The travel and tourism industry is accelerating its efforts to tackle climate change, with a significant 27% rise in the number of businesses pledging to reduce their carbon emissions over the past three years. This shift toward sustainability is detailed in the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) recently released second Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, which outlines both the industry’s progress and the challenges that remain.
According to the WTTC’s findings, carbon intensity reductions have been recorded across several sectors. The aviation industry has cut its carbon intensity by 6% between 2019 and 2023, while the cruise and hotel industries have achieved an 11% decrease. While these reductions are commendable, the roadmap stresses the need for continued, urgent action as the sector sets its sights on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The report underscores a growing demand for transparency in the travel industry, with 75% of global travelers expressing a desire to travel more sustainably. As this trend intensifies, travel advisors and consumers alike will need to be able to differentiate between businesses that are genuinely committed to climate action and those that are not. Advisors, in particular, are urged to forge partnerships with brands that demonstrate real progress in environmental stewardship, as this not only benefits the planet but also enhances business prospects by aligning with conscious travelers.
Key figures from the report include:
- 53% of 250 leading travel and tourism companies are now working toward set climate targets, up from 42% in 2021.
- One-third of these businesses are committed to achieving significant emission reductions in line with science-based targets.
- Travel and tourism contributed 6.5% of global emissions in 2023, down from 7.8% in 2019.
Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the WTTC, emphasized the urgency of climate action within the sector, stating, “Climate change is not a future threat — it’s here, and we are all facing the consequences.” She called on businesses across the travel and tourism industry to continue making ambitious strides toward sustainability, warning that complacency could undermine long-term efforts to preserve both the planet and the livelihoods tied to the sector.
As the travel industry moves forward, the updated roadmap serves as both a celebration of progress and a renewed call to action for businesses, governments, and travelers alike. Achieving a sustainable future requires collaboration, urgency, and a steadfast commitment to reducing carbon footprints across every facet of the travel experience.
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