Tourism businesses and destinations are stepping up their commitment to sustainability. Aimed at reducing waste and pollution across the sector, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) is welcoming 32 new signatories, with every global region represented behind the shared goal.

The Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. It enables businesses, governments, and other tourism stakeholders to lead by example in the shift towards a circular economy of plastics.

Among the 32 new signatories are organizations such as TUI Group, AC Hotels by Marriott, Palladium Hotel Group, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Hostelling International, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Visit Valencia. These new additions bring the total number of signatories up to 93 companies and organizations, which include accommodation providers, tour operators, online platforms, suppliers, waste managers, and supporting organizations.

To mark the confirmation of the new signatories, UNWTO and the United Nations Environment Program, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, held a special panel discussion with the theme “Eliminate. Innovate. Circulate. Strategies from the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative” at which UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated “Addressing plastic pollution is essential to sustainably restart tourism, preserve destinations, and contribute to climate action. We are proud to see the number of signatories growing continuously since the launch of the initiative.”