An exclusive whitepaper produced for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) by Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT) has highlighted that only 15 pc of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to tourism are on track to be achieved by 2030. In stark contrast, the tourism sector continues to grapple with mounting environmental challenges, emphasizing the pressing need for urgent and transformative action to achieve sustainability.

In a press statement, ATM says that, according to United Nations (UN) research, in a ‘business-as-usual scenario’, tourism could lead to a 154 pc increase in energy consumption, a 131 pc rise in greenhouse gas emissions, a 152 pc spike in water consumption and a 251 pc surge in solid waste by 2050.

It adds that research by Visa and Oxford Economics reveals that while the tourism industry faces mounting sustainability challenges, consumers struggle with insufficient information and a lack of transparency about sustainable travel options.

ATM says that governments across the Gulf Cooperation Council region have launched initiatives for sustainable tourism, including the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, Saudi Vision 2030, Qatar’s Tourism Strategy 2030, Bahrain’s 2022-2026 plan, Oman’s National Tourism Strategy, and Kuwait 2035 Vision.

It adds that sustainable tourism will remain a key focus at the 2025 ATM, held under the theme Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity, with sessions dedicated to sharing sustainable practices and ethical methods.

The statement adds that, as part of its 30th anniversary in 2023, ATM set 30 sustainability goals. The 2024 edition featured measures like recyclable carpets and PVC-free signage, diverting 48 pc of waste from landfill, up from 5pc last year.

It adds that staff training was provided, alongside initiatives with Sparklo, a cleantech company promoting recycling through reverse vending machines (RVM), resulting in the collection of over 2,200 bottles and cans, preventing 300 kg of CO2 emissions.

It further adds that ATM 2025, held with Dubai World Trade Centre, has strategic partners including Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Al Rais Travel.

Nicholas Hall

“The discussions around sustainability in tourism with people who visited the ATM Innovation Wall highlighted the multifaceted nature of the challenges we face. The path towards a sustainable future requires a multi-pronged approach, from managing plastic waste to fostering responsible travel behaviour and ensuring tourism benefits local communities. A key takeaway was the importance of considering diverse perspectives. Sustainable tourism cannot be achieved through a one-size-fits-all approach. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders across the industry, from tech giants to local communities, we can leverage a wider range of expertise and perspectives to develop effective solutions,” says Nicholas Hall, Founder and CEO, Digital Tourism Think Tank.

Danielle Curtis

“Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is proud to provide a vital platform for the tourism industry to advance its sustainability goals. By fostering collaboration, ATM encourages the development of region-specific sustainability frameworks that integrate environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The event highlights the importance of investing in innovative resource management technologies and forging cross-industry partnerships to promote a thriving circular economy. Moreover, ATM advocates for community-driven tourism strategies that empower local populations, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance destination resilience. Together, we can drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future for global tourism,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.