RIYADH: Greenhouse gas emissions from the tourism sector were lower than previously thought in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data published by the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The research shows that the region’s greenhouse gas emissions accounted for 8.1 percent of the global total in 2019 – down from an earlier estimate of 11 percent.
The findings mean that while the region’s GDP grew an average of 4.3 percent annually between 2010 and 2019, its environmental footprint grew by only 2.4 percent.
WTTC’s research, the first of its kind, covers 185 countries and will be updated annually.
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said: “8.1 per cent is the land holding. The key is to become more efficient and reduce the rate at which we grow by the amount of energy we consume. Starting today, every decision, Every change will lead to a better and brighter future for all.”
The comprehensive environmental and social research will include measures of the region’s impact against a range of indicators, including pollutants, energy sources, water use, as well as social data including age, wages and gender profiles of travel and tourism-related employment, the statement said.
WTTC will continue to release data about the sector’s performance against these indicators through 2023.
The data comes in the same week that the World Travel and Tourism Global Summit takes place in Riyadh.
Simpson used his speech at the event to hint at the research, stating that it was the largest project ever undertaken by the council.
“Until now we haven’t had a region-wide way to accurately measure our climate footprint. This data will give governments the detailed information they need to make progress against the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
“Travel and tourism is making huge strides to decarbonise, but governments must set the framework. We need a steely focus on scaling up the production of sustainable aviation fuels with government incentives,” Simpson continued. The technology exists. We also need more use of renewable energy in our national grid – so when we turn on the lights in a hotel room, it is using a sustainable energy source.
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib welcomed the research, saying: “We are proud to partner WTTC in this important research that will monitor future impact. Saudi Arabia recognizes that travelers and investors want policies that will benefit the industry Promote sustainability in India and we have embarked on a journey that will make the state a leader in sustainable tourism.”
“Under the Saudi Green Initiative, we launched more than 60 initiatives in the past year to do this. The first wave of initiatives represents an investment of more than $186 billion in the green economy.