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ETC launches a roadmap for climate action in destinations

ETC launches a roadmap for climate action in destinations

The European Travel Commission (ETC) publishes the “Roadmap for National Tourism Organisations Towards Climate Action in Tourism Destinations – Climate Action Planning Framework“, a critical resource designed to inspire and guide climate action across European destinations.

This roadmap is a step-by-step guide for National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) to create a climate action plan tailored to their needs. It serves as a comprehensive toolkit to help destinations achieve sustainability and climate resilience, maintaining global competitiveness. With practical advice, examples, and a clear roadmap, ETC aims to empower its members to take meaningful action and make lasting positive changes.

Produced by AGEG Tourism for Sustainability, the roadmap is a key component of ETC’s strategic work to promote climate action within European tourism. In 2022, ETC became a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration in Climate Action in Tourism. In 2023, it launched its own Climate Action Plan and created its working group dedicated to climate action and sustainability: Chapter Earth. Now, with a firm commitment to establishing a robust carbon reduction strategy and accelerating climate action in the tourism sector, ETC is supporting its members NTOs on their journey to Net Zero with the publication of this roadmap.

What is a climate action plan and why should every NTO have one?

Tourism is a major economic driver worldwide. It creates jobs, contributes significantly to economic development, supports local communities, and enhances the quality of life in destinations. However, tourism is also a key contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, responsible for almost 9% of global emissions, making it both a victim and a contributor to the climate crisis. Climate change poses a critical threat to Europe’s position as a leading tourist destination, with increasingly severe phenomena putting cultural and natural assets at risk. Without action to reduce these emissions, tourism destinations risk jeopardising their own future.

This is where climate action planning comes in, offering significant benefits for NTOs and destinations. Climate action planning not only helps destinations reduce emissions and adapt to changing climate conditions but also enhances their global competitiveness. Travellers are increasingly seeking sustainable tourism options, and destinations that demonstrate climate leadership can attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious visitors. Furthermore, a CAP helps NTOs strengthen their resilience to climate-related risks, ensuring long-term sustainability and prosperity.

By taking a proactive approach to climate action, NTOs can lead the way in shaping a more sustainable future for tourism, protecting their assets, supporting their communities, and preserving the environment for future generations.

How will this roadmap empower NTOs to drive climate action?

ETC’s Climate Action Planning Framework is designed as an intuitive, comprehensive, and practical guide that aligns seamlessly with the five pathways of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism: Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, and Finance.

This roadmap simplifies the planning process, focusing on actionable steps and providing clear instructions, templates for planning and reporting, and advice on implementation. It also offers a phased outline, helping NTOs navigate each stage.

Structured to guide destinations through their climate action journey, the roadmap highlights essential stages such as committing to the Glasgow Declaration, forming green teams, gathering data, setting measurable targets, and building cross-sectoral working groups. It also includes guidance on communicating climate action goals effectively to stakeholders and visitors alike.

Additionally, the roadmap features over 25 global case studies that highlight successful climate action practices, offering practical examples and inspiration, along with three customisable templates, enabling NTOs to develop their own tailored plans.

“Roadmap for National Tourism Organisations Towards Climate Action in Tourism Destinations” represents another important milestone in ETC’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and climate action, and it aims to provide its members with the essential tools to safeguard their destinations for future generations. By equipping NTOs with actionable strategies, practical templates, and inspirational case studies, ETC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a tourism sector that is resilient, competitive, and environmentally responsible.

The full roadmap can be downloaded at this link.