Azerbaijan is set to play a crucial role in combating climate change by joining the "Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism," as reported by Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), said during a ministerial press conference at COP29, according to Report.
Enhanced initiatives on climate action and tourism underscore the impact of tourism on the global economy and climate change, Urosevic emphasized. She revealed that in the past year, the world witnessed 1.3 billion international tourists and 7 billion domestic tourists, generating tourism revenues of $3.4 trillion and contributing around 3% to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector's share in global greenhouse gas emissions stood at 8.8%, encompassing direct, indirect, and induced emissions.
Recognizing the tourism sector's sensitivity to climate change, Urosevic highlighted its resolute commitment to adopting low-carbon and climate-resilient models in line with sustainable development goals. "The Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action, promoted by the COP29 presidency, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the sector," she stated.
Urosevic noted that in just 20 days, the Declaration has garnered signatures from over 50 government and non-government representatives, with the signature collection set to continue until COP30.