In contrast to returning to near pre-pandemic levels of activity in the industry, global emissions from Travel & Tourism dropped in 2023, marking an “important achievement” with the sector’s economic contribution growing faster than its environmental impact, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
The data from WTTC’s latest Environmental & Social Research (ESR) was unveiled at the Council’s 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, on Oct. 8.
It stated that in 2023, Travel & Tourism accounted for 6.7% of all emissions globally, down from 7.8% in 2019, when the sector was at its peak. At the same time, 2023 global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 12% below the 2019 peak, with GHG intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) falling 8.4% during this period.
“This demonstrates the sector’s growth is becoming cleaner,” says the WTTC.
“Our sector is proving that we can grow responsibly,” said WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson. “We’re decoupling growth from emissions – Travel & Tourism is expanding economically while lowering its environmental footprint.
“This is a defining moment, proving that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping the future of global tourism. However, while we are decoupling our sector’s growth from the increase in GHG, our aim is absolute reductions. We must accelerate this progress significantly to meet the Paris climate targets. We’re on the right track, but we need to up our game.”
A key driver of Travel & Tourism’s emissions is the energy used to power its operations.
Although 2023 showed positive trends compared to 2019, the WTTC says it’s clear that there are still significant opportunities to accelerate the green transition.
The increases in renewable energy use and reductions in fossil fuel reliance remain relatively modest, highlighting the need for more decisive action.
In 2023, the sector’s reliance on fossil fuel energy sources (oil, coal, and natural gas) dropped to 88.2% from 90% in 2019.
The share of low-carbon energy sources (nuclear and renewables) increased from 5.1% in 2019 to 5.9% in 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The resurgence of the global Travel & Tourism sector is also mirrored in tax revenues that accrue to governments from the direct taxes paid by our businesses. In 2023, total Travel & Tourism tax revenues amounted to US$3.32TN. This equates to 9.6% of total global tax revenues.
Governments must use these additional revenues to reinvest in decarbonizing infrastructure, expanding renewable energies and supporting businesses in their green transition, says the WTTC
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