The programme is jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Brazil and UN Tourism, with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It builds on the success of the first-ever Tourism Day held at COP29 in Baku in 2024, further integrating tourism into the COP framework and global climate dialogue.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting: “Tourism is once again demonstrating that it is not only vulnerable to climate change but also part of the solution. The Tourism Thematic Days at COP30 will show how collaboration, innovation, and investment can transform the sector towards a low-carbon and resilient future.”
Tourism as a driver of climate solutions
The two-day programme will convene Ministers of Tourism and Environment, international organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society to explore how tourism can accelerate climate action across six key areas of the COP30 Action Agenda – including energy, biodiversity, food systems, finance, and human development.
The discussions will highlight tourism’s capacity to support sustainable livelihoods, resilient communities, and regenerative economies, especially in destinations that depend on healthy ecosystems and cultural heritage. The agenda also underlines tourism’s interconnection with food systems transformation, circular innovation, and inclusive development pathways.
Building on the legacy of COP29
The inclusion of tourism at COP29, facilitated by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and UN Tourism, laid the groundwork for this year’s expanded programme. COP30 will feature a combination of high-level dialogues, technical sessions, and side events across the Blue and Green Zones, complemented by online sessions organized with Travalyst and The Travel Foundation to reach a global audience.
Joint commitment to action
The Tourism Dialogue at COP30 will reinforce tourism’s role in advancing practical measures to cut emissions, manage climate risks, and improve governance and access to finance across the sector. These initiatives align with the ongoing implementation of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and the work of the Executive Council Interinstitutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action, established by UN Tourism’s Member States.
Celso Sabino, Minister of Tourism of Brazil, highlighted the country’s leadership in this process: “Brazil is proud to host this global dialogue and to share our experience in developing a national climate plan for tourism. Through collective action, we can ensure that tourism protects nature, empowers communities, and supports the world’s transition to sustainability.”
With tourism’s inclusion at COP30, the sector continues to strengthen its contribution to global climate goals and its role in shaping a resilient and regenerative future.
Tags: Celso Sabino, Tourism Brazil Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism
