impact sustainability travel & tourism 2024

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference returns to Victoria, B.C. this January

The IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference will return to Victoria, B.C. on January 21-24, 2024.

IMPACT is a collaborative national dialogue on innovation, while the mission is to drive, inspire and demonstrate innovative and collaborative sustainable solutions for positive tourism development across the globe. Anticipation for the annual global summit is growing—and every year, IMPACT unites DMOs, tourism operators, small business owners, government officials, Indigenous peoples and academia to ignite discussion and confront industry challenges.

IMPACT is presented by a partnership between Destination Greater Victoria, Synergy Enterprises, Tartan Bond Integrated Communications and Starrboard Enterprises. The title “IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism'' was chosen to convey the importance of tourism as an economic driver as well as the large footprint it has on the environment, social and cultural fabric of a destination.

Furthermore, the event will explore how the travel industry can create a legacy for regenerative tourism in Canada. Key themes this year include applying a regenerative approach to all aspects of tourism development, climate action and protecting and restoring biodiversity.

With a broader focus on the travel and tourism industry as a whole, there are also speakers focused on travel and the hotel industry in Canada and internationally, such as Benjamin Lavallée of Destination Québec cité, Carol Greenwood of TIAO - Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, Jeremy Loveday of Destination Greater Victoria, Kristen Bain of Destination America, Paul Nursey of Destination Greater Victoria and Teresa Ryder of Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC.)

Dialogue and recommendations will be captured from this annual conference of thought leaders to produce the IMPACT Conference Proceedings Paper. This paper will be distributed to all attendees to drive forward changes from one year to the next.

Registration is now open.

Trending Now

Susie grynol resigns from hac, appointed vp at marriott international.

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has announced the resignation of Susie Grynol from her position as president and CEO, effective June 3rd, 2024

Distinguished women leaders within the Canadian hotel sector

To commemorate International Women’s Day 2024, Choice Hotels Canada presents the remarkable journeys of four distinguished women leaders within the Canadian hotel sector. Their stories of resilience, innovation, and…

Atlific Hotels appoints Christine Kennedy as CEO

Atlific Hotels has appointed Christine Kennedy to chief executive officer.

Atlific Hotels makes executive leadership promotions

Atlific Hotels has made new changes to its executive leadership, promoting Philippe Gadbois to chief operating officer and Mo Darehshiri to chief financial officer.

Keeping hotel industry professionals, from franchisees to operations managers to executives to suppliers, in the know with the latest stories and developments every week.

Subscribe for free to receive STAY news.

Pledge to Support Vision 2030

Join Indigenous Tourism Team Canada and help make Canada the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.

Destination Indigenous opens doors into the living cultures of Indigenous Peoples in Canada today through Indigenous nature and wildlife tours, cultural sharing, accommodation and relaxation, culinary experiences, shopping and more.

Home › Event Archive › Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism

Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism

IMPACT was established with the aim of aligning the Canadian tourism industry, along with relevant stakeholders and communities influenced by tourism, toward achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The conference places a strong emphasis on innovative practices that contribute to the lasting sustainability of the tourism and travel sector in Canada.

At IMPACT 2024, delegates will explore how the travel industry can create a legacy for regenerative tourism in Canada. Key themes this year include applying a regenerative approach to all aspects of tourism development, climate action and protecting and restoring biodiversity.

Keith Henry, ITAC President and CEO, will host a plenary session on “Indigenous Tourism Reality Check” and Teresa Ryder, ITAC Director of Partnerships, will emcee once again. 

To find out more please visit the conference website  here .

Our site uses cookies. Find out more by reading our Cookie Policy .

• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy

From January 21st, 2024

To january 24th, 2024, impact sustainability travel & tourism 2024, event information.

The IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism event is the perfect opportunity for tourism peers and stakeholders to come together and discuss the industry's impact on Canada's economic, social, environmental and cultural fabric. Held at 720 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 3M7, Canada, this two-day event will focus on innovation and provide a platform for leaders within and in support of the tourism and travel industry to define the legacy they want to create together.

The event will provide a wide range of exhibitors and visitors the chance to network and exchange ideas, as well as showcase their work and products. Attendees will be able to explore the latest trends and developments in the industry, and gain insights into the latest research and best practices.

The IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism event is the perfect platform for industry professionals to come together and discuss the future of the tourism and travel industry in Canada. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, the event promises to be an invaluable experience for all involved.

Generated by OpenAI for BoothSquare

No phone number provided.

https://www.tourismvictoria.com/impact

No e-mail provided

IMPACT Conference

Available Booths

Don’t forget to book your hotel’s rooms:, floor plan(s), supporting documents (if any).

• Become A Member
• Partnerships
• Member Testimonials
• Media Coverage
• News & Articles
• Subscribe to TIAO
• IMPACT Regional Ontario
• Building Inclusive Tourism
• Forward Motion
• Living Wage Week Workforce Sustainability Series
• Industry Event Calendar
• Funding & Grants
• Sustainable Tourism
• Accessible Tourism
• Tourism Skillsnet Ontario
• Tourism & Hospitality Emergency Recovery
• Francophone Tourism Operator Resources
• Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program
• Take the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge
• Elevating Ontario Experiences
• A Three Fires Collaborative Quest
• DiscoverAbility Network
• 2024 Ontario Tourism Summit
• 2023 Ontario Tourism Award Winners

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism – ONTARIO: A Regional Event

• Event Information
• Why Join IMPACT
• Accommodation
• Day of IMPACT

The future of travel and tourism is sustainable, and you are invited to join the movement at IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism - ONTARIO: A Regional Event.

Over the course of 2 days, you'll engage with sustainability champions, tourism experts, and community leaders in Ontario & beyond, all committed to a more sustainable industry. Experience highlights like international best practices, invaluable resources, and new research in sustainable tourism.

The programming is built with a specific focus on IMPACT's  beliefs, which are;

• We need to have tough conversations
• The knowledge we collect is accessible to all
• We are not afraid to be vulnerable
• Financial success is a force for good
• Tourism can help reverse global warming
• We create safe places for candid discussion
• We need to push the boundaries and find common ground
• We engage people from all value sets, perspectives, provinces and territories

Join us at IMPACT Regional Ontario, not just for a conference, but for an opportunity to connect with professionals and change-makers in the tourism industry. Collaborate, share ideas, network, and uncover innovative strategies for creating a positive ‘impact’ in your business and community.

Data | Shared Insights | Working Together

VEGA Award  winning Canadian Ecologist, Dr. John Smol, to provide a Reality Check on where we are, one year later.

Jeremy Sampson, CEO, The Travel Foundation shares from the Envisioning Tourism in 2030 Report and beyond - "We want to bring attention to the need for fairness and equity in the way tourism transitions to net zero. The policies we draft, the investments we make and the products we develop will either exacerbate or lessen existing inequalities....Let’s also make it the start of significant collaboration to ensure tourism is part of the solution. A “good” transition is within our reach but we need to think and act differently if we are to grasp it and make it reality."

Angela Nagy, President & CEO, GreenStep will be present to share next steps on Advancing Sustainable Tourism in Ontario - share insights from other provinces - and next steps.

Both Angela & Jeremy will be running a breakout workshop session to see how applications can be implemented at the local level.

Best Practices of Working within Communities:  Living Where You Work

Thorben Wieditz, Executive Director, FairBnB Canada will share with us this innovate model of Community powered tourism - Founded in Italy, FairBnB is a cooperative platform that puts people over profit by reinvesting in the communities.

Kate Monk, VP Strategy & Corporate Programs, shares with us, six years in, looking at the developed Catalyst Housing Project model

Being Better | Looking Inward | and Driving Better Collaboration

Andrew Siegwart, President & CEO, TIAO and Leader of the Green Party, Mike Schreiner, engage in fireside chat.

VIA Rail looks at how they are changing traditions and looking internally

City of Toronto will share the enhanced value gained when assessing their own sustainable practices.

Education:  Curriculum Changes in Preparing for the Future

Hear from post-secondary educators on how the foundational curriculum is evolving to reflect a sustainable tourism lens and learn the expectation from youth | leadership | in these changing values.

Innovation | Protection | Attraction

Engage in conversation with Aydan Drumm, Managing Director, Niagara Aspiring Global Geopark and Mike Robbins, Director of Georgian Bay Geopark | Leader of Tourism, on the application process, opportunities and challenges with the journey of applying for UNESCO heritage site status.

Respecting and Listening

The design of the A Block building at Centennial College will be a key pillar or learning throughout our time at IMPACT. The purposeful design, by Eladia Smoke of Smoke Architecture.

Dr. John P. Smol

Distinguished University Professor Queen's University

John Smol, OC, PhD, FRCGS, FRSC, FRS is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Biology (cross-appointed with the School of Environmental Studies) at Queen’s University, where he also held the Canada Research Chair in Environmental Change for the maximum three 7-year terms (2001 – 2021). Smol founded and co-directs the Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), a group of ~40 students and other scientists dedicated to the study of long-term global environmental change, especially as it relates to lake ecosystems.

Since 1990 John has received 6 honorary doctorates and has been awarded >70 research and teaching awards and fellowships, including the NSERC Herzberg Gold Medal as Canada’s top scientist or engineer and the International Ecology Institute Prize. He was named a 3M Teaching Fellow and, following a nation-wide search, Nature chose John as Canada’s Top Mid-Career Science Mentor. In 2013, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada for his environmental work and in 2018 a Fellow of the Royal Society (London). He was elected President of the Academy of Science, Royal Society of Canada (2019-2022). John is also a Canadian Geographic Ambassador.

VP, Strategy & Corporate Programs RTO12/Explorers’ Edge

Kate is responsible for developing innovative regenerative tourism strategies and programs for RTO12, its stakeholders and the wider communities. She oversees consumer marketing, corporate communications and workforce development for the organization.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Toronto, as well as post-graduate certificates from Humber College in public relations and media copywriting. She earned the  Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism  from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council; the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership's  Women Leading Change  certificate; and the UofT Rotman School of Management's  Sustainability Leadership  certificate. Kate completed the  Ready, Set, (Re)Build  course from the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association, and the Transformational Travel Council’s  Travel Designer  certificate. She is currently studying for the  MBA Essentials  certificate at Rotman.

Kate was a key contributor to the RTO12 Business Case for Commercial Air Service at the Muskoka Airport, which successfully attracted Porter Airlines as a partner. She lead the RTO’s commercial air service marketing team and the project dispersion strategy. She oversaw the development of the Work-Integrated Catalyst Housing concept and its subsequent Foundational Framework. In 2024 she created RTO12’s Higher Yield Marketing Strategy, and works closely with the CEO on the development of the Regenerative Travel Agency.

Mike Schreiner

Leader Green Party of Ontario

Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, became Ontario’s first Green MPP when he was elected to represent the riding of Guelph in 2018. He was re-elected in 2022 with an increased majority, gaining more than 54 per cent of the total vote. As the Leader of the Ontario Greens since 2009, Mike’s constituents recognize him as a champion for climate action, income equality, and honest, transparent leadership. Mike is active at Queen’s Park, working across party lines to be a strong advocate for climate action, local food and water initiatives, protecting Ontario’s farmland and green spaces, affordable housing, supporting frontline healthcare workers, small business, and mental health. He has introduced legislation to cap Ontario’s carbon emissions, while making reporting on yearly emissions’ numbers mandatory; build affordable housing; reintroduce green retrofit subsidies; conserve drinking water; bring mental health services under OHIP; and to get big money out of politics.

Mike passed Ontario’s first Green law in 2019, which protects electric vehicle drivers by making it illegal to block EV charging stations and spearheaded the first Bill to be signed by all four parties, the Emancipation Month Act.

Jeremy Sampson

Chief Executive Officer The Travel Foundation

Jeremy is a globally recognized leader and alliance builder, advocating for systems change aimed at improving the impact of the travel and tourism sector on communities and the climate crisis. Through a variety of roles across industry, academia, and the nonprofit sector, he has helped bring together public and private entities across the globe to adopt holistic measures of success, accelerate climate action, develop and promote more equitable visitor economies, and integrate sustainability across complex value chains.     In his current role as CEO of nonprofit The Travel Foundation, Jeremy oversees a global team which has transformed the agenda-setting organization into the leading independent international NGO in the tourism sector. Prior to assuming this post in September 2019, he worked at the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation in Spain, where he helped to launch the MEET Network, a destination management association for Protected Areas in Europe and North Africa.  

Michael Robbins

Director of Geopark | Leader of Tourism Georgian Bay Aspiring Geopark

Michael has over 40 years of experience as a tourism management consultant, having worked throughout Canada, as well as in the US, New Zealand/Australia, Southeast Asia, northern Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. He has focussed his career working with clients on more responsible tourism models in rural and remote areas. A particular area of interest and expertise is working with Indigenous communities and clients, particularly those in remote communities. One of Michael’s remote Indigenous clients won the prestigious Community Award in the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, sponsored by the World Travel & Tourism Council in 2014.

Michael recently retired (December 2021) as Chairman of the Board of Directors with CREST (The Center for Responsible Travel) a unique non-profit (based in Washington DC) with the mission to promote responsible tourism policies and practices so that local communities may thrive and steward their cultural resources and biodiversity.

Sarah Jarvis

Director, Community Engagement Destination Toronto

Sarah Jarvis is currently a Director, of Community Engagement at Destination Toronto, bringing experience from previous roles at Tourism Toronto, Luminato Festival, The Walrus and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Sarah Jarvis holds a BA in Cultural Studies and Music @ McGill University. With a robust skill set that includes Event Planning, Event Management, Copywriting, Project Management, Client Management and more, Sarah Jarvis contributes valuable insights to the industry. 

Atif Duranni

Project Director, Business Transformation

Solid Waste Management Division,  City of Toronto

Atif Durrani has almost 25 years of diverse experiences across all levels of government.  He is currently working at the City of Toronto in their Solid Waste Management Services Division as Project Director, Business Transformation.  He works with teams responsible for outreach activities, including the implementation of programs to drive greater waste diversion in multi-residential buildings; the provision of education and outreach to Toronto’s diverse residents and visitors; strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders; and considering innovative practices and technologies to change behaviour.  He is also working with a team to consider short, medium, and longer-term options for the City’s residual waste disposal needs. 

Prior to joining the City in 2023, he worked in various Provincial ministries, including the Ministries of Indigenous Affairs, Environment, Conservation and Parks, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Community and Social Services, Education and Health.  His work included setting up the resource recovery framework for Ontario through the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, the Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario, and the Food and Organic Waste Policy Statement.  He has also worked on policies related to Indigenous economic development and reconciliation, climate change, water and soil protection, social assistance, and health research. 

Anthea Foyer

Manager, Creative Technology Office

Economic Development and Culture Division,  City of Toronto

Anthea leads the Creative Technology Office at the city of Toronto.  She is a creative strategic leader and city builder with an eye to the future. Her experience includes positions including as a Curator of Digital Public Art, Smart City Project Lead, Creative Strategist, Senior Training Manager CFC Media Lab and a Community Engagement Specialist. Her expertise comprises the creative technology sector (video games, immersive, esports, emerging technologies), digital public art (incl. digital infrastructure), strategic city building initiatives, as well as interactive narrative.  She is currently the Focal Point for Toronto’s UNESCO City of Media Arts designation, sits of the Board of Smart Cities World, has been a Canadian juror for the UN Task force’s World Summit Awards, served as Co-Chair of InterAccess, as well as a variety of other boards and committees.

Supervisor, Visitor Economy Office

With over 15 years of experience in culture, tourism and entertainment sectors, Kim brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic planning to every project. As Supervisor of the Visitor Economy Office at the City of Toronto, Kim leads the development and implementation of programs and projects that align with the strategic direction and mission of the office. One of Kim’s key areas of focus is sustainability, where she integrates UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into annual work plans and lead initiatives to promote sustainable tourism initiatives such as the Global Destination Sustainability Index.

Kim’s journey includes previous roles as Manager, Cultural Services at the Town of Milton, Event Manager at Exhibition Place, Manager, Venues with the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Para Pan Am Games and Patron Services Manager, Massey Hall. These experiences provided the opportunity to develop expertise in event planning, sustainability initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships. Kim’s passion for driving positive change in the cultural and entertainment sectors is evident in her work, where she constantly seeks innovative ways to connect people and communities through impactful experiences.

Angela Nagy

President & CEO Greenstep Solutions

Angela is a sustainability expert with more than 20 years of experience in project management, business development, marketing, and public relations. She has lived and traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada, working with all levels of business, and utilities, as well as various levels of governments, on a variety of engineering, energy efficiency, environmental and sustainability-related projects. Angela is certified in Organizational GHG Accounting and as a Sustainability Practitioner through The Natural Step.

Thorben Wieditz

Executive Director | Director Fairbnb Canada Network | Fairbnb Co-op Canada

Thorben Wieditz is trained as an urban geographer and planner at Toronto's York University and TU University of Dortmund, Germany. He is the co-founder of MetStrat, a public interest campaigns firm, the executive director of Fairbnb Canada Network, a not-for-profit advocacy organization involved in regulatory efforts in short-term rental markets across Canada, and a director with Fairbnb Co-op Canada, a cooperative short-term rental platform that partners with community land trusts to square sustainable tourism with affordable housing. He is an advisory board member of InsideAirbnb, a NYC-based project that provides data and advocacy about Airbnb's impact on residential communities and serves on the board of directors of Fairbnb Co-op in Bologna. 

We have a room block reserved at Toronto Marriott Markham for 05/05/2024 to 05/08/2024.

Click here to get started!

Reservations:  Must be made before 11:59pm on April 11th 2024 Cancellation Policy:  72-hours prior to arrival Rate Includes:  $10 discounted parking

Sunday, May 5, 2024

The goal of Day of IMPACT is to showcase the many diverse ways a community encourages sustainable and regenerative business practices, supporting and supported by both residents and visitors to the region.

The ideas we share are chosen to spark change and be emulated in other communities around the world. Hear from folks in the tourism industry who have been successful in implementing sustainable and regenerative business practices, sharing their challenges, and their mitigation strategies. Return home inspired and armed with resources and connections to make a difference where you live. In fact, all participants are encouraged to share their own best practices, so that the learning is as broad as it is enriching.

To minimize the carbon footprint and can learn, and engage in conversation and some gamification, we are thankful to Grey Line Tours, OMCA, and City of Toronto for allowing us to be escorted together on one coach throughout our journey. Joining us to engage in an innovate guided experience, customized for IMPACT is Peter Odle from The Urban Guide

At IMPACT  Regional Ontario 2023 we had the benefit of learning from Dolf Dejong, The Toronto Zoo, how by Changing the Narrative, small actions can accomplish big things.  We will get to visit behind the scenes and see some of these learnings in action.

Followed by a visit to the Indigenous Cultural Centre at Rouge Conservation Park, Parks Canada largest park in Canada.  We appreciate the engagement of Parks Canada and Indigenous Tourism Ontario in providing this experience.  Nourished by the picnic lunch provided and inspired by the Culinary School of our home based of Centennial College.

We will then weave our way down towards the City Centre, where we will make a stop or two, to discover, unique and unexpected ways that the City of Toronto is embracing sustainable practices.  Our destination is Arcadia Earth.  Arcadia Earth offers a multi-sensory journey that showcases the beauty of our planet and highlights the impact of human actions on the environment.  Through immersive technology, augmented reality, projection mapping, and virtual reality, you can reimagine how small, tangible lifestyle changes can positively impact our world.  

Each stop along our way, supports an initiative.  Chooose, World Wildlife Foundations, PhoneApes.

We will then share our journeys enroute back to the hotel, where you can continue the conversation and perhaps select one of the many sustainable restaurants within proximity to the hotel.  Looking forward to you sharing your Day of Impact with us.

Presenting Partner

Event admins.

What is travel and tourism’s role in future global prosperity?

The travel and tourism sector faces many challenges in a disrupted world, from geopolitical tensions to climate change. Image:  Unsplash.

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Maksim Soshkin

Marion karl.

.chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} Explore and monitor how .chakra .wef-15eoq1r{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;color:#F7DB5E;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-15eoq1r{font-size:1.125rem;}} Travel and Tourism is affecting economies, industries and global issues

.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

Stay up to date:, travel and tourism.

• The travel and tourism sector faces many challenges in a disrupted world, from geopolitical tensions to climate change.
• The sector can be a powerful driver of sustainable economic prosperity – supporting people and places.
• The latest Travel and Tourism Development Index benchmarks the factors and policies that enable resilient and sustainable development.

With 2023 at an end, the Travel and Tourism (T&T) sector is finally positioned to move past the impact of the pandemic, with international tourist arrivals anticipated to reach levels reminiscent of the pre-pandemic era . However T&T sector stakeholders and destinations are navigating a complex terrain marked by external challenges such as geopolitical and economic uncertainty, inflation and dangers from the proliferation of extreme weather events like wildfires.

Many of these issues represent broader ongoing and longer-term economic, environmental, societal, geopolitical and technological trends. Within this context, consumers, policy-makers and advocates have expressed growing apprehension about the sector’s record on sustainability and its role in issues such as climate change, overcrowding, and overall impact on local communities.

Against this dynamic backdrop, it becomes imperative for the leaders and visionaries of the T&T industry to not only comprehend the impending trends but also acknowledge the sector's potential to tackle global challenges. When managed thoughtfully, travel and tourism emerge as potent drivers of resilient and sustainable development, contributing to the collective well-being of our planet.

The TTDI benchmarks and measures “the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the T&T sector, which in turn contributes to the development of a country”. The TTDI is a direct evolution of the long-running Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), with the change reflecting the index’s increased coverage of T&T development concepts, including sustainability and resilience impact on T&T growth and is designed to highlight the sector’s role in broader economic and social development as well as the need for T&T stakeholder collaboration to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, bolster the recovery and deal with future challenges and risks. Some of the most notable framework and methodology differences between the TTCI and TTDI include the additions of new pillars, including Non-Leisure Resources, Socioeconomic Resilience and Conditions, and T&T Demand Pressure and Impact. Please see the Technical notes and methodology. section to learn more about the index and the differences between the TTCI and TTDI.

Why travel and tourism have a role to play in future global prosperity

The recently released World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2024 sheds light on the short- and long-term risks that the world faces. According to the report’s survey results, economic and societal risks, such as inequality, inflation, migration, and economic downturns, take center stage in the next two years, while environmental concerns, including extreme weather events and biodiversity loss, dominate the global risks for the next decade.

Given that T&T accounts for 7.6% of global GDP and close to 300 million jobs , the sector plays a critical role in addressing societal and economic challenges. The sector's significance magnifies as it empowers small- and medium-sized enterprises, with over 80% of T&T businesses falling under this category. It also plays a pivotal role in employing women, youth, migrants, and informal workers, thereby contributing significantly to economic opportunities .

T&T is also a major driver of global connectivity at a time when geopolitical tensions and conflict are on the rise, while globalization seems to be slowing. In the coming decade, T&T’s role in mitigating socioeconomic risks will only climb, with the World Travel and Tourism Council forecasting T&T sector GDP to grow at nearly double the rate of the broader global economy in the 10 years to 2033, thereby adding more than 100 million new jobs.

On an environmental level, T&T is a key stakeholder in addressing climate change and protecting the environment. The sector is not only affected by these challenges but also contributes to climate change with around 8% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions stemming from tourism activities. Therefore, actions in the sector, especially in hard-to-abate segments like aviation, are important to helping meet global climate change targets. Moreover, many destinations' dependence on nature-based attractions makes T&T a means to generate economic value for protecting nature.

Have you read?

What is overtourism and how can we overcome it , this is how to leverage community-led sustainable tourism for people and biodiversity, are we finally turning the tide towards sustainable tourism, the podcasts to listen to during davos #wef24, unlocking travel and tourism's potential.

To unlock the full potential of T&T as a tool for addressing many of the world’s ongoing and future challenges, sector leaders must prioritize sustainability and resilience in their development strategies.

The Global Future Council on Sustainable Tourism emphasizes the importance of creating standards and metrics for sustainability, cultivating a well-trained and inclusive workforce, prioritizing and engaging with local communities, aligning visitors with destinations carrying capacity and making appropriate investments in relevant infrastructure .

Achieving these goals necessitates a high degree of collaboration among sector and non-sector businesses, employees, and government actors at national and local levels, including tourism and environmental agencies, civil society, and international organizations.

In the coming months, the Forum, in collaboration with the University of Surrey, will unveil the latest edition of the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI). This index promises to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the T&T sector.

Drawing on the latest data encompassing environmental and social impacts of T&T, labour markets, infrastructure, natural and cultural resources, and demand sustainability, the TTDI offers insights into the challenges ahead, the sector's readiness for risks and opportunities, and how it can be leveraged to address global issues. The importance of T&T for global prosperity will only grow in the years, creating new opportunities for shared commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future.

Don't miss any update on this topic

Create a free account and access your personalized content collection with our latest publications and analyses.

License and Republishing

World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

Related topics:

The agenda .chakra .wef-n7bacu{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-weight:400;} weekly.

A weekly update of the most important issues driving the global agenda

.chakra .wef-1dtnjt5{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;} More on Travel and Tourism .chakra .wef-17xejub{-webkit-flex:1;-ms-flex:1;flex:1;justify-self:stretch;-webkit-align-self:stretch;-ms-flex-item-align:stretch;align-self:stretch;} .chakra .wef-nr1rr4{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;white-space:normal;vertical-align:middle;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:0.75rem;border-radius:0.25rem;font-weight:700;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;line-height:1.2;-webkit-letter-spacing:1.25px;-moz-letter-spacing:1.25px;-ms-letter-spacing:1.25px;letter-spacing:1.25px;background:none;padding:0px;color:#B3B3B3;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;}@media screen and (min-width:37.5rem){.chakra .wef-nr1rr4{font-size:0.875rem;}}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-nr1rr4{font-size:1rem;}} See all

How Japan is attracting digital nomads to shape local economies and innovation

Naoko Tochibayashi and Naoko Kutty

March 28, 2024

Turning tourism into development: Mitigating risks and leveraging heritage assets

Abeer Al Akel and Maimunah Mohd Sharif

February 15, 2024

Buses are key to fuelling Indian women's economic success. Here's why

Priya Singh

February 8, 2024

These are the world’s most powerful passports to have in 2024

Thea de Gallier

January 31, 2024

These are the world’s 9 most powerful passports in 2024

South Korea is launching a special visa for K-pop lovers

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

share this content

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

International Tourism to Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024

• All Regions
• 19 Jan 2024

Following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels , with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals . The unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024.

Middle East, Europe and Africa performed strongest in 2023

The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer provides a comprehensive overview of the sector's performance in 2023, tracking recovery by global region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways include:

• The Middle East led recovery in relative terms as the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22% above 2019.
• Europe , the world's most visited region, reached 94% of 2019 levels, supported by intra-regional demand and travel from the United States.
• Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors and Americas reached 90%.
• Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels following the reopening of several markets and destinations. However, performance is mixed, with South Asia already recovering 87% of 2019 levels and North-East Asia around 55%. 

International Tourist Arrivals (% change over 2019)

Available data shows several destinations, including both large, established destinations as well as small and emerging ones, reporting double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2023 when compared to 2019. Four sub-regions exceeded their 2019 arrival levels: Southern Mediterranean Europe, Caribbean, Central America and North Africa.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism's resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024. The rebound is already having a significant impact on economies, jobs, growth and opportunities for communities everywhere. These numbers also recall the critical task of progressing sustainability and inclusion in tourism development"

International tourism hit US$1.4 trillion in 2023

The latest UNWTO data also highlights the economic impact of recovery.

• International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023 according to preliminary estimates, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
• Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
• Preliminary estimates on the economic contribution of tourism, measured in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) point to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023, or 3% of global GDP. This indicates a recovery of pre-pandemic TDGDP driven by strong domestic and international tourism.

Several destinations reported strong growth in international tourism receipts during the first ten to twelve months of 2023, exceeding in some cases growth in arrivals. Strong demand for outbound travel was also reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels.

The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. According to the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, both international air capacity and passenger demand recovered about 90% of pre-pandemic levels through October 2023 (IATA). Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 65% in November, slightly above 62% in November 2022 (based on STR data).

Looking Ahead to 2024

International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels. This central forecast by UNWTO remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks.  

The positive outlook is reflected in the latest UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index survey, with 67% of tourism professionals indicating better or much better prospects for 2024 compared to 2023. Some 28% expect similar performance, while only 6% expect tourism performance in 2024 to be worse than last year. Key considerations include:

• There is still significant room for recovery across Asia. The reopening of several source markets and destinations will boost recovery in the region and globally.
• Chinese outbound and inbound tourism is expected to accelerate in 2024, due to visa facilitation and improved air capacity. China is applying visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for a year to 30 November 2024.
• Visa and travel facilitation measures will promote travel to and around the Middle East and Africa with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to implement a unified tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa, and measures to facilitate intra-African travel in Kenya and Rwanda.
• Europe is expected to drive results again in 2024. In March, Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen area of free movement, and Paris will host the Summer Olympics in July and August.
• Strong travel from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the Americas and beyond. As in 2023, robust source markets in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, will continue to fuel tourism flows and spending around the world.
• Economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to the sustained recovery of international tourism and confidence levels. Persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade can continue to impact transport and accommodations costs in 2024.
• Against this backdrop, tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home. Sustainable practices and adaptability will also play an increasing role in consumer choice. 
• Staff shortages remain a critical issue, as tourism businesses face a shortfall in labor to cope with high demand.
• The evolution of the Hamas-Israel conflict may disrupt travel in the Middle East and impact traveler confidence. Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as other mounting geopolitical tensions, continue to weigh on confidence.

Related links

• Download the News Release on PDF
• World Tourism Barometer | EXCERPT | Volume 22 • Issue 1 • January 2024
• World Tourism Barometer | PPT Version | Volume 22 • Issue 1 • January 2024
• UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker
• UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
• UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard

Category tags

Related content.

International Tourism to End 2023 Close to 90% of Pre-P...

Tourism’s Importance for Growth Highlighted in World Ec...

International Tourism Swiftly Overcoming Pandemic Downturn

Tourism on Track for Full Recovery as New Data Shows St...

No spam. We promise.

Navigating the Sustainability Journey: The Impact of Mandatory Reporting on Travel & Tourism

Create an account for free or login to download

Report details

The report analyses the three major sustainability disclosure frameworks that have emerged:

• in Europe:  the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD)
• in the US: the Securities and Exchange Commission Climate-Related Disclosures
• Globally: the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

For those unsure where to begin, this report also features a Sustainability Readiness Roadmap. It includes a diagnostic tool to help companies to assess which of the sustainability reporting frameworks apply to them, as well as their sustainability maturity level.

In collaboration with

Supported by.

Non-Members

Related products.

Sustainability Leadership Case Studies / Iberostar: Roadmap for Decarbonisation

The Social Impact of Global Tourism

Travel & Tourism Environmental & Social Impact Factsheets

Climate Impact Update – 2024 Portfolio 2

Our second Climate Impact Portfolio of 2024 supports four carbon offset projects around the world. Read on to learn more about the impact these projects are creating for the climate, communities, and biodiversity.

Carbon offsets purchased from Portfolio 2 of 2024 are distributed across the forestry, energy, innovative climate technology, and blue/teal carbon projects listed below.  

Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) by Project Type

Impact in Numbers

Altogether, these projects are accelerating the net zero transition by: .

Preventing the loss of 467,000 acres of carbon-rich tropical ecosystems

Generating 370 GWh of clean energy yearly instead of burning fossil fuels

Creating 1.9 million liters of biochar that removes carbon and locks it in the ground

Restoring over 90,000 acres of peat swamp forest by planting native trees

Explore the Projects

Portfolio 2 of 2024 is composed of four climate projects: Wongphai Bamboo Biochar, Larimar Wind, Envira Amazonia, and Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve.

Read on to learn more about each of these projects and how they are catalyzing climate action around the world.

Wongphai Bamboo Biochar

0.2% of portfolio

Innovative Technology

Small-scale bamboo farming is a central part of Thailand’s cultural fabric. The country’s long history of bamboo cultivation supports industries such as construction, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries that utilize bamboo materials. When bamboo poles are processed, unusable parts are burned, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. This project repurposes bamboo waste into biochar, avoiding these emissions and creating long-term carbon removals. Bamboo and rice farmers use biochar as an organic fertilizer, improving soil health, boosting climate resilience, and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Larimar Wind Farm

44.4% of portfolio

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s booming tourism industry consumes a hefty amount of energy, with fossil fuels accounting for most of the supply. Set in a less developed part of the country, the Larimar Wind Farm utilizes the breezes that blow in from the sea to generate clean, grid electricity. By creating local employment and improving education, job skills, health, and safety, the project fights the inequalities that all too often affect rural communities. The Larimar Wind Farm reduces the over reliance of imported fossil fuels and provides clean energy to homes in the Dominican Republic.

Envira Amazonia Project

33.3% of portfolio

Located in the Brazilian state of Acre, the Envira Amazonia Project is protecting an area of tropical forest that would have otherwise been converted for lumber harvesting and cattle ranching. The avoided deforestation prevents emissions and maintains critical habitat for wildlife, while improving the livelihoods of communities living in the vicinity.

Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve

22.2% of portfolio

Blue/Teal Carbon

This project is conserving a peat swamp forest in Indonesian Borneo that was slated for conversion to palm oil plantations. Along with protecting this carbon rich ecosystem, the project supports the reintroduction of critically endangered orangutans into their wild habitat. By addressing issues such as poverty, hunger, and disease, the project is tackling the root causes of deforestation while improving local livelihoods.

Offset Carbon to Support Our Climate Impact Portfolio

When you offset carbon with us, you’ll support our Climate Impact Portfolio . Though particular projects vary from one quarter to the next, our portfolio always includes a mix of forestry, energy, blue/teal carbon, and innovation projects.

• April 10, 2024
• Blog , Climate Change

Recent Posts

What is biochar and how is it a tool for sustainable tourism, biochar carbon removal training in thailand, kudos carbon offsetting feature demo, kudos travel technology partners with sustainable travel international to implement its climate impact apis to scale carbon mitigation efforts, climate impact update – q4 2023 and 2024 portfolio 1.

• January 2024
• December 2023
• November 2023
• October 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• January 2023
• November 2022
• October 2022
• September 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• December 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• January 2021
• December 2020
• November 2020
• October 2020
• August 2020
• February 2020
• January 2020
• December 2019
• November 2019
• October 2019
• September 2019
• August 2019
• October 2018
• September 2018
• February 2018
• December 2017
• November 2017
• October 2017
• September 2017
• August 2017
• February 2017
• October 2016
• September 2016
• February 2016
• November 2015
• October 2015
• September 2015
• August 2015
• September 2014
• © 2024 | Sustainable Travel International
• Privacy Policy

Download Our Sustainable Travel Tips List

Subscribe to get your free tips list, plus sustainable travel emails and content

Check your inbox for our Sustainable Travel Tips.

Passing Thru Travel

12 Best Practices for Sustainable Travel in 2024 – How to Travel with Minimal Environmental Impact

Posted: February 14, 2024 | Last updated: February 14, 2024

In an era where climate change and environmental conservation are paramount, sustainable travel has become more than a buzzword—it’s a necessary shift in how we explore the world. Sustainable travel means being mindful of our environmental impact while experiencing new cultures and destinations. This guide delves into the best practices for eco-friendly travel, ensuring your adventures contribute positively to the planet and local communities.

Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation

When planning your travels, opting for transportation methods that minimize carbon emissions is crucial in sustainable travel. For shorter distances, trains and buses are significantly more eco-friendly than airplanes, emitting far less carbon per passenger. This choice reduces your environmental impact and often provides a more scenic and immersive travel experience.

If air travel is unavoidable, particularly for longer distances, look for airlines that offer carbon offset programs. These programs allow you to compensate for the emissions from your flight by funding environmental projects such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives. By making these conscious choices in your mode of transportation, you play a direct role in reducing the carbon footprint of your travels, contributing to the broader effort of environmental conservation.

Insider’s Tip: Rent electric or hybrid vehicles for road trips to reduce your carbon footprint.

Support Local Businesses

Engaging with local economies is a key aspect of sustainable travel and a practice that directly benefits the communities you visit. By choosing locally-owned accommodations, dining at local restaurants, and selecting local tour operators, you’re not only immersing yourself in the authentic culture of the destination but also ensuring that your spending contributes directly to the local economy. This approach supports small businesses and helps to distribute tourism dollars more evenly, fostering community development.

Moreover, local establishments often have a smaller carbon footprint than larger international chains. They’re more likely to use local resources, employ residents, and preserve traditional practices. By making these choices, you help sustain the local culture and environment while reducing the overall emissions associated with your travel. This way, your journey becomes more meaningful, both for you and for the people whose home you’re visiting.

Insider’s Tip: Seek out accommodations that are known for their sustainable practices and community involvement.

Pack Light and Eco-Friendly

Packing light is an effective way to contribute to more sustainable travel. By reducing the weight of your luggage, you indirectly help lower the fuel consumption of flights, decreasing the carbon emissions associated with air travel. Lighter planes mean less fuel burned, making a small but meaningful environmental impact. Additionally, consider incorporating eco-friendly travel products into your packing list. Choose biodegradable toiletries that minimize your plastic waste and reduce the environmental impact of your personal care products. Carrying a reusable water bottle cuts down on single-use plastics and keeps you hydrated without adding to plastic pollution.

Furthermore, solar-powered chargers are a green alternative to traditional charging methods, harnessing renewable energy to keep your devices powered up. By making thoughtful choices in what and how you pack, you protect the environment while still enjoying the conveniences and necessities of modern travel.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a backpack or suitcase made from recycled materials for an extra sustainable choice.

Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats

In natural settings where wildlife is present, it’s crucial to maintain a respectful distance. This ensures not only your safety but also the well-being of the animals. Interfering with wildlife can disrupt their natural behaviors and habitats. Avoid attractions or activities that exploit animals for entertainment, as these often contribute to animal stress and harm. Instead, opt for wildlife viewing experiences that promote conservation and ethical practices.

Additionally, when exploring natural areas, stay on marked trails. Straying off the path can destroy habitat and negatively impact the local flora and fauna. By sticking to designated trails, you help preserve the natural environment and ensure it remains a wildlife sanctuary. Your mindful actions contribute to the conservation of these ecosystems, allowing future generations to enjoy and appreciate the natural world just as you do.

Insider’s Tip: Choose wildlife tours led by reputable guides who prioritize animal welfare and conservation. Do not ride elephants!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Adhering to the three Rs of sustainability – reduce, reuse, and recycle – is fundamental in minimizing your environmental impact during travel. Reducing waste starts with making conscious decisions about what you consume and how. Opt for products with minimal packaging, and whenever possible, choose alternatives to single-use plastics, like carrying a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags. Reusing items not only cuts down on waste but also saves resources. For instance, refill your water bottle, use the same shopping bag, and choose accommodations that offer bulk toiletry dispensers rather than single-use containers.

Recycling is the last step, but it’s equally important. Ensure you’re disposing of waste properly by separating recyclables from trash. Consider carrying recyclables in areas where recycling facilities might not be readily available until you find a proper disposal point. By following these practices, you help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or, worse, natural habitats and oceans, thereby playing a part in preserving the environment while traveling.

Insider’s Tip: Carry a ‘zero-waste kit’ with reusable cutlery, a shopping bag, and a coffee cup.

Conserve Water and Energy

Being conscious of water and energy usage is a crucial aspect of sustainable travel. Simple, everyday actions can collectively make a significant impact on conserving resources. Remember to turn off lights, air conditioning, and electronic devices when not in use or leaving your accommodation. This not only saves energy but also reduces unnecessary electricity consumption. Consider taking shorter showers, a practical way to reduce water usage, and reuse towels instead of requesting new ones daily.

Many hotels and accommodations now encourage this practice as part of their environmental policies. By being mindful of your water and energy consumption, you reduce your travels’ environmental footprint. These small but meaningful actions are steps towards more responsible and sustainable tourism, ensuring that the natural and cultural environments you visit can be preserved and enjoyed for years to come.

Insider’s Tip: Stay in accommodations that utilize renewable energy sources or have water-saving systems in place.

Educate Yourself and Others

As a responsible traveler, it’s important to educate yourself about the environmental challenges faced by the destinations you visit. This knowledge enhances your understanding of the local context. It enables you to make more informed decisions about how to travel responsibly. Awareness of these issues allows you to adjust your behavior accordingly, such as using water sparingly in drought-prone areas or avoiding products contributing to habitat loss, whether it’s water scarcity, pollution, or habitat destruction.

Furthermore, sharing your sustainable travel practices with fellow travelers is a powerful way to spread awareness and encourage others to adopt similar habits. Engaging in conversations about sustainability, sharing tips on eco-friendly practices, or even leading by example can inspire those around you to be more environmentally conscious. This collective effort can create a significant positive impact, helping to preserve the beauty and integrity of the places you visit.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in local environmental initiatives or workshops if available.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Considering the carbon emissions from your travel is an essential part of sustainable tourism. While traveling without leaving a carbon footprint is challenging, you can mitigate this impact by investing in carbon offsetting initiatives. These programs typically involve contributing to projects that reduce carbon emissions elsewhere, like renewable energy projects which replace fossil fuels, or reforestation efforts that naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

When you choose to offset your emissions, you’re taking responsibility for the environmental impact of your travel. Many airlines offer carbon offset programs at the point of purchase. However, you can also independently invest in verified projects around the world. By offsetting your carbon emissions, you’re contributing to global efforts against climate change, ensuring that your travel positively impacts the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Use online carbon calculators to estimate travel emissions and find suitable offsetting projects.

Embrace Slow Travel

Embracing slow travel is about prioritizing quality over quantity in your journeys. Rather than rushing to tick off a long list of destinations, this approach encourages you to spend more time in fewer places. Doing so allows you to delve deeper into the local culture, gaining a richer and more authentic understanding of the places you visit. This immersive experience often leads to more meaningful connections with local people, traditions, and customs.

Additionally, slow travel significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with frequent travel, such as lower carbon emissions from less frequent flights or drives. This more relaxed pace of travel benefits the environment. It enhances your overall experience, allowing for a more thoughtful and fulfilling exploration of each destination.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a single destination or region and explore it thoroughly, using local transportation and enjoying off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Participate in Sustainable Activities

Engaging in low-impact activities is a key aspect of sustainable travel. Opting for experiences like hiking, biking, or kayaking allows you to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of your destination without contributing to pollution or resource depletion. These activities minimize your environmental footprint and provide a more intimate connection with nature. When selecting these experiences, consider those that offer educational insights into the local ecosystem or culture.

For example, guided nature walks can teach you about native wildlife and plant species, while cultural tours led by local experts can deepen your understanding of the area’s history and traditions. By choosing environmentally friendly and informative activities, you enrich your travel experience and support sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the health of our planet and its diverse ecosystems.

Insider’s Tip: Join guided eco-tours that focus on environmental education and conservation efforts. These tours provide insights into local sustainability practices and often contribute directly to conservation efforts.

Eat Locally Sourced Food

Eating locally sourced food while traveling is an opportunity to enjoy authentic flavors and dishes and an effective way to reduce your environmental impact. Food that is locally sourced hasn’t undergone long-distance transportation, which is a major contributor to carbon emissions. By opting for meals made with local ingredients, you reduce the demand for transported goods and your carbon footprint.

Furthermore, eating locally supports farmers and producers, contributing to the local economy and community. This approach allows you to experience the region’s culinary culture more intimately while supporting sustainable practices that benefit the environment and local livelihoods. It’s a simple yet impactful way to make your travel more environmentally friendly and culturally enriching.

Insider’s Tip: Visit local markets or farm-to-table restaurants to enjoy fresh, regional produce. This helps reduce transportation emissions associated with food and offers the chance to experience the region’s culinary culture more authentically.

Stay in Sustainable Accommodation

Choosing accommodations committed to sustainability is a significant step in responsible travel. Nowadays, many hotels and hostels are adopting eco-friendly practices, and by selecting these establishments, you’re actively supporting and encouraging the growth of green tourism. Look for places that utilize solar energy, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels, or those with effective water conservation measures, essential in areas facing water scarcity.

Recycling programs, use of eco-friendly materials, and efforts to reduce food waste are other green initiatives to consider. By opting to stay in such accommodations, you not only lessen your environmental impact but also help to drive demand for sustainable practices on the broader tourism industry. This consumer choice sends a strong message to the market about the importance of environmental responsibility, influencing more establishments to adopt similar practices.

Insider’s Tip: Look for eco-certifications or awards when booking accommodations, which often indicate a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Bottom Line

Sustainable travel is more than just being a responsible tourist; it’s about being a conscious global citizen and making choices that reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of local communities. By adopting these best practices, you become part of a growing movement that values environmental preservation, cultural respect, and the vitality of the communities and environments you visit.

This thoughtful approach to travel ensures that your experiences are enriching for you and beneficial for the planet. Choosing eco-friendly transportation, supporting local businesses, respecting natural habitats, and making mindful food and accommodation choices contribute to a healthier planet. Sustainable travel isn’t just about reducing harm; it’s about actively contributing to positive change, creating a ripple effect beyond your individual journey. 

As you explore the world, remember that every small action counts towards preserving the world’s beauty and diversity for future generations to explore and enjoy. Your choices can lead to meaningful experiences that align with sustainability principles, ensuring that the wonders remain for future generations to appreciate.

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post 12 Best Practices for Sustainable Travel in 2024 – How to Travel with Minimal Environmental Impact republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Day2505.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

More for You

U.S. women’s track Olympians say photo was shocking but uniform isn’t

The 'Golden Bachelor' Divorce Came As A Shock — But The Show Did Offer A Message

I Lost White Friends When I Finally Spoke Out

7 CDs You Probably Owned, Threw Out and Now Are Worth Bank

Unplug These 29 Items That Hike Up Your Electricity Bill

25 human foods you should never give your dog—and 25 foods you can

0417 Today in History

Pamela Anderson Joins Liam Neeson In Paramount's New ‘Naked Gun' Movie

'American Idol' recap: First platinum ticket singer sent home during Top 14 reveal

Dr Pepper Has a New Flavor Hitting Shelves Now

'Truly Unique' Roman Lead Coffin Found to Contain Child's Remains

Experts Say These Are The 5 Worst Foods For Your Cholesterol

How to Clear Cookies from Your iPhone and Android (and Why You Should)

'Voted off the island': Inside Bill Belichick's failed job hunt

Beijing Half Marathon tainted by a shameful act of cheating

50 classic slang terms only people born before 2000 will get

Fact Check: Millions Watched 'James Bond 26' Trailer on YouTube Featuring Henry Cavill and Margot Robbie. However, It's Simply a 'Concept Trailer'

Pennsylvania school board cancels gay ‘30 Rock’ actor’s anti-bullying talk, citing his ‘lifestyle’

Business owner faces millions in fines for intentionally violating federal laws with illegal truck rigs — here's why prosecutors are cracking down

Kale had its moment. Its leafy cousin has more protein and fewer calories

Tourism ‘intrinsically susceptible’ to climate shocks, political unrest, pandemic threat

Facebook Twitter Print Email

The President of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday highlighted the urgent need to boost sustainable and resilient tourism practices to protect the environment while continuing to benefit local economies.

Addressing a high-level meeting on tourism as part of the General Assembly’s first ever Sustainability Week , Dennis Francis said it was a vital driver of economic growth and empowerment .

In 2023, the sector contributed three per cent to the global gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to $3.3 trillion, and employed one in every ten people worldwide. For countries in special situations, like small island nations, tourism accounted for nearly 35 per cent of all export earnings and up to 80 per cent of national exports .

“Despite the spectacular benefits reaped across its vast supply chains – tourism is also intrinsically susceptible to a host of disruptive forces – such as climate change, pandemics, acts of terrorism, and domestic political instability,” Mr. Francis said.

Sustainable

He expressed concerns about the sector’s environmental and carbon footprint, saying sustainability must be paramount.

“We need a global tourism sector that is sustainable – one with deep local value chains that expand demand for locally made products and services in ways that also directly and positively benefit local communities,” he urged.

Moreover, he emphasized that the sector should also leverage digital technology to foster innovation and expand opportunities for jobs and economic growth, especially for women, youth, and indigenous and local communities.

“We also need a global tourism sector that is resilient,” said Mr. Francis, stressing the need to minimize its vulnerabilities and bolstering its ability to withstand external shocks.

This includes designing infrastructures that can withstand environmental disasters, fostering innovations that enhance economic and social resilience, and diversifying tourism activities to reduce recovery time after disruptive events.

Symbol of hope

Zurab Pololikashvili, head of the UN World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO ), also spoke at the General Assembly, noting that despite today’s pressing challenges, tourism offered a glimmer of hope.

Reflecting on the sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic – its most significant crisis in history – he observed that in 2023, international arrivals rebounded to almost 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels , with full recovery expected by the end of 2024.

This recovery must serve as a catalyst for bold action and transformative change, he said, emphasizing, “tourism can – and must – be a part of this plan for a better future for all.”

Sustainability Week

The high-level event on tourism followed Monday’s deliberations on debt sustainability , where speakers outlined the crippling impact of debt on developing economies, and called for urgent reform of the global financial system.

Upcoming highlights of the week include dedicated discussions on sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy.

• General Assembly
• 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Surge in Adventure Tourism: Four Big Trends in 2024

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

April 17th, 2024 at 12:00 PM EDT

New data shows that experiences are the leading factor when choosing a destination.

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

The latest consumer spending data from GetYourGuide reveals a surge in demand for unique travel experiences and activities that align with personal passions.

The report analyzes booking data from millions of travelers and highlights a significant shift in travel priorities. Here are the key takeaways:

Experiences Rule

Travelers are prioritizing experiences over traditional sightseeing. Nearly all travelers (90%) plan to spend the same or more on activities in 2024, and experiences are now the leading factor when choosing a destination (reported by 98% of travelers). 

Passion Drives Destinations

The hottest travel destinations are no longer just about iconic landmarks. Cities like Fajardo, Puerto Rico (up 419% in bookings by American travelers) and Hoi An, Vietnam (up 284% globally) are experiencing a boom, likely due to their unique cultural offerings and adventure opportunities.

Globally Inspired

Travelers are venturing beyond the usual suspects. This year’s top trending tours include the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, kayaking through El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico, and even a hot air balloon ride over Interlaken, Switzerland.

The Rise of the Explorer  

GetYourGuide identifies a new breed of traveler – the “Explorer” – who spends more on experiences, takes longer trips, and travels more frequently. These high-value vacationers are fueling the experience economy.

Get Skift Research

Skift Research products provide deep analysis, data, and expert research on the companies and trends that are shaping the future of travel.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: getyourguide , tourism , Travel Experiences , Travel Trends

Photo credit: GetYourGuide Walking Tour in London. Source: GetYourGuide

• Partner with AGBI

Moscow courts UAE to bump up inbound tourism

• Moscow targetting UAE tourism
• International visitors 10% of total
• Gulf tourists spend more

Moscow aims to double the number of annual visitors from the UAE this year, to expand its international tourist base amid headwinds such as the war with Ukraine. 

Bulat Nurmukhanov, head of the International Cooperation Division at Moscow City Tourism Committee (MCTC), told AGBI that while the Russian capital’s domestic tourism has broadly recovered since the pandemic, international tourism has yet to do so. 

Moscow received 24.3 million visitors in 2023, he said, of which 2.3 million were international and the rest were from elsewhere in Russia. In 2019, Moscow recorded 25 million visitors, of which four million were from overseas.  

• In Dubai, it looks like the Russians are staying
• Moscow still a key destination for Middle East tourists
• UAE-Russia trade grows as Putin arrives in Gulf

“Despite the challenges Moscow faces today, it has almost recovered its pre-Covid visitor flow of 2019 – our best year for the industry, helped by the effect of hosting the Fifa World Cup in 2018,” Nurmukhanov said.  

“But most of these are domestic tourists. We hope that by working with new markets such as the UAE, we can restructure the international tourism base and attract more visitors from the Emirates and wider GCC.”

Moscow has yet to calculate the number of visitors from the UAE last year, but it is a small proportion of the overseas total, according to Nurmukhanov. However, it is an important source market because of its higher-than-average spend per visit. 

“They’re helping load Moscow’s five-star hotels”, he said. These are not as popular among domestic tourists and other nationalities as three and four-star hotels. 

Last summer, MCTC revealed that tourists from the Middle East accounted for more than 30 percent of Moscow’s total tourist flow from outside the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2022. 

“Middle Eastern countries are among the most promising markets for inbound tourism,” the committee noted. 

In the UAE, the number of Russian tourists and investors leapt in the year after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, as Russian businesses sought a safe haven free of sanctions imposed on them by the West. 

Bilateral trade between the two countries has also risen sharply , by 63 percent between January and September 2023 to $9 billion, according to Russia’s government. 

Nurmukhanov said: “We’re already receiving a decent amount of tourists from the UAE and want to make sure that now, we adapt our infrastructure and design new hospitality products, entertainment and offerings that will be in their interest.” 

The strategy includes enhancing relationships between Moscow and UAE hotels, travel agents and tour operators; improving restaurants’ halal offerings; translating menus and other literature to Arabic, and promoting popular activities such as bear hunting, helicopter trips and horse riding.  

Some Moscow hotels even help GCC tourists to purchase warm clothing for their trip, Nurmukhanov said. Gulf visitors can obtain visas on arrival in Russia, and in November a rapid e-visa service was extended to other countries.  

Latest articles

• Real Estate

Emirates REIT in profit after revaluation gain

Dubai’s Emirates REIT reported a 55 percent rise in annual profit after making a nine-figure revaluation gain on its property portfolio. A REIT – a real estate investment trust – is a company that owns income-producing assets related to real estate such as buildings, land and real estate securities.  Through REITs investors can have fractional […]

Telegram to hit 1bn users in a year, founder says

Telegram, the messaging platform based in Dubai, will have one billion active monthly users within the next year, its founder Pavel Durov said on Tuesday. The app has 900 million active users at the moment. It aims to remain a “neutral platform” and not a “player in geopolitics,” Durov said during a recent video interview […]

• Renewable Energy

Renewables target for 2030 in sight for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will expand its renewable energy output sixfold by 2030 if it continues at its current pace, a survey found this week. But it will need to add 20GW of capacity annually if it is to reach an ambitious government target laid out last year. In December the government set a new target of […]

IMF cuts Saudi GDP growth prediction

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its estimate for Saudi economic growth in 2024 to 2.6 percent in its most recent World Economic Outlook, but raised its expectation for 2025.  The IMF’s April report says it’s GDP estimate is down from the 2.7 percent in predicted in January. However, the it said that Saudi […]

Download the AGBI app today