At COP29’s Ocean Action Day in Baku, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) emphasized the need for substantial climate investment to safeguard coastal and marine tourism from escalating climate risks. The sector, generating $1.5 trillion annually and supporting 52 million jobs, is vital to the global economy but faces mounting challenges from rising sea levels, extreme weather, and coastal erosion.
Climate Investment Needs
A forthcoming report, Climate and Ocean: Quantifying Coastal and Marine Tourism and Protecting Destinations, reveals that the sector contributed 0.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, equivalent to 390 million tonnes of CO₂. WTTC estimates annual investments of $30 billion for emission reduction and up to $65 billion, including climate adaptation, to address the challenges.
Ocean Breakthroughs
The report aligns with the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, which identifies transformative pathways in five ocean sectors: Marine Conservation, Shipping, Ocean Renewable Energy, Aquatic Food, and Coastal Tourism. These initiatives could cut global GHG emissions by 35% and pave the way for a resilient, net-zero future by 2050.
Voices of Leadership
WTTC CEO Julia Simpson highlighted the urgency, stating:
“Protecting our coast and marine life isn’t just an environmental necessity; it’s a social imperative.”
Gloria Fluxa of Iberostar Group called for nature-based solutions and decarbonization to build a sustainable tourism model, while Loreley Picourt of the Ocean and Climate Platform stressed that collective action under the Marrakech Partnership is critical to achieving the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
Positive Examples
Projects like Visit Scotland’s investment in renewable energy and Thailand’s Mangrove Action Project illustrate successful climate solutions, showing how restoring ecosystems and building low-carbon infrastructure can protect coastlines and ensure resilience.
Call to Action
WTTC urges governments, businesses, and communities to unite in safeguarding coastal destinations. By committing to mitigation and adaptation efforts, these vital regions can continue driving global economies while preserving their natural beauty for generations to come.
