In a significant step towards addressing tourism’s impact on climate change, Tourism Day at COP29 in Baku highlighted its dual role, both as a contributor to emissions and a potential leader in decarbonisation, sustainability, and global collaboration to combat the climate crisis.

In a press statement, Azerbaijan’s Tourism Board says that Tourism Day at COP29 brought together tourism ministers, high-level officials, and representatives from nearly 30 countries. This is the first time that tourism as a sector is being discussed in the climate change meetings.

It adds that a key highlight was the signing of a Letter of Intent between the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and UN Tourism, which will strengthen their collaboration on advancing sustainable tourism initiatives.

It further adds that the agreement will strengthens collaboration on the Enhanced Climate Initiative for Tourism, creating a global partnership platform aimed at promoting low-carbon, sustainable tourism practices.

Azerbaijan also endorsed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, committing to climate action plans focused on decarbonisation, regeneration and alignment with international climate goals.

Azerbaijan Tourism Board says that this milestone strengthens the country’s leadership in sustainable tourism and its alignment with the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action, endorsed by over 50 countries and 8 non-state actors.

It adds that the declaration offers a framework to incorporate tourism into global climate strategies, emphasising policy enhancement, science-based metrics, decarbonisation and global partnerships.

According to the statement, Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, expressed confidence that COP29’s recognition of tourism’s role in climate action would leave a lasting legacy and that more countries would endorse the declaration.

It adds that another highlight was the launch of the Net Zero Roadmap: Second Edition by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which revealed a 27 pc increase in businesses setting climate targets over the past three years. 

It further adds that advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises on accessing green financing were discussed. Three thematic roundtables followed, focusing on decarbonisation, regeneration and innovative finance, aiming to foster dialogue, share solutions, and inspire transformative changes in tourism practices.