Riyadh, October 10, 2023, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has made an exciting announcement about the launch of a groundbreaking global research center. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this research hub is poised to become a preeminent authority and a pivotal resource for research endeavors aimed at expediting the travel and tourism sector's journey toward achieving climate neutrality. The center's overarching objective is to provide a repository of best practices tailored to meet the diverse needs of the entire travel and tourism spectrum, ranging from major multinational corporations with specific sustainability goals to micro, small, and medium enterprises, which collectively constitute 80% of the sector.
This research center's focus will encompass a wide array of critical areas, including the exploration of renewable energy alternatives, the efficient management of resources, and the reduction of emissions spanning Scope 1, 2, and 3. It will also dedicate its efforts to finding innovative strategies for curbing food and resource wastage, including water conservation, while simultaneously championing the preservation of natural ecosystems and the well-being of local communities.
With the travel and tourism industry being a notable contributor, responsible for more than 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is imperative to take substantial steps to mitigate these emissions. Without decisive action, carbon emissions within the sector are projected to surge by 20% by 2030.
Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, underscored that this initiative builds upon the commitment to establish the Global Center for Sustainable Tourism in Saudi Arabia, as initially declared by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince during the Saudi Green Initiative in October 2021. Al-Khateeb further emphasized the center's unwavering commitment to providing worldwide solutions that empower small and medium enterprises, travel destinations, and travelers, equipping them with the essential tools to make informed and sustainable choices.
In the words of Al-Khateeb, "Our aim is for the center to become a globally recognized institution, offering invaluable resources and solutions to all stakeholders, with the collaborative support of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the Ministry of Tourism. Through these concerted efforts, we aspire to empower and bolster the travel and tourism sector in adopting environmental solutions that ultimately promote prosperity."
