The Alliance for Positive Natural Tourism arrives at COP16 in Colombia

The Nature Positive Tourism Partnership (NPTP), comprised of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance), will address world leaders at the United Nations Biodiversity Summit (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, as it continues its push to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

The Nature-Positive Tourism Alliance, which was officially launched at COP15 in 2022, brings together key tourism stakeholders, including policymakers and key private sector players in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Showcasing the successes of tourism in terms of biodiversity

During COP26, the NPTP organised a side panel, supported by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, on Friday 25 October during the prestigious event. This side event highlighted the role of travel and tourism in biodiversity conservation and the achievements of the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership. It showcased successful initiatives where the sector contributes to biodiversity, explored policies that integrate biodiversity into travel and tourism and supported the implementation of the GBF. During the event, the NPTP also outlined its work and plans for the future with the aim of inspiring net positive commitments and demonstrating how travel and tourism can actively conserve and sustainably use biodiversity, positioning the sector as a key player in protecting nature for future generations.

The NPTP will also participate in the final plenary session, calling for greater recognition of the sector’s potential to meet the GBF’s objectives. It will also call for greater support to establish public-private partnerships that drive policies and initiatives towards a more nature-friendly industry. Gloria Fluxà, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar, and Chair of the WTTC Sustainability Committee, will also address world leaders during the event.

UN Secretary-General for Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili stressed that “the catalytic capacity of the sector is now widely recognised; like no other economic activity, tourism can be, if well managed, an agent of positive change. We are committed to developing a nature-positive travel and tourism sector.”

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, said: “The eyes of the world are on us and we must act. There is no time to waste. Travel & Tourism’s reliance on nature, combined with our expertise in creating inspiring and memorable experiences, means we are perfectly placed to be nature’s stewards.”

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “This initiative is not just about setting new standards, but about sharing best practices from around the world to inspire our sector. By laying the groundwork for future training programmes, we are empowering our industry to become true stewards of our planet, ensuring we protect the places we operate while safeguarding the wellbeing of our people and the environment for future generations.”

Source: UN Tourism.