WTTC and Saudi Arabia's Center for Sustainable Global Tourism launch first environmental and social survey
Between 2010 and 2019, the sector's GDP grew by an average of 4.3% per year, while climate change grew by only 2.4%.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia , November 29. 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTC) today released new data detailing the climate impact of the global travel and tourism sector.
The results were published today at the 22nd international conference organized by the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Center for Sustainable Global Tourism in Riyadh .
For the first time in the world, this comprehensive study covers 185 countries in all regions and is updated annually.
In her opening remarks, WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson announced the Environmental and Social Research (ESR) findings. One of the largest research projects of its kind, WTTC is the first to accurately report and track the environmental impact of industry in this sector.
Previous estimates have shown that the travel and tourism sector is responsible for up to 11 percent of total emissions. However, a new WTC study shows that the sector accounted for just 8.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019.
Annual economic growth in the sector between 2010 and 2019 was linked to climate change, showing that travel and tourism economic growth is not linked to greenhouse gas emissions.
Thanks to advances in technology, these emissions have decreased since 2010, as well as the implementation of many energy-saving measures in various industries.
Between 2010 and 2019, our industry's GDP grew by an average of 4.3 percent annually, and its environmental impact grew by 2.4 percent.
The Comprehensive Environmental and Social Survey (ESR) measures the impact of the sector on a range of indicators including pollution, energy resources, water use and social data including age, wage and gender characteristics related to travel and tourism. Work: .
The WTC will continue to release new data on how the industry is handling those numbers in 2023.
Governments around the world now have the tools to make informed decisions and effectively accelerate environmental change.
"Until now, we haven't had an industry-wide scope to accurately measure our climate footprint," said Julia Simpson , president and CEO of WTTC. This information provides the details governments need to make progress on the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development. Development goals.
“Travel and tourism are making great strides towards decarbonisation, but governments must set limits. We must work hard to increase sustainable aviation fuel production through government incentives. The technology is there. We also need more renewable energy in our country. Networks. so when we turn on the light in the hotel room, it uses a sustainable energy source.
"This is 8.1 percent of the plot. The key is to be more efficient and separate the rate of our growth from the amount of energy we use, every decision, every change will lead to a better and better future for everyone."
Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia N.S. Ahmed Al Khatib added: "We are proud to partner with the WTTC on this important study that will monitor its impact for the future." Saudi Arabia recognizes that travelers and investors are interested in policies that promote the sustainable development of the industry, and we are on a path that will make the Kingdom a pioneer in sustainable tourism.
“Within the Saudi Green Initiative, we launched over 60 initiatives last year to do just that. The first wave represents an investment of more than $186 billion in the green economy.
About the World Travel and Tourism Council
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the private sector of global travel and tourism. Membership includes more than 200 CEOs, presidents and CEOs of the world's leading travel companies from all industries. For more than 30 years, WTC has raised government and public awareness of the economic and social value of travel and tourism.
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Source: World Travel & Tourism Council