Baku, Azerbaijan. Within the framework of COP29, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled the second edition of its innovative Net Zero Roadmap, highlighting a 27% increase in the number of global companies in the sector that have set climate targets over the past three years. Currently, more than half of these companies are actively committed to reducing emissions.

Significant Progress on Climate Goals

The report, launched in collaboration with Accenture, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and with the support of Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, reveals that 53% of the top 250 companies in the sector have established climate targets, a notable increase from 42% in 2021, when the first roadmap was introduced.

Among these companies, one-third have aligned with the goals of the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), doubling their participation compared to 2021. This commitment reflects the effort to meet global emission reduction standards, advancing toward the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

An Updated Framework for Decarbonization

The second edition of the roadmap not only reinforces the foundations laid in the original document presented at COP26 in Glasgow but also introduces an enhanced decarbonization framework. This includes updated target corridors to help travel and tourism companies set ambitious and actionable climate goals tailored to the specific realities of each subsector.

The report emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as challenges differ across industries such as aviation, hospitality, and cruises. However, it highlights significant advances in carbon intensity:

• Aviation reduced its carbon intensity by 6% since 2019.
• The cruise and accommodation sectors achieved reductions of 11%.

Environmental and Social Impact Declines

According to recent WTTC data, the sector's environmental impact has decreased significantly. In 2023, tourism accounted for 6.5% of global emissions, down from a peak of 7.8% in 2019. This reflects a 10.2% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity, marking progress in slowing emissions growth.

Additionally, the growing interest of travelers in sustainable options—with 75% expressing a desire to travel more responsibly—highlights the importance of aligning business practices with consumer expectations.

Statements from Industry Leaders

Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, emphasized:
“Climate action in our sector has never been more urgent. Climate change is a reality, and we must act ambitiously and swiftly to protect the future of tourism and the livelihoods of millions.”

Jesko-Philipp Neuenburg, Accenture’s Global Sustainability Travel Lead, stressed the importance of moving from commitments to action, while Niclas Svenningsen from UNFCCC remarked, “Tourism can no longer operate under a traditional model without adapting to the new climate reality.”

Meanwhile, Kanan Gasimov from Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency highlighted the country's role in promoting sustainable policies and including tourism in international climate discussions.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels and SME Support

A key focus of the roadmap is the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which can reduce emissions by 80% over their lifecycle. It also calls for accessible green financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are vital to the sector but face significant barriers in adopting sustainability measures.

Challenges and Calls to Action

Despite progress, the WTTC identifies challenges such as Scope 3 emissions measurement and the lack of global regulatory alignment. It urges governments and companies to implement the proposed target corridors and provide incentives to accelerate the transition toward sustainable tourism.

"United in the pursuit of Net Zero, we can protect vulnerable destinations, meet traveler expectations, and ensure a sustainable future for our planet," concluded Julia Simpson.