marine Tourism and Protecting Destinations,” developed in partnership with Iberostar Group and Oxford Economics, highlights the critical dual need for immediate climate action and resilience-building in the tourism sector.
In 2023, coastal and marine tourism generated a staggering $1.5 trillion and supported 52 million jobs worldwide, accounting for approximately 50% of global tourist spending and generating $820 billion in direct tax revenue. However, the sector’s significant environmental footprint—contributing 0.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, or 390 million tonnes of CO₂—underscores the pressing need for rapid mitigation and adaptation measures.
Vulnerable coastal destinations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Pacific coastal areas, are facing mounting threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion. This reality makes it clear that investments in climate action are not only essential but urgent.
The report supports the Coastal Tourism Breakthrough initiative, led by the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action and the UN High Level Climate Champions, which has been pivotal in mobilizing non-state actors to advance the objectives of the Paris Agreement since COP22 in 2016. The Ocean Breakthroughs initiative outlines transformative pathways across five key ocean sectors: Marine Conservation, Shipping, Ocean Renewable Energy, Aquatic Food, and Coastal Tourism. Accelerated action in these areas could lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35%, contributing to a resilient, nature-positive, and net-zero future by 2050.
Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC, stated, “Coastal and marine tourism is a lifeline for millions globally, generating $1.5 trillion for the world’s economy. But it’s on the frontline of climate change. Protecting our coast and marine life isn’t just an environmental necessity; it’s a social imperative. Our report quantifies the scale of the challenge. Reducing the environmental impact of coastal and marine tourism could cost $65 billion every year. Given the economic and social value of coastal tourism, we are calling on governments, development organizations, and travel and tourism businesses to act now to safeguard these vital natural resources.”
Gloria Fluxa, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer for Iberostar Group and Chair of WTTC’s Sustainability Committee, emphasized, “It is never too late to act. To safeguard our industry, its people, and the ecosystems we rely on, we must focus on mitigating our operations, transforming supply chains, and investing in nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Decarbonization and adaptation are essential investments for building a resilient, nature-positive tourism model. We support the Ocean and Climate Platform’s call for bold investments in coastal resilience. The Coastal Tourism Breakthrough offers a clear roadmap to cut emissions by up to 35%. Now is the time for decisive action to ensure our destinations thrive for generations.”
Loreley Picourt, Executive Director of the Ocean and Climate Platform, added, “These findings support the Coastal Tourism Breakthrough, one of the five pillars of the Ocean Breakthroughs developed under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action. Since COP22 in 2016, the Marrakech Partnership has been instrumental in uniting civil society to drive ambition towards achieving the Paris Agreement’s objectives. The Ocean Breakthroughs highlight where accelerated action and investment could yield up to a 35% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, offering a powerful blueprint for a resilient, nature-positive, net-zero future by 2050.”
The report also showcases successful climate solutions, such as Visit Scotland’s significant investments in renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure, and the Mangrove Action Project in Thailand, which demonstrates how mangrove restoration can protect coastlines and enhance resilience.
The WTTC calls on governments, businesses, and communities to unite in protecting coastal and marine tourism destinations. With dedicated investment in mitigation and adaptation, these unique regions can continue to thrive economically while preserving their natural beauty for future generations.