Between 2023 and 2050, tourism can increase energy consumption by 154%, water by 152% and waste by 251%, according to an exclusive whitepaper produced for Arabian Travel Market by Digital Tourism Think Tank.
The whitepaper titled ‘Exploring the Future of Tourism Technology’ highlighted that only 15% of UN travel-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to achieve by 2030.
According to UN research, the industry could also generate a 131% increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, Visa and Oxford Economics revealed that consumers face insufficient information and a lack of transparency about conservational travel options.
“The discussions around green travel with people who visited the ATM Innovation Wall highlighted the multifaceted nature of the challenges we face,” Nicholas Hall, Founder and CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank, said in a statement.
Industry professionals who participated in the discussion at ATM urged “the importance of transitioning tourism towards a circular and regenerative model”.
Sustainable tourism strategies
Several GCC governments undertook several initiatives and strategies to focus on environmental-friendly leisure. These include the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, the Saudi Vision 2030, and the Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022-2026.
The topic will also be a key area of focus during the 2025 edition of Arabian Travel Market. It’ll return under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity” in Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May 2025
Several sessions will share sustainable practices and discuss the ethical methods driving the agenda.
“By fostering collaboration, ATM encourages the development of region-specific sustainability frameworks that integrate environmental, social, and economic dimensions” Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said in a statement.
Actions taken
In the 31st edition of ATM 2024, the exhibition introduced various measures. These include using fully recyclable carpet and PVC-free vinyl for all signage and graphics. Working closely with the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM diverted 48% of waste from landfill.
Staff training was also provided. There were also initiatives with Sparklo, a global cleantech company promoting recycling through reverse vending machines (RVM). Over 2,200 bottles and cans were collected, averting 300kg of CO2 emissions.
“A sustainable future requires managing plastic waste, encouraging responsible travel behaviour, and ensuring local community benefit” DTTT CEO emphasised.
“Collaboration between tourism and tech stakeholders can leverage a wider range of expertise and perspectives to develop effective solutions”.
1 Pingback