Emerging opportunities in the evolving travel and tourism landscape2 As the T&T sector recovers and evolves, key opportunities begin to emerge that have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future. By embracing these opportunities, stakeholders can develop innovative solutions that address global challenges and deliver enhanced value to travellers and local communities. The growing awareness of environmental issues presents a unique opportunity. Environmental impact is a crucial consideration for three out of every four travellers.18 For instance, regenerative tourism approaches can serve as catalysts for environmental conservation by developing innovative eco-tourism models (e.g. NZ Māori Tourism)19 while leveraging tourism revenue to support conservation initiatives. Despite continuing sustainability efforts, the T&T sector still contributes over 8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accounts for 10% of global energy consumption.20 Equally, the mounting problem of waste and plastic pollution management requires urgent attention.21 In addition, the sector should continue to make strides towards protecting biodiversity and regenerating natural habitats. Opportunities for partnerships between tourism businesses, the public sector and conservation organizations arise as ways to solve the challenge. For this, key enablers could be leveraging advanced technologies for monitoring environmental impact, and developing new or repurposing existing tourism infrastructure and operating models to enhance natural ecosystems (see case study 1). Specifically for urban tourism, integrating nature-positive principles into cities’ design and development can enhance the urban tourism experience while contributing to biodiversity-rich environments (e.g. Singapore Changi Airport).22 CASE STUDY 1 Collaboration boosts number of mountain gorillas in Rwanda In 1981, only 245 mountain gorillas were left in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Some 25 years later, thanks to ecosystem collaboration including scientists, the local community and the government, more than 600 gorillas live in the area. In 2021, gorilla tourism generated $164 million in part from increasing gorilla permit costs to attract luxury travellers and minimizing pressure on the natural habitat. Part of this money has been used to protect gorillas and their habitats, in addition to law enforcement. Local communities adjacent to the park have benefitted from these efforts. The government in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board has adopted a policy under which 10% of all revenue generated by the national parks is given to the local communities. It has successfully funded over 700 community-based projects with an investment of over $5.5 million, while reducing poaching and encroachment in the area. Source: Far and Wil Travel;23 Rwanda Development Board;24 Volcanoes National Park Rwanda25 Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth 7

Future of Travel and Tourism 2025