The World Travel & Tourism Council and the United Nations Environment Programme have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a framework for cooperation to accelerate the transition of the global travel & tourism sector toward a more sustainable, circular and resilient future.
The agreement brings together UNEP’s environmental leadership and global sustainability expertise with WTTC’s network of the world’s leading travel & tourism companies to drive meaningful action across circular economy solutions, nature conservation, sustainable food systems and the fight against plastic pollution.
The partnership will focus on turning ambition into implementation by helping businesses align with internationally recognized sustainability frameworks, scale participation in global environmental initiatives, and accelerate measurable progress across the sector.
A key outcome of the agreement is the creation of structured opportunities for WTTC Members to participate, on a voluntary basis, in UNEP flagship sustainability programs, particularly those addressing environmental action, plastics and food waste. This will enable companies to move faster from commitment to measurable results.
Through the collaboration, WTTC and UNEP will also strengthen joint advocacy and global policy leadership, working together to influence international tourism policy and develop recommendations that create an enabling environment for industry-wide sustainability action.
The MoU establishes a structured joint work programme, with agreed priorities and regular high-level coordination. Governance will be supported through designated focal points, identification of priority projects, development of a joint workplan, and ongoing annual and technical working meetings to ensure effective implementation.
The partnership will further enhance global visibility for both organizations, enabling joint participation in international fora, collaboration on events, and expanded knowledge-sharing opportunities, while strengthening engagement between the UN system and the private sector.
Under the agreement, WTTC and UNEP will collaborate to:
- Promote nature-positive and regenerative tourism approaches that protect, restore and finance biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Advance circular economy solutions and help eliminate unnecessary and problematic plastics.
- Expand action on food waste reduction, supporting businesses to measure, report and reduce food waste.
- Strengthen industry engagement on water stewardship, resource efficiency, energy sustainability, ocean and coastal conservation, and sustainable food systems.
- Support capacity-building programmes, pilot projects and implementation initiatives.
- Align industry action with international best practice and UNEP guidance through technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and practical implementation support.
Gloria Guevara, president & CEO, WTTC, said, “Travel & tourism is one of the world’s most effective forces for sustainable development. Through this partnership with UNEP, we are bringing together global leadership, industry expertise and practical action to help businesses accelerate environmental action, reduce waste, protect biodiversity and create lasting positive impact for destinations and communities. Together, we can ensure that the growth of travel & tourism goes hand in hand with a planet that sustains great travel experiences.”
As global travel & tourism continues its growth trajectory, WTTC and UNEP recognize the urgent need to decouple growth from environmental degradation and ensure tourism becomes a force for environmental resilience and ecosystem restoration.
The partnership will run through June 2028 and will be supported through regular strategic dialogue, technical exchanges and collaborative initiatives designed to deliver practical impact for businesses, destinations and communities around the world.
For more information, visit www.wttc.org.
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