UNWTO: Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism Surpasses 500 Signatories

The number of signatories to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism has passed the 500-mark, just four months after the landmark initiative was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November.

Expedia Group, Booking Holdings and Condé Nast have become the latest signatories, joining stakeholders of all sizes and from every part of the diverse sector.

The news was announced by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on International Mother Earth Day on May 22.

“The signatures of three of the sector’s biggest names underscores tourism’s determination to accelerating climate action at every level and reflects the shared commitment of both big businesses and small stakeholders to work towards a common goal,” the ogranization said.

The Glasgow Declaration is a voluntary commitment which requests organizations to support halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050 at the latest; deliver climate action plans (or update existing plans) within 12 months from becoming signatories and implement them; align their plans with five pathways, namely: measure, decarbonize, regenerate, collaborate and finance; report publicly on progress made implementing those commitments; and work on a collaborative spirit.

All signatories of the Glasgow Declaration commit to the decarbonization of tourism operations, restore and protect ecosystems, helping visitors and host communities experience better balance with nature.

“Rebalancing our relationship with nature is critical to regenerating both its ecological health and our personal, social and economic well-being”, the Declaration states.

Photo source: UNWTO

Cross-sector commitment

The 538 signatories of the Glasgow Declaration include all types of stakeholders, among them the DRV German Travel Association, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, PATA and Hostelling International; tour operators such as EXO Travel and Europa Mundo Vacaciones; accommodation providers such as The Cayuga Collection; DMOs such as Turismo de Portugal, Turisme de Barcelona, West Sweden Tourist Board, London & Partners, Destination Québec Cité and many more.

“It is time to act. Tourism must prosper in harmony with nature, and the number and variety of businesses, destinations and other organizations signing up to the ambitious Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action shows our sector is committed to doing better,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said.

For more information on the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, press here.