On 6 June, a thematic conference titled “From Momentum to Elevation: Advancing Climate Action in Tourism Beyond COP29” was held in Baku as part of the 71st session of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe.

The conference focused on integrating tourism into national and global climate policies to enhance sector-wide climate action in the post-COP29 period. Discussions emphasized the urgency of accelerating climate action and reducing emissions in tourism, promoting sustainable tourism practices across Europe, and mobilizing resources for a green transition.

Speakers highlighted that both the Glasgow Declaration and the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in the Tourism Sector encourage governments, private sector entities, and other stakeholders to set emission-reduction targets and support climate-related initiatives.

Panel sessions explored two key themes: “Mitigation – Practical Steps for a Low-Carbon Tourism Future” and “Adaptation – Preparing Tourism for a Changing Climate.”

Topics included tourism decarbonization, practical methods for measuring and reducing emissions, managing climate risks such as sea-level rise, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss, as well as integrating sustainable infrastructure and adaptation strategies into tourism planning.

Participants also reviewed Azerbaijan’s climate initiatives in the tourism sector, including the development of a Tourism Climate Action Plan and the application of sustainable infrastructure principles in tourism projects.