UN Tourism spotlights responsible, nature-positive growth for the industry

The United Nations Committee on Tourism and Sustainability has spotlighted responsible, nature-positive growth for the sector during a full two-day meeting 9th - 10th September, to review and discuss global challenges of tourism and the path towards more sustainable, desirable and resilient development.

The 19th meeting of the Committee (CTS) brought together the elected members of the Committee from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Americas. A total of 140 leading policymakers and experts reflected in-depth on pathways for balancing growth and prosperity with inclusiveness and sustainability.

Over the course of two days, special Thematic Sessions focused on the key sustainability challenges posed as the sector continues to grow, with an expected 35 billion domestic, same-day and international visitors expected to travel annually by 2030.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic emphasised the significance of the meeting, noting "this is the first time that the committee has met for two days to reflect and deeply discuss strategic topics for a science based global tourism agenda, its sustainability, and future resilience.”

William Rodríguez, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism added "Costa Rica is honoured to host the representatives of the UN Tourism's Committee on Tourism and Sustainability. We see it as a great challenge to lead discussions on issues that are so relevant to the environmental, social, and economic future of the member countries, always striving for tourism to follow a model of sustainable, inclusive, and innovative management, as promoted by our country."

Towards Collective and Consistent Actions

The Committee on Tourism and Sustainability put the spotlight on the key sustainability-related challenges facing tourism today, drawing on the expertise of the experts and committee members under the leadership of Costa Rica. Structured in five thematic sessions, the discussions focused on:

• The Future of Tourism: The Committee addressed the critical balance between growth and sustainability in the tourism sector, emphasising the importance of fostering well-being and prosperity for local communities. Discussions centred on the pathways needed to ensure tourism drives economic growth and cultural enrichment while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

• Climate Action and Circularity: Ahead of COP29, participants welcomed UN Tourism communication that tourism is included for the first time in the COP29 climate conference action agenda. Discussions also covered progress achieved implementing the Glasgow Declaration, including the measurement and mitigation of tourism's related  greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change impacts, and explored future actions.

• Nature-Positive Tourism: Reaffirming a shared commitment to nature-positive practices, including ecosystem restoration and protection, and centering nature in tourism policies. The session highlighted the opportunities presented by nature-positive tourism, particularly for emerging destinations, in line with the work of the Nature Positive Tourism Alliance.

• Green Claims and Certifications: The Committee discussed the current challenges and important political discussions related to certification systems, particularly in light of the European Commission's directives. The importance of consistent standards was highlighted, recognising the unique contexts of individual destinations.

Taking Inspiration from Global Good Practice
In discussing the balance between destination development, resource use, biodiversity, and cultural heritage preservation, the CTS presented several examples of positive solutions from diverse destinations. Costa Rica's Social Progress Index (SPI) was included in discussions on ensuring tourism's growth aligns with nature-positive principles and inclusive prosperity. Fiji's process to transpose the Climate Change Act into tourism policies and operations was highlighted. Iceland was also presented as an example of smart tourism management, balancing growth with sustainable development and reducing the sector's ecological footprint.

A Call to Action: Join Us at COP16 and COP29
The Committee concluded with a strong call to action, urging all nations to join in taking these crucial discussions to the global stage. The upcoming COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and COP29 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be pivotal moments for integrating tourism strategies into broader environmental and climate agendas. These conferences represent critical opportunities to align our sector's efforts with global sustainability goals.

The Committee invites countries to unite at these key forums, ensuring that tourism plays a central role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for our planet.