The travel sector is driving climate action and regeneration

Under the framework of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, led by UN Tourism, five key areas are highlighted to move towards a sustainable future: measurement, decarbonization, regeneration, collaboration and financing.

The current approach proposes that destinations not only adapt to climate change but also actively participate in environmental regeneration. Leading up to the next COP30, to be held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, tourism will have a dedicated space called “Tourism Thematic Days: Tourism Climate Action – For a Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient Future.” This event will address the sector's role in six areas of climate action: energy, biodiversity, food systems, finance, innovation, and human development.

The UN Tourism document highlights that the travel sector is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, but it can also be part of the solution. To move forward, it is necessary to strengthen governance, reduce emissions, improve climate risk management, foster cross-sector collaboration, and expand access to finance and innovation.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, this strategy is especially relevant. Destinations that depend on their natural resources, such as beaches, rainforests, or mountains, face the dual challenge of adapting and regenerating. Implementing the five proposed pillars can serve as a roadmap for transforming tourism and travel toward lower-impact, more resilient models that directly benefit local communities.

The travel sector is thus entering a phase where simply being sustainable is no longer enough: it must be regenerative, collaborative, and innovative. Climate action requires a united effort between governments, businesses, and travelers to achieve a real positive impact on the planet.

Source: UN Tourism