Travel and tourism accounted for 6.7% of all emissions globally last year, down from 7.8% in pre-pandemic 2019 when activity was at its peak.
Meanwhile, the sector’s contribution to global GDP almost reached pre-Covid levels at $9.9 trillion just 4% shy of its peak.
However, global greenhouse gas emissions were 12% below the 2019 peak, with GHG intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) falling 8.4% during this period, new research by the World Travel & Tourism Council disclosed.
The Environmental & Social Research study claims to showcase an “important achievement” with the sector’s economic contribution growing faster than its environmental impact.
But there are still “significant opportunities” to accelerate the green transition.
“The increases in renewable energy use and reductions in fossil fuel reliance remain relatively modest, highlighting the need for more decisive action,” the WTTC said.
The sector’s reliance on fossil fuel energy sources – oil, coal, and natural gas – dropped to 88.2% from 90% in 2019, according to the report.
The share of low-carbon energy sources – nuclear and renewables – increased from 5.1% in 2019 to 5.9% in 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The resurgence of the global travel and tourism sector is also mirrored in tax revenues that governments receive from the direct taxes paid, the WTTC noted.
Total travel and tourism tax revenues amounted to $3.32 trillion in 2024, equating to 9.6% of total global tax revenues.
“Governments must use these additional revenues to reinvest in decarbonising infrastructure, expanding renewable energies and supporting businesses in their green transition,” the WTTC urged.
President and chief executive Julia Simpson claimed: “Our sector is proving that we can grow responsibly.
“We’re decoupling growth from emissions – travel and tourism is expanding economically while lowering its environmental footprint.”
She added: “This is a defining moment, proving that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping the future of global tourism.
“However, while we are decoupling our sector’s growth from the increase in GHG, our aim is absolute reductions.
“We must accelerate this progress significantly to meet the Paris climate targets. We’re on the right track, but we need to up our game.”
The data was revealed at the opening of the WTTC’s 24th global summit in Perth, Australia.