The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the second edition of its climate change report NetZero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, revealing the number of global travel and tourism businesses setting climate targets has increased by 27 pc in the past three years, with more than half now actively committed to emissions reduction.

The report was launched at COP29, the climate change meet that is taking place at Baku in Azerbaijan. According to WTTC, the report reveals that 53 pc of the 250 leading travel and tourism businesses analysed have now set climate targets, a significant increase from 42 pc in 2021, when the first Net Zero Roadmap was created.

WTTC says that among these businesses, one third have committed to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals, underscoring their dedication to meeting rigorous emissions reduction benchmarks.

Notably, it adds, the number of companies adopting SBTi targets has more than doubled since 2021, signalling an accelerated effort by the sector to align with global climate standards.

The statement adds that developed in collaboration with Accenture, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and supported by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this second edition of the roadmap underscores the urgency of climate action as the sector works towards net zero by 2050.

Building on the foundation of the original roadmap launched in 2021 at COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland, the latest edition addresses the escalating environmental impacts on tourism.

It introduces an enhanced decarbonisation framework, including new target corridors to guide travel and tourism businesses in setting ambitious, actionable climate targets.

WTTC says that the roadmap highlights that there is no ‘one size that fits all’ solution, as each industry faces its own challenges, with some able to meet their netzero targets earlier than others.

A major focus of the updated roadmap is improving sector alignment and transparency, particularly as demand for sustainable travel options grows, with 75 pc of global travellers now expressing a desire to travel more sustainably.

The roadmap also draws on WTTC’s Environmental & Social Research (ESR), which reveals a significant decrease in Travel & Tourism’s carbon emissions footprint.

According to the latest ESR data, travel and tourism accounted for 6.5 pc of global emissions in 2023, down from a peak of 7.8 pc in 2019, representing an 10.2 pc reduction in the sector’s greenhouse gas intensity, showcasing the sector’s significant strides toward decoupling growth from emissions.

Across a number of industries, the roadmap notes significant improvements in carbon intensity. In 2023, the aviation industry achieved a 6 pc reduction in carbon intensity from 2019, when travel and tourism was at its peak, while the cruise and accommodation industries both decreased their carbon intensity by 11 pc.

These reductions are critical as the sector works to balance growth with a meaningful transition to lower emissions.

Julia Simpson

“The urgency of climate action in our sector has never been clearer. Climate change is not a future threat, it is here, and we are all facing the consequences. This updated roadmap is a call to action for every business in travel and tourism. The sector is moving forward; but we mustn’t rest on the laurels. We must work together with greater ambition and urgency to create a sustainable future for travel and tourism. Every step counts towards preserving our planet and the livelihoods of millions,” says Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC.

“Global Travel companies have made good progress on emissions targets and measurement. The second edition of the roadmap underscores the importance of moving from commitments to actions and provides pragmatic advice on how to work towards decarbonisation of the travel and tourism sector,” says Jesko-Philipp Neuenburg, Global Travel and Aviation Sustainability Lead, Accenture.

Niclas Svenningsen

“Since the first edition of this report was published three years ago, the world has experienced a continued out-of-control climate change with new heat records set across the entire planet. The impact has been devastating, not least in the tourism industry where many destinations have not only been negatively impacted, but in some cases the impact has been enormous. In a world where business-as-usual for travel and tourism is no longer an option, acting on the pathways and target corridors presented in this report, is the only way it can maintain its License to Operate,” says Niclas Svenningsen, Manager, Programmes Coordination, UNFCCC.

Kanan Gasimov

“This roadmap serves as both an actionable guide and a vision-setting tool for the industry, helping us set ambitious goals while providing clear steps to reduce emissions across all tourism subsectors, from accommodation to aviation. Azerbaijan is proud to be part of this project. Through our COP29 Presidency, we have successfully advocated for tourism’s inclusion in international climate discussions and committed to embedding sustainable practices in our national policies. Together, we can build a tourism sector that aligns with global climate goals, preserves our natural heritage, and supports the livelihoods of our communities,” says Kanan Gasimov, Head of Cabinet, State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan.

The statement adds that the updated roadmap also highlights the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.

Reducing emissions by up to 80 pc over the fuel’s lifecycle, SAF has emerged as a cornerstone for aviation’s decarbonisation pathway, and the roadmap calls for the expansion of SAF adoption across airlines, supported by investment and regulatory alignment, to accelerate emissions reductions.

The statement adds that the report identifies ongoing challenges, both internal and external, that require attention. Measuring Scope 3 emissions remains a complex task for many companies, as does achieving regulatory alignment across regions.

According to the statement, WTTC and its members urge businesses to adopt the roadmap’s target corridors, which suggest specific emissions reduction strategies across various timeframes. These tailored strategies aim to mitigate emissions within the next decade and reinforce long-term climate resilience.

WTTC encourages travel and tourism companies, stakeholders, and governments to support and implement the measures outlined in this roadmap.