Tourism Advances Climate Action at COP30 with Stronger Governance and Adaptation Focus

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, tourism was highlighted as a key sector advancing global climate action, with a strong emphasis on governance, adaptation, and innovation.

Strengthening Governance
- Tourism featured prominently in COP30 discussions, building on recognition from COP29.
- UN Tourism and Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism convened stakeholders during two Tourism Thematic Days (19–20 November).
- Governance was reinforced through the Interinstitutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action, aligning with the Glasgow Declaration Initiative under the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme.

Plan for Accelerated Solutions (PAS)
- Introduced under the UNFCCC High-Level Climate Champions, PAS supports unified approaches to measurement, mitigation, and adaptation.
- Builds on Brazil’s achievements in GHG emissions measurement and sectoral adaptation planning, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank.
- Aims to scale local solutions into global pathways and establish a Global Partnership for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism.

Adaptation & Innovation
- COP30 emphasized integrating climate-risk data into tourism planning.
- Promoted community-led adaptation, nature-based solutions, and circularity in plastics, water, and food.
- Highlighted innovative pathways: alternative fuels, reforestation, coral restoration, blue carbon projects, and blended-finance mechanisms to attract private investment.
- UN Tourism and Brazil launched a call for “Regenerative Approaches to Climate Action in Tourism”, focusing on ecosystem health and community well-being.

Global Participation
- Sessions organized with Travalyst and The Travel Foundation ensured wide international collaboration.
- A special signing ceremony welcomed new signatories to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, including the Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary in Rio de Janeiro.

In short, COP30 positioned tourism not just as an economic driver, but as a climate solution sector, integrating adaptation, resilience, and regeneration into its global agenda.