In an era when environmental conservation has become critical, the global tourism sector has launched a groundbreaking initiative to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. On Earth Day 2024, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) unveiled the “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action” report. This publication marks a pioneering movement in collaborative conservation efforts, reshaping tourism’s role in enhancing biodiversity.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO.

The “Nature Positive Tourism Partnership” spearheads this initiative, drawing together the WTTC, UN Tourism, and the Alliance in a concerted effort to support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). With guidance from ANIMONDIAL, a specialist consultancy, this report showcases 30 case studies of inspiring actions from diverse sectors worldwide. It encompasses contributions from large and small businesses, government agencies at all levels, civil society groups, and cross-sector partnerships, demonstrating a broad commitment to environmental stewardship.

Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the WTTC, emphasized the historic nature of this partnership, stating, “This is not just about creating a report; it’s about catalyzing a movement. Integrating environmental stewardship into the core of travel experiences is crucial for the sustainability of our sector.” Her message underscores the tourism industry’s dependency on and responsibility to the natural world, positioning it as an ideal guardian of biodiversity.

Echoing this sentiment, UN Tourism Secretary-General Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the strategic alignment of tourism with the broader UN biodiversity goals. He remarked, “This report not only drives substantial impact but also symbolizes the power of unity in protecting our planet. It’s a testament to our commitment and collective ability to foster sustainable practices.”

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, also celebrated the report as a milestone for the industry. “This marks a pivotal step for the tourism sector in protecting and conserving nature. The hospitality industry, as a leader in adopting Nature Positive approaches, recognizes the intrinsic value of nature to our existence and economy.”

Glenn Mandziuk, Sustainable Hotel Alliance CEO.

The Nature Positive Tourism initiative is a benchmark for actionable change within the sector. It provides tools and insights necessary for preserving destinations that tourism heavily relies upon. This comprehensive approach involves extensive consultations with experts across various fields, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).

The initiative builds on previous efforts outlined in the 2022 WTTC report “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism.” It offers practical frameworks and real-world examples to encourage travel providers and travellers alike to contribute actively to conservation.

This transformative collaboration illustrates a robust framework for sustainable practices that will likely significantly influence global tourism. It highlights the intrinsic link between biodiversity and tourism’s resilience and empowers businesses and individuals to act as stewards of nature.

Visit the WTTC Research Hub and the UN Tourism Biodiversity Site for more details on this initiative and to access the full report.

Written by: Yves Thomas

===================================