As part of its ongoing efforts to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2030, the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership (NPTP), comprised of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance), is currently addressing world leaders at the United Nations Biodiversity Summit (COP16) in Cali, Spain.
Beginning with the official launch of the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) in 2022, this partnership brings together major stakeholders in the tourism industry, including policymakers and prominent commercial sector actors in travel, tourism, and hospitality.
The National Tourism Policy (NPTP) is a driving force, urging governments to collaborate strategically with the global travel and tourism industry. This is a testament to the NPTP’s commitment to working with policymakers to meet the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets.
Putting the tourism industry’s biodiversity in the spotlight
Photo Source: The Guardian.
A side panel was organised by the National Partnership for Trade and Development (NPTP) during the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26), with funding from Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism.
This side event highlighted the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership’s accomplishments and emphasised the importance of travel and tourism in biodiversity conservation. Several practical projects the sector has undertaken to contribute to biodiversity were highlighted, policies integrating biodiversity into travel and tourism were investigated, and the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Forum was supported.
While the event was taking place, the National Tourism Policy (NPTP) presented its work and plans for the future. The purpose of this presentation was to encourage net positive commitments and to demonstrate how the travel and tourism industry can actively conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. This would position the industry as a key player in protecting nature for future generations.
The NPTP is scheduled to participate in the final plenary, which will advocate for greater recognition of the sector’s potential to deliver on the GBF goals. It will also advocate for additional assistance in developing public and private partnerships to drive policies and actions towards an environmentally friendly industry.
In addition, Gloria Fluxà, Vice Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar and Chair of the Sustainability Committee at WTTC, will deliver a speech to key figures worldwide during the event.
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“The eyes of the world are upon us, and we must act,” stated Julia Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Trade Centre. It is just not possible to squander any time. Because the travel and tourism industry is so dependent on the natural world, and because we produce inspiring and unforgettable experiences, we are in an ideal position to protect the natural world.
Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Tourism, highlighted that “the sector’s catalytic abilities are now widely known.” Tourism, unlike any other economic activity, has the potential to be an agent of positive change through proper management. Our commitment is to develop an environmentally conscious travel and tourism industry.
According to Glenn Mandziuk, the Chief Executive Officer of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, “The Nature Positive Tourism Partnership represents a crucial evolution in the tourism and hospitality industry, as we increasingly recognise our responsibility to protect and regenerate biodiversity.” The purpose of this program is not simply to establish new standards; instead, it aims to encourage our industry by disseminating the most successful methods from all around the world.