Brazil Hosts COP30 with Groundbreaking Discussions on Tourism’s Role in Climate Action, Featuring New Partnerships and Innovations for a Low-Carbon Future

Published on December 6, 2025

Belém, Brazil was the epicenter of global tourism innovation during COP30, where the tourism sector showcased its vital role in addressing climate change. Over two dedicated Tourism Thematic Days, held on November 19th and 20th, 2025, tourism leaders, stakeholders, and innovators gathered to share solutions aimed at creating a low-carbon, climate-resilient future for the sector. The focus was on strengthening governance and advancing adaptation measures to ensure that tourism contributes positively to global climate action.

In an era where climate change is one of the defining forces shaping the future of many industries, tourism has been increasingly recognized for its potential to not only adapt but actively contribute to combating climate change. COP30 provided a platform for tourism to showcase its commitment to accelerating the decarbonisation process, enhancing resilience, and investing in regenerative approaches that align with the global goals for Net Zero emissions.

The Growing Role of Tourism in Climate Action

Tourism’s inclusion in the COP30 agenda followed significant momentum from COP29, where tourism was recognized as a key player in the global climate action movement. At COP30, discussions focused on how tourism can help build a low-carbon and climate-resilient sector. The emphasis was on innovation, collaboration, and adaptation, with clear calls for more investments to drive the Net Zero transition in tourism.

• Governance Strengthening: One of the main outcomes of the discussions was the reaffirmation of the need for stronger governance frameworks to guide tourism in the face of climate change. The UN Tourism’s Interinstitutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action was highlighted as a key mechanism to accelerate climate action in the sector.
• Accelerating the Glasgow Declaration: A major focus of the conversations was the acceleration of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, which operates under the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme in collaboration with UNEP. This initiative aims to help the tourism sector meet ambitious climate targets and play a crucial role in addressing climate change.

Brazil’s Leading Role in Advancing Tourism’s Climate Solutions

Brazil, as the host country for COP30, played a pivotal role in shaping the discussions. Ana Carla Lopes, the Vice Minister of Tourism of Brazil, emphasized the importance of leveraging local achievements in tourism emissions measurement and sectoral adaptation planning. Brazil’s focus on incorporating nature-based solutions and biodiversity stewardship into tourism practices provided a valuable model for other countries.

• Plan for Accelerated Solutions (PAS): A major milestone during COP30 was the launch of the Plan for Accelerated Solutions (PAS) for the tourism sector. This plan aims to unite stakeholders around a shared vision for climate action, integrating measurement, mitigation, and adaptation strategies.
• Forests, Oceans, and Biodiversity: PAS will focus on ensuring tourism contributes to the stewardship of forests, oceans, and biodiversity, reinforcing tourism’s capacity to support the global biodiversity agenda.

Emphasizing Adaptation: How Destinations Can Respond to Climate Risks

Adaptation was one of the strongest themes at COP30. Tourism destinations around the world face increasing challenges from climate change, whether it’s rising sea levels, extreme weather events, or disruptions to biodiversity. In response, COP30 featured numerous sessions aimed at exploring how tourism planning can integrate climate-risk data to make destinations more resilient.

• Integrating Climate-Risk Data: Sessions discussed how destinations can use climate-risk data to inform tourism planning and policy, ensuring that the sector can respond effectively to climate impacts.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Another key discussion point was the role of nature-based solutions in tourism adaptation. From reforestation projects to the restoration of coral reefs, nature-based solutions are being explored as powerful tools to help tourism destinations adapt to the changing climate.

Innovation in Tourism: Pathways to a Sustainable Future

At COP30, the tourism sector also showcased innovative solutions that can help transition the industry toward a low-carbon future. Key topics included alternative fuels, reforestation efforts, and the exploration of blended-finance mechanisms to scale sustainable tourism projects.

• Alternative Fuels for Travel: One of the key innovations being explored is the adoption of alternative fuels in the transport sector, particularly in aviation and cruise lines, to reduce carbon emissions.
• Reforestation and Blue Carbon Projects: Tourism stakeholders are increasingly looking to reforestation projects and the restoration of blue carbon ecosystems (like mangroves and seagrasses) to absorb carbon and support climate resilience.

Regenerative Approaches to Climate Action

One of the most forward-thinking elements of COP30 was the call for regenerative approaches to climate action in tourism. This approach goes beyond simply reducing emissions and looks at ways tourism can restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and improve community well-being.

• Regenerative Tourism Briefing Paper: The Ministry of Tourism of Brazil, in collaboration with UN Tourism, launched a call to develop a Regenerative Approaches to Climate Action briefing paper. This initiative aims to provide practical guidance for tourism businesses to adopt regenerative practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.
• Holistic Approaches: The goal is to create a more holistic approach to tourism development, one that prioritizes the health of ecosystems and communities alongside economic growth.

Global Stakeholder Engagement: A Unified Approach to Tourism’s Climate Role

COP30 also marked a significant step forward in global stakeholder engagement. The Tourism Thematic Days at the conference brought together representatives from across the tourism value chain, including governments, businesses, NGOs, and international organizations, to share best practices and solutions for climate-aligned tourism pathways.

• Global Sessions on Climate Action: These sessions, organized with partners like Travalyst and The Travel Foundation, ensured that diverse voices from all regions of the world were heard, contributing to a richer understanding of the challenges and opportunities in tourism’s climate journey.
• New Signatories to the Glasgow Declaration: A special signing ceremony of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism welcomed new signatories, including Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary in Rio de Janeiro. This highlights how iconic tourism landmarks are aligning their sustainability efforts with global climate goals.

Looking Ahead: COP30 and the Path to a Sustainable Future for Tourism

COP30 marked a pivotal moment in the tourism sector’s journey toward a sustainable future. With a focus on climate action, resilience, and regenerative tourism, the discussions and commitments made at the conference will help shape tourism’s role in addressing climate change in the years to come.

• Tourism as a Climate Solution: The inclusion of tourism in the global climate agenda demonstrates the sector’s potential to not only mitigate its impacts on the planet but also contribute positively to global climate goals.
• Global Partnerships for Climate Action: As countries and businesses continue to work together through initiatives like the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, the Glasgow Declaration, and PAS, the tourism sector is well-positioned to play an integral role in advancing climate solutions.

Key Takeaways from COP30 Tourism Discussions:

• Governance Strengthening: A unified approach to climate action through stronger governance frameworks.
• Accelerated Climate Solutions: Scaling up solutions like alternative fuels and nature-based approaches to tourism.
• Global Collaboration: A stronger global partnership for tourism’s transformation towards a low-carbon future.