Leaders of travel companies and tourism organisations from around the world officially launched the Glasgow Declaration at the Cop26 climate conference on Thursday (November 4), pledging to take action on cutting emissions.
Those signing the declaration say they will “support the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050”.
According to the latest research from the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the International Transport Forum (ITF), tourism CO2 emissions grew at least 60% from 2005 to 2016, with transport-related CO2 causing 5% of global emissions in 2016.
The signatories agree on five shared pathways to ensure climate action is aligned across the tourism sector: Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, Finance.
Speakers at the launch ceremony included Darrell Wade, co-founder and chairman of Intrepid Travel, who urged colleagues in the industry: “Sign. Do. Now.”
He said the tourism and travel industry accounts for 8% of global emissions, adding: “We have to decarbonise the industry. Climate change affects everyone but affects us in the travel industry even more…it is an existential crisis.
“If we do not fix it, we do not have an industry…millions will be cast into poverty. We need action now.”
Another speaker was Julia Simpson, chief executive of the World Travel & Tourism Council, which will unveil its Net Zero Roadmap for the sector next week.
“Working together we can save [the planet] and protect it, and make sure it thrives for generations to come,” she told delegates at Cop26 via video link (pictured).
Destinations represented at the launch ceremony included the Federated States of Micronesia, Panama and Norway, with ministers talking about the importance of tackling rising sea levels and preserving cultures and biodiversity.
Patrick Child, the European Commission’s environment deputy director general, said the sector needs a “cultural change, beyond the growth mindset” and to offer more sustainable products and services.
Jeremy Smith, co-founder of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, said his organisation launched two years ago with 14 signatories.
It has now reached 392 but it still a “drop in the ocean” compared to the whole sector.
However, he said well-known names such as Accor, Iberostar and Skyscanner are among the large brands that have recently signed up for the Glasgow Declaration.
The launch ceremony was opened by Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary-general, and Ovais Sarmad, deputy executive-secretary for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
To see the 800-word Glasgow Declaration, click here.
The launch of the declaration follows the creation of a coalition that aims to accelerate tourism’s transition to net zero.
The Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) is being backed by ministers from major tourism destinations and leaders from international organisations to achieve a sustainable travel and tourism industry.
• Aito, the Specialist Travel Association, has become an official signatory and launch partner of the Glasgow Declaration.
Jono Vernon-Powell, chair of ACT (AITO Climate Crisis Think Tank), said: “This is a really proud moment for Aito, confirming that we are squarely behind action, not just talk.”
Chris Rowles, Aito chairman, added: “With sustainability always having been a major part of Aito’s DNA, we are under no illusions as to the task ahead. Our ultimate goal remains to reach net zero emissions across the Aito family, ideally before 2050.
“At present, it is solely Aito’s HQ and office team which have signed up to be a launch partner of the Glasgow Declaration at COP26.
“We hope that, in due course, and with Aito’s help and encouragement, many of our members will join us on the journey that we started two years ago, with the creation of ACT – the Aito Climate Crisis Think Tank.”