The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched the second edition of its pioneering Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, revealing a 27% increase in the number of global Travel & Tourism businesses setting climate targets over the past three years. More than half of these businesses are now actively working towards emissions reduction.
Presented at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the report shows that 53% of the 250 leading Travel & Tourism companies analyzed have set climate goals, up from 42% in 2021, when the first Net Zero Roadmap was introduced. Notably, one-third of these companies have committed to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals, reflecting a strong push to meet rigorous emissions reduction standards. The number of businesses adopting SBTi targets has more than doubled since 2021, marking a decisive shift towards aligning with global climate objectives.
Developed in collaboration with Accenture, endorsed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and supported by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the updated roadmap emphasizes the urgency of climate action as the sector aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. The new edition builds on the foundation of the original roadmap launched at COP26 in Glasgow and introduces an enhanced decarbonisation framework with new target corridors to help Travel & Tourism businesses set clear, actionable climate goals.
While the roadmap underscores the need for tailored approaches—acknowledging that not all sectors can meet net-zero targets at the same pace—it also stresses the importance of improving sector-wide alignment and transparency. This is particularly critical as demand for sustainable travel rises, with 75% of global travelers now seeking more sustainable travel options.
The roadmap also highlights progress made in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. According to WTTC’s Environmental & Social Research (ESR), Travel & Tourism’s share of global emissions dropped to 6.5% in 2023, down from 7.8% in 2019, representing a 10.2% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity. Specific industries have made significant gains: aviation reduced its carbon intensity by 6%, while the cruise and accommodation sectors both achieved an 11% reduction.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasized the urgent need for continued action. “Climate change is no longer a future threat—it’s already here, and it’s impacting us all. This updated roadmap is a call to action for every Travel & Tourism business. We must work with greater ambition and urgency to ensure a sustainable future for our sector, protecting the planet and the livelihoods of millions,” she said.
Jesko-Philipp Neuenburg, Accenture’s Global Travel and Aviation Sustainability Lead, noted, “Travel companies have made significant strides on emissions targets, but this report highlights that action is needed to translate commitments into tangible progress. The roadmap provides the guidance necessary to achieve decarbonisation.”
Niclas Svenningsen, UNFCCC Manager, Programmes Coordination, also underscored the pressing need for climate action, saying, “The world has experienced severe climate impacts, and the tourism sector is feeling the consequences. Acting on the pathways and target corridors in this report is crucial for the industry to secure its future.”
Kanan Gasimov, Head of Cabinet of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, expressed pride in the country’s involvement, stating, “This roadmap provides clear steps for reducing emissions across all tourism subsectors. Azerbaijan is committed to integrating sustainability into national policies and supporting global climate goals.”
The roadmap also highlights the potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint, calling for expanded SAF adoption, investment, and regulatory alignment. Additionally, the roadmap provides tailored guidance for small businesses, stressing the importance of green financing to help them implement sustainability measures.
Despite these advancements, the report also identifies challenges, such as the complexity of measuring Scope 3 emissions and achieving regulatory alignment across regions.
A Call to Action for the Sector
WTTC urges businesses to adopt the roadmap’s target corridors, which outline specific emissions reduction strategies across various timeframes. These strategies are designed to mitigate emissions in the next decade and strengthen long-term climate resilience. The global tourism body also calls on governments to provide further incentives and subsidies to help businesses meet their targets.
As the Travel & Tourism sector continues to make progress, WTTC believes that by uniting in the pursuit of net-zero emissions, the sector can not only drive meaningful climate action but also protect vulnerable destinations and meet the expectations of environmentally conscious travelers worldwide.
