For the first time in the history of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP), “Climate Action in Tourism” is officially included in the COP Action Agenda. Under Azerbaijan’s Presidency, this landmark inclusion underscores the tourism sector’s vital role in advancing global climate goals and fostering sustainable development. The initiative comes as part of Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency, which seeks to place tourism at the heart of climate action through collaboration, innovation, and measurable progress.
Tourism Day: November 20 in Baku
On November 20, Baku will host the much-anticipated Tourism Day, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss tourism’s transformative potential in combating climate change. This high-profile event includes a series of initiatives aimed at positioning tourism as a key driver of climate action. Discussions will center on transitioning from commitments to tangible outcomes, fostering innovation, and enhancing resilience within the sector.
Key Events on Tourism Day
The First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism
This historic gathering will showcase tourism’s potential to address climate challenges. Ministers and industry leaders will set the foundation for future collaboration, establishing policies that integrate sustainability into tourism’s core practices.
High-Level Roundtables
Prominent stakeholders will participate in roundtable discussions focusing on:
- Raising climate ambition within the tourism sector
- Implementing innovative solutions for tourism’s decarbonization
- Enhancing resilience against climate-induced disruptions
Launch of the Baku Declaration
One of the day’s highlights is the launch of the Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. This visionary document emphasizes the urgency of accelerating climate initiatives within the tourism industry. Endorsers of the Declaration will commit to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices across the global tourism landscape.
Leveraging Data and Innovation
The program includes presentations on the use of data to drive sustainability in tourism and identify the factors contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These insights aim to empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and adopt practices that align with global climate objectives.
Press Briefings and Industry Updates
Two press briefings will be held during the day to update attendees on critical developments:
- Key outcomes from the Ministerial Meeting
- World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) updates, including the launch of its updated Net Zero Roadmap
These sessions aim to enhance transparency and foster collaboration among global stakeholders.
Azerbaijan’s Role in Climate Action
Under the leadership of its State Tourism Agency and in collaboration with UN Tourism and UNEP, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a global pioneer in sustainable tourism. The inclusion of Climate Action in Tourism in the official COP29 agenda highlights the country’s commitment to addressing climate change at the intersection of tourism and economic development. This progressive vision aims to create a long-lasting impact by redefining tourism’s role in global climate efforts.
The Baku Declaration: A Global Commitment
The Baku Declaration is poised to serve as a cornerstone for climate action within the tourism sector. By committing to the principles outlined in this document, endorsers will:
- Advocate for policies that reduce tourism’s carbon footprint
- Support initiatives promoting sustainable tourism
- Enhance sector resilience to climate-related disruptions
This collective effort aims to integrate sustainability into tourism policies and practices worldwide.
Tourism’s Decarbonization and Resilience
Tourism Day will also address strategies for transitioning the sector toward decarbonization. Topics include scaling renewable energy adoption, developing low-impact travel options, and fostering resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding climate-related challenges. These discussions underscore the need for actionable solutions to ensure tourism’s sustainable future.
A Lasting Impact on Global Tourism
Tourism Day at COP29 will create a platform for stakeholders to share best practices and innovative ideas. By prioritizing measurable outcomes, the event aims to establish tourism as a strategic sector for climate action. Azerbaijan’s leadership is set to create a global benchmark for integrating sustainability into tourism’s framework.
Conclusion
The inclusion of “Climate Action in Tourism” in COP29’s official agenda is a transformative moment for the tourism industry. With the launch of the Baku Declaration and groundbreaking discussions scheduled for Tourism Day, Azerbaijan’s Presidency highlights the sector’s indispensable role in addressing climate change. By fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and committing to sustainable practices, COP29 marks a turning point for global tourism’s contribution to a sustainable future.
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