Loading
27-Sep-2010 8:50 AM

UNWTO advocates a global approach on tourism, aviation and climate change

UNWTO announced (24-Sep-2010) it will present its "Statement Regarding Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Air Passenger Transport" to the ICAO assembly on 28-Sep-2010. The statement underlines the critical role of aviation in tourism, especially in developing countries, outlining a number of principles that should be incorporated into ongoing work on the mitigation of GHG emissions from air transport. The UNWTO stresses the importance of a global approach on tourism, aviation and climate change. Tourism is estimated to be responsible for about 5% of global carbon emissions. Air passenger transport is the major, and a growing, contributor to global greenhouse gases generated by visitors, with an estimated 2% of tourism's global emissions. 51% of the 880 million international tourists worldwide in 2009 arrived at their destinations by air. [more]

UNWTO: "UNWTO cautions against mitigation measures for air transport taken in isolation, without considering the broader tourism framework. It also calls for the application of the UNFCCC principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities amongst countries to alleviate negative impacts on tourism in developing countries, where the sector accounts for as much as 45% of the service export earnings. All revenues from levies and trading of emissions permits should also yield measurable, reportable and verifiable mitigation results including projects in transport and other tourism-related activities, and financial and other incentives for the earliest possible global introduction of sustainable additional or alternative fuels for air transport," Statement. Source: UNWTO, 24-Sep-2010.

Want More News Like This?

CAPA Membership provides access to all news and analysis on the site, along with access to many areas of our comprehensive databases and toolsets.
Find Out More