The UN Climate Summit (COP26) is currently taking place in Glasgow for the 26th time, where world leaders and policymakers discuss what the world can do to solve the climate crisis. Travel industry organization ANVR believes it is important to take its responsibility in the sustainable future of tourism and has signed the 'Glasgow declaration on climate action in tourism' as one of the first European travel industry organizations.
"This signing is a logical step for the ANVR, because we have been committed - together with our affiliated travel organizations - for years to more responsible travel under the name 'Better holidays'. We think it is important to contribute to sustainable tourism and to embed this structurally in business. Sustainable tourism business must be central to the policy of all ANVR travel companies in 2025. This means that we maximize the positive effects of travel and minimize the negative effects in order to achieve a good balance."
Within the European travel sector, the ANVR is a forerunner in this area. This subject will also be extensively on the agenda of the European travel industry organization ECTAA next week. By signing this COP26 statement in the field of tourism, the ANVR and other tourism signatories commit themselves to drawing up a concrete climate plan within a year, including attention for measurable reduction of CO2, making funding available for this and seeking cooperation with other parties, so that tourism can adapt more quickly.
Responsible travel goes further than 'just' this 'climate obligation', according to the ANVR. Many countries are economically/financially dependent on tourism, but both locals and travelers value an attractive destination. ANVR travel companies are therefore working on many other matters within the tourism chain. For example, they are working with Travelife to make accommodations more sustainable, focusing on the (unnecessary) use of water, electricity and waste. There is also cooperation with the local population at the destination. In addition, ANVR travel companies take measures when it comes to combating child abuse within tourism, they apply rules to promote animal welfare and they fight plastic that harms the environment, according to the ANVR. ANVR.
"In all areas, inside and outside the travel sector, we must take action to face the climate crisis. Travel has become an integral part of our society, whether it is a business trip, family visit or vacation; that is why we want to take our responsibility as ANVR towards a sustainable future in tourism.
