KATHMANDU: UN Tourism has reported major advances in aligning the global tourism sector with climate action following two Tourism Thematic Days held on November 19–20 at COP30 in Brazil.

The sessions, organized with Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism, focused on strengthening governance through UN Tourism’s Interinstitutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action and accelerating implementation of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic said faster progress in decarbonization, adaptation and regeneration — backed by stronger investment — is essential for tourism’s Net Zero transition.

A key outcome was the inclusion of a Plan for Accelerated Solutions (PAS) under the UNFCCC High-Level Climate Champions, establishing unified approaches for measuring, mitigating and adapting to climate impacts, with emphasis on forests, oceans and biodiversity. The PAS also supports the creation of a Global Partnership for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism, linked to the COP29 declaration endorsed by 70 governments.

Adaptation featured prominently at COP30, with discussions on integrating climate-risk data into tourism planning, community-led adaptation, nature-based solutions, and circularity of plastics, water and food. Participants also examined opportunities in alternative fuels, reforestation, coral restoration, blue carbon projects and blended-finance models for low-carbon tourism.

UN Tourism and Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism launched a call for input on advancing regenerative approaches in tourism to strengthen ecosystem health and community well-being.

The Tourism Thematic Days were complemented by global virtual sessions with Travalyst and The Travel Foundation, expanding international engagement. A signing ceremony welcomed new members to the Glasgow Declaration, including Rio’s Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary.

UN Tourism said the outcomes reinforce tourism’s evolving role as an active contributor to global climate solutions, with stronger governance and adaptation now embedded in the international climate agenda.