WTTC’s latest Environmental & Social Research (ESR), created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, reveals that in 2023 Travel & Tourism accounted for 6.7 percent of all emissions globally, down from 7.8 percent in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak.

 The research showcases an important achievement with the sector’s economic contribution growing faster than its environmental impact.

 In 2023, travel and tourism’s contribution to global GDP almost reached pre-pandemic levels at USD9.9 trillion, just four percent shy of the sector’s peak.

 However, in 2023 global GHG emissions were 12 percent below the 2019 peak, with GHG intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) falling 8.4 percent during this period. This demonstrates the sector’s growth is becoming cleaner. 

 “Our sector is proving that we can grow responsibly," said Julia Simpson, CEO, WTTC, "We’re decoupling growth from emissions - travel and tourism is expanding economically while lowering its environmental footprint. This is a defining moment, proving that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping the future of global tourism. However, while we are decoupling our sector’s growth from the increase in GHG, our aim is absolute reductions. We must accelerate this progress significantly to meet the Paris climate targets. We’re on the right track, but we need to up our game.”

 A key driver of travel and tourism’s emissions is the energy used to power its operations. 

Although 2023 showed positive trends compared to 2019, it’s clear that there are still significant opportunities to accelerate the green transition. 

 The increases in renewable energy use and reductions in fossil fuel reliance remain relatively modest, highlighting the need for more decisive action. In 2023, the sector’s reliance on fossil fuel energy sources (oil, coal, and natural gas) dropped to 88.2 percent from 90 percent in 2019. 

 The share of low-carbon energy sources (nuclear and renewables) increased from 5.1 percent in 2019 to 5.9 percent in 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The resurgence of the global travel and tourism sector is also mirrored in tax revenues that accrue to governments from the direct taxes paid by our businesses.

 In 2023, total travel and tourism tax revenues amounted to USD3.32 trillion. This equates to 9.6 percent of total global tax revenues. Governments must use these additional revenues to reinvest in decarbonising infrastructure, expanding renewable energies and supporting businesses in their green transition.