| Why in the news? | COP29 marked a significant milestone in global efforts to address climate change within the tourism sector. |
| Date/Location | COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan |
| Purpose | To address climate action in the tourism sector, recognize its impacts, and explore adaptation strategies |
| Key Participation | Over 700 stakeholders, including government leaders, private sector representatives, and climate experts. Key figures included Mr. Fuad Naghiyev (Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan), COP29 President H.E. Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, and representatives from UN Tourism, UNEP, and UNFCCC. Ministers of Tourism from UAE, Brazil, Costa Rica, and others participated. |
| Commitment from Countries | 52 governments signed the COP29 Declaration for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. |
| Tourism's Impact on Climate | Tourism contributes to 8.8% of global emissions (direct and indirect). |
| Tourism's Potential for Positive Change | Focus on tourism's role in climate adaptation and regeneration. |
| Key Initiatives | - First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism.- Presentation of the UN Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism.- Emphasis on a science-based approach using research from the University of Queensland. |
| Key Areas of Focus | - Measurement: Carbon measurement at global, country, business, and product labeling levels.- Decarbonization & Adaptation: Strategies for decarbonizing the sector and fostering climate adaptation.- Collaboration: Importance of collaboration among governments, businesses, and stakeholders. |
| Glasgow Declaration Initiative | Over 900 signatories developed 370+ climate action plans, with 74% focused on measurement and 92% including decarbonization actions. New signatories included Destination Canada and the Department for Tourism in Samarkand Region (Uzbekistan). |
| Future Steps and Partnerships | - Letter of Intent signed between UN Tourism and the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan for global coordination.- Efforts leading to COP30 in Belem, Brazil in 2025 for a low-carbon, sustainable, and resilient tourism sector. |
