Green tourism is just the ticket

Technological progress is already reshaping the sector's carbon footprint, he said. For example, high-speed rail is proving to be a powerful low-carbon alternative to short-haul air travel. "Studies show that high-speed rail journeys emit up to 90 percent less carbon dioxide than equivalent flights on the same routes, offering a cleaner and more efficient option for regional connectivity, particularly in countries, such as China, that are investing heavily in rail infrastructure."

Additionally, the plunging cost of renewable energy — solar photovoltaic panel prices have fallen 88 percent, and onshore wind by 68 percent between 2010 and 2023 — is making clean energy adoption more viable for hotels, resorts and tour operators worldwide.

Amin, who previously served as the founding director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, emphasized that sustainability is becoming a decisive factor in tourist decision-making. "More and more travelers are choosing destinations that prioritize sustainability. Given a choice, they will favor those leading on climate action," he said.

There is also a compelling business case for the industry to act. "For travel companies, embracing sustainability is not just the right thing to do — it's essential for securing the long-term future of the sector. Lower-carbon tourism is the pathway to resilience and continued growth," Amin said.

Natalia Bayona, executive director of UN Tourism, said that there is a strong mandate to promote sustainability and create a low-carbon emissions strategy.

According to UN Tourism, an estimated 1.4 billion tourists traveled internationally last year. "What we need to think about is how … these billions of people that travel all around, become more conscious and respect the environment and the communities more," Bayona said.