The Travel and Tourism sector has a significant role in the contribution for local Economies and in many countries, its contribution to gross domestic product is undeniable. and tourism is championed as a “key driver for socio-economic progress”
Against global growth figures for the sector, there are, however, concerns about the negative impacts of the sector on both local communities and the planet is another side of the coin. Sustainability leadership is a key business attribute and therefore sustainability is a strategic driver for Travel & Tourism.
The sector contributed over US$8.9 trillion to the global economy in 2019, supporting one in 10 jobs (334 million) worldwide and one in four new jobs over the last five years, with 3.5% growth in 2019 compared to the global economy at 2.5%.
As per the WTTC report In 2015, the next 20 years will be characterised by the sector fully integrating climate change and related issues into business strategy, supporting the global transition to a low carbon economy, and strengthening resilience against climate risks. WTTC went on to make public commitments with its members towards carbon reduction and agreed on a common agenda for climate action in Travel & Tourism in accord with the United Nations. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The United Nations 193-member countries adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) In 2015 that marked the first time the global community agreed on an actionable agenda with priorities, goals, and targets that include most countries and their citizens. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a guide for global action on people, the planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. The -universal signing among country leaders of the SDGs and the Paris COP Climate Change agreements in 2015 was significant in moving the issues of sustainability further up international, business, and public agendas.
As a sector, Travel & Tourism contributes to the fulfillment of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, the explicit recognition of Travel & Tourism’s important contribution to sustainable development is important for business leaders and policymakers alike. It fully accounts for the sector’s contribution to the national Agenda 2030.
To address the challenge of sustainable Travel & Tourism, a radical reorganisation of technological, economic, and social systems and shift of incentives towards protection and restoration of natural systems is the main requirement.
Through systems thinking approach, the Travel & Tourism sector can master sustainability solutions for people, places, and the planet, as well as profit. Driving resilience and agility, the sector can play a global role in support of public health and sustainable development.