During COP29 on Ocean Action Day, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) raised the need for urgent climate investment in coastal and marine tourism to protect it from increasing climate risks to world leaders.
To achieve the necessary mitigation, WTTC noted that coastal and marine tourism will require annual investments of USD 30 billion in direct emissions reductions, with total requirements reaching USD 65 billion if climate adaptation efforts are included.
Developed in collaboration with Iberostar Group and Oxford Economics, the soon-to-be-released report Climate and Ocean: Quantifying Coastal and Marine Tourism and Protecting Destinations underscores the dual need for climate action and resilience building.
In 2023, coastal and marine tourism directly generated USD 1.5 trillion and was responsible for 52 million jobs worldwide. It also accounted for approximately 50% of all tourist spending globally, generating USD 820 billion in direct tax revenue.
Despite its economic importance, the environmental footprint of coastal and marine tourism demands rapid mitigation and adaptation measures. The report highlights that coastal and marine tourism directly contributed 0.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, equivalent to 390 million tonnes of CO₂. Coastal destinations around the world, especially those in vulnerable regions, face increasing threats from climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events and coastal erosion. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Pacific coastal areas in particular are under severe pressure, with increasing climate-related displacement and economic losses posing urgent challenges. This makes clear that investments in climate action are not only essential, but urgent. This report was produced to support the advancement of coastal tourism under the leadership of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action and the UN High-Level Climate Champions, who, since COP22 in 2016, have been instrumental in mobilizing non-state actors to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The Ocean Breakthroughs are transformative pathways spanning five key ocean sectors: marine conservation, shipping, ocean renewable energy, aquatic food and coastal tourism. Accelerating action and investments in these sectors could reduce GHG emissions by up to 35% and contribute to a resilient, nature-positive, net-zero emissions future by 2050.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said: “Coastal and marine tourism is a lifeline for millions of people around the world, generating US$1.5 trillion for the global economy. But it is on the frontline of climate change.
“Protecting our coastline and marine life is not just an environmental necessity; it is a societal imperative. Our report quantifies the scale of the challenge. Reducing the environmental impact of coastal and marine tourism could cost US$65 billion every year.”
“Given the economic and social value of coastal tourism, we call on governments, development organisations and travel and tourism businesses to act now to safeguard these vital natural resources.”
Gloria Fluxa, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of the Iberostar Group and Chair of the WTTC Sustainability Committee, said: “It is never too late to act. To safeguard our industry, its people and the ecosystems we depend on, we must focus on mitigating our operations, transforming supply chains and investing in nature with nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Decarbonisation and adaptation are essential investments to build a resilient and nature-positive tourism model.
“We support the Ocean and Climate Platform’s call for investments in coastal resilience. Advancing Coastal Tourism under the Marrakech Partnership provides a clear roadmap to reduce emissions by up to 35%. Now is the time to take decisive action to ensure our destinations thrive for generations.”
Loreley Picourt, Executive Director of the Ocean and Climate Platform, said: “These findings were developed in support of the Coastal Tourism Breakthrough, one of the five pillars of the Ocean Breakthroughs developed under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action to deliver on climate, nature and people.
“Since COP22 in 2016, the Marrakech Partnership has been instrumental in bringing together civil society and driving ambition towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Spanning marine conservation, shipping, ocean renewable energy, aquatic food and coastal tourism, the Ocean Breakthroughs highlight cases where accelerated action and investment could deliver up to 35% reductions in global GHG emissions. Together, they offer a powerful blueprint towards a resilient, nature-positive, net-zero future by 2050.”
The report highlights climate solutions that are proving to have a positive impact, such as Visit Scotland, which has invested heavily in renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure to reduce emissions.
In Thailand, the Mangrove Action Project in Nai Nang shows how mangrove restoration can protect coastlines and increase resilience.
WTTC urges governments, businesses and communities to come together to protect coastal and marine tourism destinations.
With targeted investment in mitigation and adaptation, these unique regions can continue to thrive economically while preserving their natural beauty for future generations.
Source: WTTC.