WTTC and UNEP Forge Landmark Alliance to Fast-Track Sustainable Travel and Tourism

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate sustainable travel and tourism worldwide. This alliance, announced on 1 July 2026, sets a framework for cooperation through June 2028 to drive measurable progress in environmental action across the sector.

Focus Areas:
- Promote nature-positive and regenerative tourism to protect biodiversity.
- Advance circular economy solutions and eliminate problematic plastics.
- Expand food waste reduction initiatives.
- Strengthen water stewardship, energy sustainability, and ocean conservation.

Implementation:
- WTTC members will gain structured opportunities to join UNEP flagship sustainability programs.
- Joint advocacy to influence international tourism policy and create enabling environments for industry-wide action.
- Governance through focal points, joint workplans, and annual technical meetings.

Leadership Voices:
- Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, emphasized that travel and tourism can be a powerful force for sustainable development, highlighting the partnership’s role in reducing waste and protecting biodiversity.

Impact:
- The collaboration aims to decouple tourism growth from environmental degradation, ensuring resilience and ecosystem restoration.
- Enhanced visibility through joint participation in global forums, events, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

This alliance represents a major step in aligning private sector tourism leaders with UN sustainability frameworks, ensuring that the industry’s growth is matched by environmental responsibility.