Travel

Saudi Arabia Launches Int’l Center for Sustainable Travel, Tourism Research

On the sidelines of the Climate Week held in Riyadh, the Global Center for Sustainable Tourism launched a new international research center. Initiated by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the center aims to be a reference for applied research, best practices, and practical tools designed to accelerate the travel and tourism sectors toward achieving zero neutrality.

Addressing Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Since 2019, the travel and tourism sector has been responsible for over 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Without intervention, sectoral carbon emissions are expected to rise 20% by 2030. The center addresses this by aiming to partner with 100 universities and relevant international institutions by 2030, investing in tools and practical resources that will achieve sustainability in the sector. Top-tier academic institutions from the United States, China, France, Spain, and the Netherlands have already joined the Global Center for Sustainable Tourism to realize this vision.

Best Practices and Inclusive Support

The center will provide best practices to meet the needs of the entire sector, including multinational companies with clear, science-based goals, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises that comprise 80% of the sector but often lack the resources to achieve zero neutrality.

Exploring Various Areas of Work

Furthermore, the center will explore various areas of work, including renewable energy, resource management, emission reduction across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, reducing food and other resource waste, including water, while also protecting nature and supporting local communities.

Vision of Saudi Tourism Minister

Ahmad Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Minister of Tourism, said this initiative extends the decision to establish the Global Center for Sustainable Tourism in Saudi Arabia. Announced by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman during the Saudi Green Initiative in October 2021.

“Our global solutions center will commit to empowering small and medium enterprises, travel destinations, and travelers by providing them with the resources they need to achieve zero neutrality,” Al-Khateeb commented.

He pointed out that the goal is for the center to achieve leadership in the field of environmental tourism and provide indispensable tools and solutions for all stakeholders. It will be supported by the Global Center for Sustainable Tourism and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to enable and support the travel and tourism sector to adopt sustainable environmental solutions.

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