The upcoming "Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism" to be adopted within the framework of COP29 will define a clear roadmap for integrating tourism into global climate strategies, said Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency, Report informs.
Speaking at the First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in the Tourism Sector, held as part of COP29, Naghiyev emphasized the historic inclusion of tourism on the COP agenda. He noted that as the number of global tourists continues to rise, the sector's emissions will also increase if urgent measures are not taken.
"We are at a crossroads today. The tourism sector can either continue with business as usual or ensure a transition to a low-carbon and regenerative future. We believe that tourism can be part of the solution," Naghiyev stated.
He added that the "Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism" to be adopted at COP29 will set a clear roadmap for integrating tourism into global climate strategies, encouraging national governments, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate and drive transformative change.
Naghiyev highlighted Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism on a global scale, stating, "By collaborating across sectors, borders, and generations, we can transform the tourism sector into a beneficial force in the world's climate response. We believe the discussions in this direction will be productive."