Protecting Coastal Areas From Effects of Tourism, Climate Change Will Cost Up to $65 Billion Annually

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has produced a report showing that protecting coastal areas from the dual effects of climate change and tourist activities will require annual investments of up to $65 billion. The organization previewed the report at COP29.

“Coastal and marine tourism is a lifeline for millions globally, generating US$1.5 trillion to the world’s economy. But it’s on the frontline of climate change,” said Julia Simpson, President & CEO WTTC. “Protecting our coast and marine life isn’t just an environmental necessity; it’s a social imperative…. Given the economic and social value of coastal tourism we are calling on governments, development organisations and Travel & Tourism businesses to act now to safeguard these vital natural resources.”

In 2023, coastal and marine tourism directly generated US$1.5 trillion and supported 52 million jobs globally. It also accounted for approximately 50% of all tourists’ spending globally, generating $820 billion in direct tax revenue to the communities it supports. 

Despite its economic importance, the environmental footprint from coastal and marine tourism calls for rapid mitigation and adaptation measures. The report highlights that coastal and marine tourism directly contributed 0.8% of global GHG emissions in 2023, equating to 390 million tons of CO2.

Coastal destinations worldwide, especially those in vulnerable regions, face mounting threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather, and coastal erosion. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Pacific coastal areas in particular, are under severe strain, with rising climate-related displacement and economic losses posing urgent challenges.

Developed in collaboration with Iberostar Group and Oxford Economics, the soon to be released report Climate and Ocean: Quantifying Coastal and Marine Tourism and Protecting Destinations underscores the dual need for climate action and resilience-building.

This report was developed to support the Coastal Tourism Breakthrough under the leadership of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, and the UN High Level Climate Champions, which, since COP22 in 2016, have been instrumental in mobilizing non-state actors to advance the Paris Agreement’s objectives. 

Gloria Fluxa, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer for Iberostar Group and Chair of WTTC’s Sustainability Committee, said, “It is never too late to act. To safeguard our industry, its people, and the ecosystems we rely on, we must focus on mitigating our operations, transforming supply chains, and investing in nature with nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Decarbonization and adaptation are essential investments to building a resilient, nature-positive tourism model.”