BAKU, Azerbaijan, 25 November 2024: Addressing world leaders during Ocean Action Day at COP29 in Baku last Friday, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) called for urgent climate investment in coastal and marine tourism to protect it from escalating climate risks.
To achieve necessary mitigation, WTTC says that coastal and marine tourism will require annual investments of USD30 billion for direct emissions reduction, with total needs reaching as high as USD65 billion when including climate adaptation efforts.
Developed in collaboration with Iberostar Group and Oxford Economics, the soon-to-be-released report ‘Climate and Ocean: Quantifying Coastal and Marine Tourism and Protecting Destinations, underscores the dual need for climate action and resilience-building.
In 2023, coastal and marine tourism directly generated USd1.5 trillion and supported 52 million jobs globally. It also accounted for approximately 50% of all tourists’ spending globally, generating USD820 billion in direct tax revenue.
Despite its economic importance, coastal and marine tourism’s environmental footprint requires rapid mitigation and adaptation measures.
The report highlights that coastal and marine tourism directly contributed 0.8% of global GHG emissions in 2023, equating to 390 million tonnes of CO₂.
Coastal destinations worldwide, especially those in vulnerable regions, face mounting threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather, and coastal erosion.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Pacific coastal areas are under severe strain, with rising climate-related displacement and economic losses posing urgent challenges.
This makes clear that investments in climate action are not just essential but urgent.
This report was developed to support the Coastal Tourism Breakthrough under the leadership of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, and the UN High-Level Climate Champions, which, since COP22 in 2016, have been instrumental in mobilising non-state actors to advance the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
The Ocean Breakthroughs are transformative pathways covering five key ocean sectors: Marine Conservation, Shipping, Ocean Renewable Energy, Aquatic Food, and Coastal Tourism. Accelerated action and investments in these sectors could reduce GHG emissions by up to 35% and contribute to a resilient, nature-positive, and net-zero future by 2050.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Coastal and marine tourism is a lifeline for millions globally, generating USD1.5 trillion to the world’s economy. But it’s on the frontline of climate change.
“Protecting our coast and marine life isn’t just an environmental necessity; it’s a social imperative. Our report quantifies the scale of the challenge. Reducing the environmental impact of coastal and marine tourism could cost US$ 65 billion annually.
“Given the economic and social value of coastal tourism, we are calling on governments, development organisations and Travel & Tourism businesses to act now to safeguard these vital natural resources.”
The report highlights climate solutions that have proven to have a positive impact, such as Visit Scotland, which has invested heavily in renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure to cut emissions.
In Thailand, the Mangrove Action Project in Nai Nang shows how mangrove restoration can protect coastlines and build resilience.
WTTC urges governments, businesses, and communities to unite to protect coastal and marine tourism destinations.
With dedicated investment in mitigation and adaptation, these unique regions can continue to thrive while preserving their natural beauty for future generations.
