Three years ago, 120 world leaders and more than 40,000 participants came to Glasgow to take part in the UN Climate Change Conference, better known as COP26. The global gathering influenced many sectors, not least tourism.
COP26 led to an accelerated awakening, with both visitors and businesses realising that what we do has impacts on the world around us and that urgent action was needed. As an organisation, VisitScotland took accountability by becoming a member of the drafting committee and a founding signatory of the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism. To date, more than 850 other organisations have joined us in signing the declaration.
With COP29 in Baku approaching, it seems timely to look back at what we’ve achieved since Glasgow and more importantly look ahead at what opportunities and challenges remain. Climate change and social inclusion are some of the biggest challenges facing our tourism and events sector. Here in Scotland, tourism is a key growth sector, supporting one in 11 jobs and one in 11 businesses. If tourism is to continue to be a force for good, we know we need to grow the visitor economy while minimising its negative environmental and social impact. While tourism has undoubtedly been a contributor to climate change, it also stands to suffer its consequences.
We want Scotland to be recognised globally as a leading sustainable tourism destination. Our responsible tourism strategy focuses on Scotland’s transition to a low carbon economy while ensuring tourism and events are inclusive and contribute to thriving communities. Supporting the protection and considerate enjoyment of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage – our biggest draw for visitors - is also vital.
According to Expedia, 90% of travellers are seeking more sustainable travel options. People are more aware than ever of their impact and as a result, businesses are considering their approach – both from an environmental point of view in terms of reducing emissions, but also to meet visitor demand for sustainable travel experiences.
At VisitScotland we have focused on creating resources for tourism and events businesses to help them navigate the journey to net zero. We are supporting businesses to identify how climate change might impact them and how to mitigate the risks. We’re working with organisations like Tourism Cares to connect international travel agents and tour operators with businesses in Scotland who offer immersive, authentic experiences so that visitors can give something back to the places and communities they encounter.
Responsible tourism is all about a collaborative approach and every day we see examples of tourism and events businesses in Scotland who are prioritising the reduction of their climate impact. From energy efficiency and waste reduction to using local suppliers or boosting biodiversity.
Tourism, like climate change, is global. We are working with partners internationally as well as at home to innovate, sharing learnings and tackle the crisis together.
2030 is a key date not only for tourism but also for the planet. It marks a significant milestone on the journey to 2045, with only 15 years left to achieve net zero. Climate change is not some far-off risk, it is here and now. More than ever, tourism can be a voice for change and collaboration at COP29 and beyond.
Tiomóid Foley is Net Zero Tourism Manager, VisitScotland
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here