Climate change is one of the biggest long-term challenges facing the tourism sector now and in the future. Scotland is already considered as a leader in the field of responsible tourism – and now is the time to take it to the next level. 

A responsible and low carbon approach to re-building and growing tourism in Scotland needs to be a priority and destinations have a key part to play. 

VisitScotland are committed to working with the industry, visitors, destinations and communities to create a long-lasting sustainable tourism destination, which will protect the environment and benefit visitors and residents alike. 

As part of this commitment, VisitScotland will be coordinating the Destination Climate Action Plan pilot project, which will support Scottish destinations to identify actions and develop a Climate Action Plan. 

VisitScotland was the first National Tourism Organisation to sign up to the Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiative and was a member of the drafting committee of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, along with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Travel Foundation and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, which was launched at COP26. 

Supporting the Glasgow Declaration presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate globally the decisive action that Scotland’s tourism and events industry is taking over the coming decade, in the face of the climate crisis. 

For Scotland to undertake effective action on its path to Net Zero and deliver on the Scottish Government targets and ambitions of The Glasgow Declaration, it will be necessary to embed climate action into destination strategies and plans. 

As part of the Destination NetZero programme, VisitScotland are running the Destination Climate Action Planning Project, working with the Travel Foundation, who will be providing the advice and support to participating destinations. 

The project will help Scottish tourism destinations build the conditions to create and implement their own climate action plans. 

It supports Scotland’s, and the industry’s, wider commitments to Net Zero and will help destinations to understand and manage their own climate impacts. 

This project is open to all destinations in Scotland – destination organisations, local authorities and other partners involved in tourism strategy development and delivery. 

 

Source: VisitScotland