WTTC, United Nations Tourism Organization and Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces to support nature-positive tourism
Leading companies in the global travel and tourism industry have released a landmark joint report setting out a joint plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
Launched on Earth Day 2024, Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action is an initiative of the high-level Nature Positive Tourism Partnership comprising the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Tourism Organization (United Nations Tourism Organization). Founded. and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (Alliance).
The report, produced in collaboration with specialist consultancy ANIMONDIAL, is the sector’s commitment to support the implementation of the UN’s biodiversity plan, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
We highlight more than 30 examples of inspiring, progressive action from around the world, involving large and small businesses, national and local government agencies, civil society organizations, and cross-sector partnerships.
By providing practical guidance and insight, this report not only highlights the essential link between biodiversity and tourism resilience, but also empowers businesses to become stewards of nature. enable.
A historic partnership for nature
Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, said: “This historic partnership with a leading figure in the travel and tourism industry is a testament to our collective commitment to a more sustainable and responsible sector. “This is an important step in our path.”
“This report is more than just a publication, it is a movement to embed environmental stewardship at the core of the travel experience.
“As we celebrate Earth Day, let us heed the call to nurture and protect our destinations. Our sector depends on nature and our expertise in creating moving and memorable experiences. This means that we are in an ideal position as guardians of nature.”
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UN Tourism has long been at the forefront of integrating tourism into the broader UN biodiversity agenda, including supporting the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat. “I have stood up for this,” he said. ).
“This vital new collaboration between the world’s major players will not only set a strong framework for sustainable practices and have a major impact, but will also strengthen the power of united efforts in conserving biodiversity. There is also something to prove.
“This report demonstrates what we can achieve together to protect nature and inspires a global movement towards more sustainable and resilient tourism.”
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance CEO Glenn Manjuk said: “This report is a milestone for the travel and tourism industry and represents our commitment as an industry to protect and conserve nature.
“The Alliance is proud to contribute and collaborate on this insightful, action-oriented report that supports biodiversity and drives tangible change in destinations around the world. They support our society, our economy, and our very existence.
“The hospitality industry is today an industry leader in nature-positive approaches, and this report shows how much our industry understands the true value of nature.”
Daniel Turner, Director of ANIMONDIAL, said: “The travel and tourism sector has a global impact, including in many of the most biodiverse places on earth.
“This report sets out how to harness that impact to reduce negative impacts on biodiversity, restore nature and ensure the sector is a force for good. We provide practical guidance for businesses and public organizations. We call this approach nature-positive tourism.”
Expert-led coalition
Recognizing the important role the sector has in protecting and conserving biodiversity, the Nature Positive Tourism approach is designed to be a touchstone for actionable change. It is focused on providing the sector with the tools and insights it needs to nurture and protect the destinations it relies on.
The partnership’s commitment to working towards a ‘net positive for nature’ will include extensive collaboration with experts from business, government, academia and civil society, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). based on consultation. ).
This report follows on from the 2022 WTTC report ‘Nature Positive Travel & Tourism’, which encourages practices that encourage both travel providers and travelers to embark on journeys that contribute to the conservation of natural treasures. It includes a framework and examples.
View this report on the WTTC Research Hub
View this report on the United Nations Tourism Organization biodiversity website.
