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Saudi Arabia commits to conscious tourism with new platform

Saudi Arabia commits to conscious tourism with new platform

Global travel and tourism is currently responsible for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions

The Saudi government has launched the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition that will accelerate the tourism sector’s mission to achieve net-zero emissions.

Launched by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the STGC aims to support the environment, local communities, travellers, governments and the private sector, to ensure tourism enables growth, creates jobs and plays a part in achieving the climate goals laid out in the Paris Agreement.

The STGC will be a platform for shared knowledge and expertise within tourism, as the industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and transitions toward a sustainable future.

Globally, before the pandemic, tourism supported more than 330 million livelihoods and was responsible for creating one in four new jobs around the world 

Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said: “The tourism sector contributes to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions – and this is expected to grow if we don’t act now. Tourism is also a highly fragmented sector. 80% of businesses in tourism are small- and medium-sized enterprises that rely on guidance and support from sector leadership. The sector must be part of the solution.  

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 “Following the vision and leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia is answering this vital call by working with partners that prioritise tourism, SMEs and climate change to create a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition, that will lead, accelerate, and track the tourism industry’s transition to net-zero emissions.

“By working together and delivering a strong joint platform, the tourism sector will have the support it needs. The STGC will facilitate growth while making tourism better for the climate, for nature and for communities.” 

Chief special advisor to the Minister of Tourism, Gloria Guevara said: “For years and years, multiple players across the tourism sector have been working on different initiatives to accelerate the race to zero – but we have been working in silos. The impact of the global pandemic on the tourism sector highlighted the vital importance of multi-country, multi-stakeholder collaboration. And now, Saudi Arabia is stepping up to bring stakeholders together to make tourism part of the solution to climate change.”

For more information, visit www.mt.gov.sa

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