WTTC is urgently calling on governments and the private travel and tourism sector to make a decisive contribution to curbing the deterioration of the planet, biodiversity loss and climate change.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the WTTC, said that "the actions that the sector must take are urgent, only in this way can biodiversity loss and climate change be brought under control. To achieve this requires invaluable coordination between the public and private sectors to generate initiatives that are based on sustainable tourism and national strategies for the benefit of biodiversity".

Simpson announced that the World Travel and Tourism Council will hold the "Nature Positive Approach to Net-Zero Travel and Tourism" forum on September 21 during Climate Week in New York.

The forum will discuss the relevance that the travel and tourism sector has on decarbonization and the protection of nature. It will also highlight the key role that the travel and tourism sector plays in generating, driving and acting on behalf of nature and biodiversity. It will also highlight the opportunities that the travel and tourism sector can use to collaborate and invest for the benefit of nature.

The President and CEO of WTTC said: "Our industry has a key role to play in reversing the loss of thousands of species and habitats. We are in a unique position for businesses and visitors to act as stewards of our beautiful planet. Travelers are not just about leaving a lighter footprint; they want to have a net positive effect when they visit a destination".

The actions the industry must take are urgent; only in this way can biodiversity loss and climate change be brought under control. To achieve this requires invaluable coordination between the public and private sectors, to generate initiatives based on sustainable tourism and national strategies for the benefit of biodiversity.

Sustainability, travel and tourism

"Nature Positive Approach to Net Zero- Travel & Tourism" - during Climate Week (NY)

Travel & Tourism has a crucial role to play in decarbonization and environmental protection.

• Public-private coordination against biodiversity loss and climate change is important.
• Sustainability and climate change action are priorities for WTTC.
• We must "rebuild ourselves" in a sustainable way - positive growth for society, the ecosystem and cultural heritage, elements on which we depend 'Roadmap to Net Zero'.
• Challenges and recommendations for different industries (reducing carbon footprint and achieving the global goals of the Paris Agreement).
• Sustainability and Investment in Puerto Rico Forum.
• Preserving the planet, reducing the effects of climate change and increasing resilience to ensure continued sustainable growth.
• Responsibility that this growth is sustainable, respectful and contributes positively to communities and ecosystems.

LATAM EIR ANNUAL

In 2019

• T&T value: US$288 billion (8.2% of the region's total economy)
• 17 million jobs (8% of total jobs)

2020 - 41.4% reduction

• T&T value: U.S.$169 billion (a loss of more than U.S.$119 billion)
• Losses of nearly four million jobs, leaving only 13 million jobs.

2021 - 26.5% increase

• T&T Value: U.S.$213 billion
• 14 million jobs (7% of total jobs), up 8%.

Travel & Tourism's contribution to GDP in Latin America grew above the world average and above the average recovery rate of the European Union (25.4%)

2022 - 23% growth

• T&T Value: U.S.$263 billion to GDP (7.3% of regional economy)
• 769,000 new jobs (up 5.4%), reaching more than 15 million
• LATAM Travel & Tourism sector contribution expected to reach 2019 levels by 2024

2032

• T&T growth 4% over the next 10 years for the tourism sector in LATAM (vs. 2.3% regional economy)
• T&T value: U.S.$378 billion in 2032

More than 5.5 million new jobs in the sector and reaching more than 20.5 million jobs by 2032

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION LATAM COUNTRIES

• The T&T sector in the Caribbean could grow at an average rate of 5.5% per year over the next decade (vs. 2.4% for the region's overall economy).
• Caribbean T&T sector to the region's GDP could reach over US$85 billion (14.3% of the region's total economy in 2032)
• Jobs in the region could grow at an average rate of 4.5% per year, creating 1.34 million new jobs by 2032.
• To achieve this, WTTC says the following is needed
• Greater collaboration across the Caribbean region
• Investment in infrastructure
• Improved air connectivity and investment in the workforce