Principle 6: Commit to regenerative practices Minimize environmental impacts by reducing emissions, promoting clean energy and managing waste effectively while consciously making efforts to regenerate nature. The environmental challenges faced by the sector require moving beyond impact mitigation towards actively restoring and enhancing natural systems. Regenerative practices transform the sector’s relationship with nature from extraction to stewardship, creating positive cycles that benefit both tourism and ecosystems. Regenerative approaches implement decarbonization strategies across operations extending to supply and value chains; develop circular resource systems that eliminate waste and minimize consumption; support active conservation and restoration of ecosystems; and create experiences that connect visitors to nature while enhancing environmental awareness. This principle recognizes that committing to regenerative practices is not merely an ethical or sustainable imperative but also a business necessity for a sector fundamentally dependent on natural assets. Principle 7: Bridge workforce gaps Launch inclusive workforce development programmes that improve skills, invest in talent and enhance job quality. The labour challenges facing the sector threaten both growth potential and service quality. Addressing these challenges necessitates comprehensive approaches that enhance the attractiveness of tourism careers and develop required skills for evolving roles. To bridge workforce gaps it is necessary to create attractive career pathways with competitive compensation and work–life balance; develop education programmes aligned with evolving industry needs; implement smart recruitment and advancement practices with clear development opportunities; and manage technological transition in ways that enhance rather than diminish employment quality. This principle acknowledges that workers are fundamental to value creation and that investing in workforce development has long-term benefits. Principle 8: Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local communities Provide resources and networks that enable SMEs to thrive while delivering meaningful and authentic travel experiences. SMEs form the backbone of the T&T sector, creating the authentic local experiences increasingly valued by travellers while generating broadly distributed economic benefits. Empowering these businesses necessitates targeted approaches that address their distinctive challenges while connecting them to growth opportunities. This implies that there is a need to create accessible and tailored financing mechanisms; develop capabilities that enhance access and efficiency; build networks that increase collective impact and resilience; and strengthen connections between SMEs and large enterprises. This principle acknowledges that tourism’s potential for inclusive economic development depends on the success of community-based enterprises. Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth 25

Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point 2025