What: WTTC’s Net Zero Roadmap Provides Manageable Guidelines for Individual Businesses to Become More Sustainable
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has recently launched an ambitious campaign to combat the effects of climate change and shift toward a net-zero future for the industry. Called the Net Zero Roadmap, the new multipronged initiative includes tangible goals and milestones for businesses to restart operations sustainably and responsibly. Guidelines include setting baselines and emission targets; monitoring and reporting progress regularly; collaborating within and across industries and governments; providing finance and investments required for the transition to a net-zero future; and working to raise awareness about climate change.
Why It Matters: It’s Time to Rebuild Tourism Responsibly and Sustainably Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
WTTC is asking for widespread decarbonization, and businesses within the travel and tourism sector should make it a high priority to step up and meet this call as they resume and rebuild their businesses after the past two years. Not only does the industry rely heavily on our planet’s natural resources, but as one of the largest industries in the world, it has the chance to lead by example and create meaningful change across the globe. Advisors would do well to educate themselves on this roadmap, as well — and keep these sustainability guidelines in mind when vetting supplier partners.
Fast Facts
- The Net Zero Roadmap framework includes three “decarbonization corridors,” for travel and tourism businesses to be categorized within, depending on the individual emission profiles and difficulty abating greenhouse gas emissions.
- If industries set and follow ambitious goals for decarbonization, it is possible that many may achieve net-zero status before 2050.
- Specifically, the new campaign details goals that correspond to five key sectors in travel: accommodations, tour operators, aviation, cruise and tourism intermediaries such as online travel agents (OTAs) and metasearch engines.
What They Are Saying: Climate Change Impacts Tourism; Businesses Have a Responsibility to Step Up and Help
“I am delighted to announce our pioneering Net Zero Roadmap for travel and tourism,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC. “It helps travel industries reach individual targets to reduce our carbon footprint. Many destinations are affected by the impacts of climate change with rising sea levels, deforestation and the loss of animal and plant species. Communities that rely on tourism are first in line to see the impact and wanting to do something about it.”
The travel and tourism sector is taking this opportunity to be a catalyst for change. We have a responsibility toward our people and planet.
“The travel and tourism sector is taking this opportunity to be a catalyst for change. We have a responsibility toward our people and planet,” she added. “It is absolutely critical that the private and public sectors work collectively to achieve the Paris Agreement and prevent the global rise in temperatures. Our sector can be part of the change that is urgently required to mitigate impacts and adapt to the threats posed by climate change.”
“As the travel industry resets after a tough few years, there is an incredible opportunity to rebuild responsibly and accelerate the shift toward a net-zero future for the sector,” said Emily Weiss, managing director and head of Accenture’s Travel Industry Group. “The Net Zero Roadmap offers a pragmatic but ambitious course of action that will help the industry create real and visible targets to reduce its carbon impact, providing the transparency that consumers demand. Crucially, it identifies the big levers where travel can turn a corner on emissions and provides the building blocks to create meaningful change.”
The Details
World Travel & Tourism Council
