Driving change

Tourism is responsible for over 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions — but as Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), reminds us, there are big opportunities to make the changes needed to tackle that now.

GSTC was created by two UN agencies and a coalition of 32 partners to define what sustainable tourism truly means and guide action across governments, businesses, and destinations. For Mr. Durband, the time for debate is over. The solutions already exist. And what we need now is commitment and cooperation.

“We need to move with great urgency,” he says, pointing to everything from energy-efficient hotels to better planning on the ground. While aviation presents long-term challenges, the rest of the industry can — and must — decarbonize today.

Tourism powers over 10% of global GDP. It creates jobs, builds economies, and fosters cross-cultural understanding. But without serious sustainability efforts, the industry risks undermining the very things that make it thrive.

With clear standards and proven solutions already in place, the path forward is not about discovery — it’s about action. By accelerating adoption of sustainable practices across all sectors, tourism can lead the way in climate resilience, protect the destinations we love, and ensure long-term value for communities and the planet.