.webp?language=en)
Date: 1 July 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for cooperation to accelerate the transition of the global Travel & Tourism sector towards a more sustainable, circular and resilient future.
The agreement brings together UNEP's environmental leadership and global sustainability expertise with WTTC's network of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies to drive meaningful action across circular economy solutions, nature conservation, sustainable food systems and the fight against plastic pollution.
The partnership will focus on turning ambition into implementation by helping businesses align with internationally recognised sustainability frameworks, scale participation in global environmental initiatives, and accelerate measurable progress across the sector.
A key outcome of the agreement is the creation of structured opportunities for WTTC Members to participate, on a voluntary basis, in UNEP flagship sustainability programmes, particularly those addressing environmental action, plastics and food waste. This will enable companies to move faster from commitment to measurable results.
Through the collaboration, WTTC and UNEP will also strengthen joint advocacy and global policy leadership, working together to influence international tourism policy and develop recommendations that create an enabling environment for industry-wide sustainability action.
The MoU establishes a structured joint work programme, with agreed priorities and regular high-level coordination. Governance will be supported through designated focal points, identification of priority projects, development of a joint workplan, and ongoing annual and technical working meetings to ensure effective implementation.
The partnership will further enhance global visibility for both organisations, enabling joint participation in international fora, collaboration on events, and expanded knowledge-sharing opportunities, while strengthening engagement between the UN system and the private sector.
Under the agreement, WTTC and UNEP will collaborate to:
- Promote nature-positive and regenerative tourism approaches that protect, restore and finance biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Advance circular economy solutions and help eliminate unnecessary and problematic plastics.
- Expand action on food waste reduction, supporting businesses to measure, report and reduce food waste.
- Strengthen industry engagement on water stewardship, resource efficiency, energy sustainability, ocean and coastal conservation, and sustainable food systems.
- Support capacity-building programmes, pilot projects and implementation initiatives.
- Align industry action with international best practice and UNEP guidance through technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and practical implementation support.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said:
"Travel & Tourism is one of the world's most effective forces for sustainable development. Through this partnership with UNEP, we are bringing together global leadership, industry expertise and practical action to help businesses accelerate environmental action, reduce waste, protect biodiversity and create lasting positive impact for destinations and communities. Together, we can ensure that the growth of Travel & Tourism goes hand in hand with a planet that sustains great travel experiences."
As global Travel & Tourism continues its growth trajectory, WTTC and UNEP recognise the urgent need to decouple growth from environmental degradation and ensure tourism becomes a force for environmental resilience and ecosystem restoration.
The partnership will run through June 2028 and will be supported through regular strategic dialogue, technical exchanges and collaborative initiatives designed to deliver practical impact for businesses, destinations and communities around the world.
ENDS
For more information about WTTC, please visit wttc.org
For media enquiries, please contact Paul Charles / Philip Allport /
Rob Morris at The PC Agency via [email protected]
About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global body representing the private sector of Travel & Tourism and the leading authority on the sector’s economic and social contribution worldwide. Its members include Chairmen, Presidents and CEOs of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, technology platforms and destinations, spanning every major region globally.
WTTC works to advance sustainable growth across the Travel & Tourism sector by driving collaboration between industry leaders and governments, shaping global policy, and providing authoritative research on the sector’s economic impact worldwide.
About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.