A can’t-miss report: climate justice in travel & tourism

It’s 2025. Sustainable tourism is king. However, there still is — or at least there should be — an elephant in the room: for where there is talk of sustainability, there must also be ample conversation about climate justice.

Climate justice focuses on equitable solutions to address environmental changes, highlighting the leadership and resilience of impacted destinations. It acknowledges the need for accountability of specific groups for both historical and ongoing negative environmental impact.

The Travel Foundation's report, "Climate Justice in Tourism: An Introductory Guide," underscores the importance of integrating climate justice into the travel and tourism industry. It highlights that regions heavily dependent on tourism are disproportionately affected by climate change. For instance, island destinations face threats from rising sea levels, disrupting tourism and displacing entire communities.

The report emphasizes that the travel industry has a unique responsibility to address these inequities by prioritizing inclusivity, collaboration, and holistic thinking. By doing so, the travel industry can contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities — ensuring that tourism remains a viable and positive force for economic development.

Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) play a pivotal role in promoting climate justice through sustainable tourism. Implementing climate justice in tourism involves several key steps:

• Community engagement: Involving locals and residents in decision-making ensures that tourism development meets their needs and respects their rights.
• Equitable benefits: Communicating that the economic benefits of tourism are vast and have a trickle-down effect that feeds into communities to help them thrive.
• Sustainable environmental practices: Adopting practices that protect the environment ensures that natural resources are preserved for future generations.
• Education and awareness: Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and the importance of climate justice encourages responsible behavior among tourists and industry stakeholders.

Here are fellow DMOs that you can look to for examples of engaging in climate justice initiatives.
 

Colorado Tourism Office

Through its "Care for Colorado" campaign, the Colorado Tourism Office educates visitors about responsible travel practices and environmental stewardship. This initiative aligns with Gen Z travelers' eco-conscious mindset and promotes sustainable tourism.
 

Visit Scotland

Visit Scotland has been proactive in promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and the environment. The team has implemented strategies to reduce carbon emissions and support local businesses in adopting eco-friendly practices. By involving local communities in decision-making processes, the DMO ensures that tourism development is equitable and sustainable.
 

Visit Lake Tahoe

Committed to sustainability, Visit Lake Tahoe partnered with Fill it Forward to distribute 35,000 refillable water bottles, supporting South Lake Tahoe's ban on single-use plastic bottles. Each bottle features a QR code that, when scanned, donates to local environmental non-profits, reducing plastic waste and supporting local environmental efforts.
 

Visit Costa Rica

Visit Costa Rica promotes policies that protect biodiversity and support local communities. Its certification program for sustainable tourism encourages businesses to adopt practices that benefit the environment and local populations, aligning with the principles of climate justice.
 

Visit Copenhagen

Visit Copenhagen has launched initiatives like CopenPay — which rewards tourists for engaging in eco-friendly activities, such as using public transportation or participating in environmental clean-ups. This program aims to reduce tourism's environmental impact while promoting sustainable behavior among visitors.

By embracing climate justice, the travel industry can become a catalyst for positive change, promoting sustainability and equity in destinations worldwide. As the Travel Foundation's report suggests, integrating climate justice into tourism practices is an ethical imperative and essential for the long-term viability of the industry.

Watch the Travel Foundation's report video here for a more in-depth understanding of climate justice in tourism. You can also tune in to the Future of Tourism podcast for a series of candid conversations with industry leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing the travel and tourism industry today.