This Earth day, leading organizations in the travel and tourism sector have published a joint report titled "Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action," with the aim to showcase ways the industry can halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
The report is the result of the 'Nature Positive Tourism Partnership,' which comprises the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. (The report was developed in collaboration with specialist consultancy Animondial.)
"This historic partnership with Travel & Tourism heavyweights is a significant step in our collective journey toward a more sustainable and responsible sector," said Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC.
“This report is not merely a publication, but a movement toward integrating environmental stewardship into the core of travel experiences,” she said. “As we celebrate Earth Day, let us heed the call to nurture and protect our destinations. Our sector’s reliance on nature, coupled with our expertise in creating inspiring and memorable experiences, means we are ideally placed to be guardians of nature.”
Our sector’s reliance on nature, coupled with our expertise in creating inspiring and memorable experiences, means we are ideally placed to be guardians of nature.
The report, which can be found in WTTC’s Research Hub, presents over 30 case studies of progressive actions from businesses, government agencies, civil society groups and intersectoral partnerships worldwide, providing actionable guidance and insights that empower businesses to become stewards of nature, while highlighting the intrinsic link between biodiversity and tourism's resilience, according to a press release.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, stated that the collaboration "sets a robust framework for sustainable practices that not only drive significant impact but also exemplify the power of united efforts in conserving biodiversity."
“The Alliance is proud to contribute to and collaborate on this insightful and action-orientated report, which will bring tangible change to destinations around the world, supporting biodiversity,” he said. “Nature underpins our society, economies and indeed our very existence.”
Nature underpins our society, economies and indeed our very existence.
The commitment of the Partnership to work toward "net positive for nature" draws on extensive consultation with experts, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
The report encourages both travel providers and travelers to embark on journeys that contribute to the conservation of natural treasures.
"This report is a milestone for travel and tourism, representing our commitment as an industry to protect and conserve nature," added Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of Sustainable Hotel Alliance.
The Nature Positive Tourism approach, designed to be a touchstone for actionable change, focuses on equipping the sector with tools and insights needed to nurture and protect destinations upon which it depends.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by WTTC.
