As COP29 approaches this November, HNtv INSIDERS sat down with Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism and Willy Legrand, Professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management at IU International University of Applied Sciences in Germany to discuss the inaugural UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism.

This marks the first time tourism will be specifically addressed at a UN climate change conference. During their conversation, Zoritsa Urosevic revisited the idea of a science-based economy in tourism, which incorporates scientific research and data-driven strategies into tourism planning for enhanced sustainability.

They also highlighted UN Tourism's flagship initiative in collaboration with the University of Oxford SDG Impact Lab to develop the first global, standardised Enviromental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework for Tourism Businesses. This Framework supports UN Tourism’s mission to decouple tourism growth from its environmental and social impacts, a critical step towards ensuring a sustainable future for the entire sector.

The 30-minute interview explores the vital role of tourism in advancing the global sustainability agenda as major international environmental discussions loom.

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