Tourism and recreation contribute to more than 10% of the global GDP, and in an increasingly interconnected world, the sector has significant potential to contribute to economic growth and development. The sector also has a large environmental footprint and is projected (in a ‘business-as-usual’ scenario) to generate a 154% increase in energy consumption and a 251% increase in solid waste by 2050.
There are wide range of companies working to green the tourism and recreation sector, including everything from “eco-tourism” and nature-based tours to incorporating practices that reduce resources consumed by using energy efficient appliances, procuring sustainable products, and reducing waste.