New Collaborative Era in Travel & Tourism Highlighted in Nature Positive Report

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance have joined forces to support Nature Positive Tourism. Their joint report, titled “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action,” was launched on Earth Day 2024 and outlines their plan to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

The report, developed in partnership with consultancy ANIMONDIAL, features over 30 case studies showcasing inspiring actions from businesses, government agencies, civil society groups, and partnerships around the world. It emphasizes the crucial link between biodiversity and tourism’s resilience, empowering businesses to become stewards of nature.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson hailed the partnership as a significant step towards a more sustainable and responsible sector, emphasizing the importance of integrating environmental stewardship into travel experiences. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised the collaboration for setting a robust framework for sustainable practices that conserve biodiversity.

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance CEO Glenn Mandziuk highlighted the industry’s commitment to protecting and conserving nature, noting the report’s potential to bring tangible change to destinations worldwide. ANIMONDIAL Director Daniel Turner emphasized the sector’s global influence and the need for businesses to use that influence to reduce negative impacts on biodiversity.

The report, available in the WTTC Research Hub and UN Tourism Biodiversity Site, provides practical guidance for businesses and travelers to embark on journeys that contribute to the conservation of natural treasures. With a focus on becoming “net positive for nature,” the Nature Positive Tourism approach aims to equip the sector with tools and insights to nurture and protect the destinations on which it depends.