On November 18th, the seminar “Joining Hands with Asia’s Travel Industry | Embracing Sustainable Travel” was held in Beijing organized by WWF China, the China Association of Travel Services (CATS), and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA). Over 120 participants from China, Thailand, and Vietnam attended, including government officials, representatives from NGOs, tourism sectors, and research institutions. The seminar served as a crucial platform for advancing the green transformation of Asian tourism, focusing on local biodiversity, current practices and outcomes, opportunities and challenges, and exploring new models and pathways for sustainable tourism.
According to WWF’s Living Planet Report 2024, wildlife populations monitored worldwide have declined by 70% over the past five decades, signaling a critical threat to ecosystem stability. Other reports also highlight urgent issues such as rising temperatures, food security, and plastic pollution. However, the launch of WWF’s Sustainable Travel Alliance, which has expanded its membership from 21 to 50, signals a positive shift towards proactive action in the tourism industry.
Countries in Eastern Asian countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are major destinations for Chinese tourists but also hotspots for illegal wildlife trade. Tourist involvement in these activities poses significant threats to wildlife populations and ecosystem balance. Raising awareness about sustainable travel practices among tourist is crucial for protecting biodiversity and promoting a resilient tourism industry. Achieving this goal requires collaboration between governments, tourism companies, research institutions, and the media.
In the spirit of collective action, delegates shared insights on corporate engagement, product innovation, and the development of industry standard. China and Vietnam each presents their sustainable travel guideline, offering valuable lessons and strategies. The seminar concluded with a speech on CATS’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) group standards, which sparked lively discussions and led to the consensus that sustainable tourism is a long-term challenge. While it requires collective effort, it benefits to both society and the environment.
