International Travel & Tourism Sector Cuts Emissions Intensity as Financial Prosperity Grows

WTTC launches newest Environmental & Social Research in partnership with Omran

Rome, Italy: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with Omran, as we speak unveiled its Environmental & Social Research (ESR) 2025, displaying that whereas the sector has surpassed its pre-pandemic financial peak, its carbon footprint stays beneath 2019 ranges, and its constructive social impression proceed to develop.

According to the worldwide tourism physique, Travel & Tourism’s world greenhouse gasoline (GHG) emissions in 2024 have fallen by 9.3% since 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, and now account for a 7.3% share of complete world GHG emissions, down from an 8.3% share in in 2019.

Whilst the sector’s environmental impression decreased, its GDP footprint grew 6% past its pre-pandemic peak from $10.3TN in 2019 to $10.9TN final yr.

This decline displays a discount in emissions depth (emissions per unit of financial output) which has fallen by 15% since 2019, with Travel & Tourism steadily producing extra financial worth whereas producing fewer emissions.

The majority of the decline in depth has been pushed by enhancements in effectivity, together with a 16.6% uptick within the adoption of low-carbon power throughout the sector, and a 5.7% drop in the usage of fossil fuels

WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara stated: “This is clear evidence that Travel & Tourism can grow while reducing its environmental impact. But we need to continue to accelerate action. Our data shows that 40% of our emissions lie in transport, and a further 19% in purchased electricity. We also know that 57.4% of our emissions lie in our supply chain.

“We must double down on sustainable fuels, renewable energy, and low-carbon infrastructure, and key to achieving this is effective public-private partnerships.”

Social Impact: More Jobs, More Opportunities

Travel & Tourism helps one in 10 jobs globally. Crucially, the sector performs a major function in advancing social inclusion, offering essential employment alternatives for girls and youth; and thereby driving a constructive social change.  

In 2024, the sector supported 126MN feminine employees, a rise of 6.3MN over the earlier yr and surpassing the pre-pandemic peak by 4.3MN.  

Youth employment within the sector rose by 2.3MN in 2024, exceeding 2019 ranges by 2.4MN.  The share of youth in Travel & Tourism outperforms the broader economic system, with the direct youth share of T&T employment at 15.7%, in comparison with 13.7% for the general economic system.  

A Force for Good

The ESR outcomes affirm Travel & Tourism’s rising function in advancing environmental and social progress.

Dr. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Oman Tourism Development Company, stated: “At OMRAN Group, we are proud to partner with WTTC as its Sustainability Data Partner, reinforcing Oman’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. This collaboration allows us to bring robust data and insights to the global stage, helping shape evidence-based strategies that balance economic growth with sustainability leadership. 

“We see this partnership as a catalyst to accelerate our own sustainability agenda, inspire our partners, and contribute to global efforts in its move towards sustainable tourism and empowering local communities.”

“Travel & Tourism is driving constructive change throughout economies and societies,” added Guevara. “From creating high-quality jobs to reducing our share of global emissions, our sector is proving it can be both resilient and responsible. With the right partnerships, the sector will continue to be a force for good for people, planet, and prosperity.” 

Tax Contribution: Strong Revenues for Governments

In 2024, Travel & Tourism generated $3.5TN in tax revenues, up from $3.3TN in 2019, representing a 6.1% enhance, and one-tenth of complete world authorities revenues.  

WTTC is urging policymakers to acknowledge this substantial contribution earlier than implementing new tourism-specific taxes, and to make sure that revenues are invested again strategically into native communities and infrastructure so as to catalyse constructive environmental and social impacts.

Get the ESR Factsheets.