The travel sector has made significant strides in reducing its environmental footprint, according to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). In 2023, travel and tourism accounted for 6.7% of all global emissions, down from 7.8% in 2019. This reduction in carbon intensity is a positive development for the industry, with CEO Julia Simpson noting that the sector generated less than half a kilo of carbon per dollar of travel and tourism generated last year.
The WTTC’s latest Environmental & Social Research data, presented at its 24th Global Summit in Perth, Australia, highlights the sector’s progress in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, travel and tourism’s contribution to global GDP in 2023 almost reached pre-pandemic levels at $9.9 trillion, just 4% below its peak. At the same time, global greenhouse gas emissions from travel were 12% lower than in 2019, with emissions per unit of GDP falling by 8.4% during this period.
The reduction in carbon emissions can be attributed to the increased use of renewable energy within the travel sector. Simpson emphasized that innovation and sustainability are key drivers of this positive trend, stating that „a defining moment“ has been reached in shaping the future of global tourism. While acknowledging that there is still a long way to go, she emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in driving further progress.
Despite the progress made, the WTTC highlighted the need for more decisive action to accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy sources. In 2023, the sector’s reliance on fossil fuel energy sources decreased to 88.2% from 90% in 2019, while the share of low-carbon energy sources increased slightly to 5.9%. Simpson called on governments to reinvest travel and tourism tax revenues in decarbonizing infrastructure, expanding renewable energies, and supporting businesses in their transition to greener practices.
The carbon footprint reduction in the travel industry demonstrates that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand. Simpson emphasized that the sector is proving its ability to grow responsibly, decoupling economic expansion from environmental impact. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize sustainability and work towards a more environmentally friendly future for travel and tourism.