VisitDenmark says that the report would help to drive the nation’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 pc by 2030 (Photo : Kenneth Stjernegaard – VisitVejle)
The tourism industry in Denmark generates an annual climate footprint of 10.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents (CO2e), according to a newly released climate report by VisitDenmark, Denmark’s official tourism organisation.
The report by VisitDenmark is the first of its kind by an tourism promotion organisation to measure the carbon emissions linked to tourism and offers detailed insights into the environmental impact of tourism across Denmark’s national and regional levels.
In a press statement, VisitDenmark says that the report would help to drive the nation’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 pc by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
The findings are revealed as part of the Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Development, which aims to monitor and mitigate tourism’s environmental impact.
According to the report, transportation accounts for the majority or 73 pc of emissions from tourism. Of this, 37 pc is from international transport and 36 pc from domestic travel. Other contributions include 16 pc of food and beverage consumption and 5 pc accommodation.
Morten Dahlin
“Tourism is important for Denmark. It creates jobs and development throughout the country. We must continue to show off our beautiful country. But of course we must also make it as green and sustainable as possible. If there are places where we can improve, then we have to work for it. The new climate accounting is a central part of that work, because it enables us to intervene exactly where it is needed,” says Morten Dahlin, Minister for Cities and Rural Areas.
The report enables Danish tourism destinations to prioritise their sustainability initiatives by identifying specific challenges and opportunities.
Destination companies will use this data to collaborate with local businesses in reducing their carbon footprint, helping Denmark achieve its national climate targets.
Katja Moesgaard
“For the first time, we now have solid knowledge about the tourists’ climate footprint. It is a valuable tool when we continue the targeted effort to make tourism greener, and it makes the effort much more measurable. We must use this insight to ensure that together with the players in the industry we find the right solutions that can give even more impetus to the green development of Danish tourism. Sustainability is the prerequisite for creating strong and viable tourism – also in the future,” says Katja Moesgaard, CEO of VisitDenmark, on behalf of the partnership.
The statement adds that one key achievement of the report is its inclusion of international air transport, making Denmark’s climate calculations more comprehensive than other countries that exclude this factor. Denmark hopes this approach will set a new standard for global tourism accounting.
The statement adds that Denmark’s climate report not only helps guide local efforts but is also contributing to the development of international guidelines under the United Nations’ tourism initiatives, setting a precedent for global tourism sustainability practices.
It goes on to say that tourism’s role in Denmark’s broader sustainability efforts will continue to evolve, with updated data and ongoing partnerships driving the country’s green agenda forward.
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