WTTC Unveils Second Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism at COP29

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched the second edition of its Net Zero Roadmap during COP29, highlighting a 27% increase in businesses setting climate targets since 2021.

Today, 53% of the 250 leading Travel & Tourism businesses analysed have climate goals, up from 42% three years ago. Notably, one-third have committed to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards, more than doubling since 2021.

Developed with Accenture, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, the roadmap provides an enhanced framework for decarbonisation and includes new target corridors to guide ambitious and actionable emissions reductions. WTTC’s Environmental & Social Research (ESR) reports a 10.2% drop in the sector’s greenhouse gas intensity from its 2019 peak, with industries like aviation and cruising reducing their carbon intensity by 6% and 11%, respectively.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, stressed the urgency of climate action: “Climate change is not a future threat – it’s here. This roadmap is a call to action for greater ambition and collaboration to ensure the sector's sustainability and livelihoods.” Meanwhile, UNFCCC’s Niclas Svenningsen warned that the tourism sector must act on these pathways to maintain its viability amid escalating climate impacts.

The updated roadmap underscores Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a cornerstone for reducing aviation’s emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle. It also emphasises accessible green financing for small businesses, which are vital to the sector but often face unique decarbonisation challenges.

The WTTC urges businesses to adopt the roadmap’s tailored target corridors and calls for government incentives to accelerate progress. By uniting, the sector can drive meaningful climate action, protect vulnerable destinations, and meet the rising demand for sustainable travel, with 75% of global travellers expressing a preference for greener options.

Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency highlights its commitment to embedding sustainable tourism practices, with Head of Cabinet Kanan Gasimov stating, “This roadmap is both a guide and a vision-setting tool, enabling global tourism to align with climate goals while preserving natural heritage and supporting communities.”