Tourism takes green leap: COP29 unveils new net zero roadmap for travel

In a landmark moment at COP29, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), alongside Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency (STA), launched the second edition of the "Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism" during ‘"Tourism Day."

Building on the groundwork laid at COP26 in Glasgow, this updated roadmap presents a refined strategy for decarbonizing the tourism sector, Caliber.Az's correspondent reports.

The new document underscores the urgent need for climate action, outlining a clear path for the industry to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. Supported by the Global Alliance for Tourism (GAT), the report reveals that 53% of the 250 tourism companies surveyed have now committed to climate targets — up 42% from the 2021 report. The study also notes that 75% of global travellers express a desire to travel more sustainably.

STA’s Chief of Staff, Kanan Gasimov, highlighted the comprehensive scope of the roadmap, which covers emissions across all aspects of tourism, from aviation to accommodation. "Azerbaijan’s leadership in COP29 is a pivotal moment for global tourism. The inclusion of our sector in the climate conversation reflects the importance of aligning national strategies with global climate goals while protecting our shared natural heritage," Gasimov stated.

WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson also stressed the importance of the roadmap in her address. "This updated document is a rallying cry for businesses in the tourism sector," she said. "The tourism industry's commitment to climate targets has increased by 27% over the past three years, with over half of the industry now actively working to reduce emissions."

The roadmap encourages businesses, governments, and stakeholders to set carbon reduction targets, actively supporting the shift toward sustainability. It also calls on travellers to embrace more responsible travel practices.

COP29, hosted at Baku Stadium from November 11 to 22, is Azerbaijan's first time hosting a COP conference and marks the country’s largest international event to date. The summit’s primary focus includes establishing a New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance and launching 14 initiatives aimed at aligning climate action with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering green energy corridors, clean hydrogen, and digital green technologies.

Azerbaijan’s commitment to climate action was reaffirmed by President Ilham Aliyev, who emphasized the country’s role as a leader in global sustainability efforts. "Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 symbolizes our unwavering determination to lead the global fight against climate change," Aliyev said. The unanimous international selection of Azerbaijan to host the summit underscores the global community’s trust in the country’s climate leadership.

By Tamilla Hasanova