Tourism Rises to the Ocean Challenge at UNOC3
At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, tourism emerged as a key player in building a sustainable and resilient ocean economy. As climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss intensify, the sector is mobilizing to regenerate marine ecosystems and support coastal communities through new partnerships, innovative financing, and science-based action.
A standout event at UNOC3 was the high-level panel “Blue Tourism: Advancing Sustainable and Resilient Ocean Economies for People and Planet,” hosted by UN Tourism and UNEP. Leaders from government, finance, and hospitality discussed how circular practices and climate-smart investments can drive a regenerative tourism model, aligned with the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic noted that tourism represents 33% of the blue economy, underlining its influence and responsibility.
During the event, the 2024 Annual Report of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) was launched, reinforcing industry efforts to curb plastic pollution at the source. Jorge Laguna-Celis of UNEP emphasized the role of tourism in both driving and solving this challenge, with signatories working to reduce harmful plastics and strengthen the resilience of coastal economies.
In parallel, UN Tourism joined the One Ocean Finance Facility, a new platform co-developed by UNCDF, UNEP, and UNDP to redirect capital from ocean-dependent sectors toward blue economy solutions. With a focus on SIDS and LDCs, the facility seeks to mobilize blended finance for ocean health, innovation, and community resilience, ahead of its full launch at UNOC4 in 2028.
Also announced was the Ocean Tourism Pact, a milestone initiative backed by France, IDDRI, and the Ocean & Climate Platform. Supported by UN agencies and global tourism leaders, the Pact aims to establish a Coastal and Maritime Tourism Working Group and fast-track industry commitments under the GTPI and Glasgow Declaration. Steven Daines of Accor called the Pact a step toward “future-proofing” tourism and safeguarding the ecosystems it depends on.
Major players including WTTC, WSHA, Travalyst, Iberostar, MSC Cruises, and Club Med have already signed on, reflecting growing momentum for a global shift toward ocean-positive tourism. As ocean health becomes a central pillar of sustainable development, the tourism sector is stepping up to lead transformative change—anchored in equity, innovation, and resilience.
