The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI), a collaborative effort led by UNEP and the UNWTO in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, is rapidly gaining traction in the global fight against plastic pollution in the tourism sector. With 145 signatories pledging their commitment to the cause, the GTPI is making significant strides towards achieving SDG 12 and working towards a plastic-free future, shared UNEP.
The GTPI serves as a vital multi-stakeholder partnership, providing a shared vision, support, and framework for the tourism industry to tackle plastic pollution. Its core objectives include eliminating unnecessary plastic packaging and items, transitioning to reusable models, increasing recyclability and compostability, and improving recycling rates. Signatories are also required to publicly report on their progress annually, ensuring transparency and accountability.
A noteworthy milestone for the GTPI was reached in November 2022 during the national-level CEO round table on ‘Sustainable Tourism’ organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with UNEP and Responsible Tourism Society of India. Seven prominent organisations from India’s tourism industry joined the GTPI as signatories, including Leela Palaces, CGH Earth Experience Hotels, ITC Hotels, SITA, Travel Corporation India, Far Horizon Tours, Travel Agents Association of India, and DTORR.
The dashboard aims to provide a comprehensive resource for understanding and advancing sustainable tourism practices of the various countries/ destinations. MoT will curate case studies and put them on the dashboard. The information will be regularly uploaded and made available for the next three years. It will be open to all stakeholders and G20 member countries.
Atul Bagai, Head of UNEP India Country Office, stressed the urgency of combatting plastic pollution in the tourism sector and the need for tangible actions on the ground. “There is enough evidence and science which has already established the negative impacts of plastic pollution, including microplastics, not only on the environment, animal species and ecosystems, but on human health as well. What we need now, are strong actions on ground. Sectors like tourism provide an opportunity to address plastic pollution through circular economy interventions, at both demand and supply sides. There is increased awareness on plastic pollution in the tourism sector but it’s time to prioritise impactful solutions and take ambitious actions to tackle it,” he said.To further advance the cause, the Ministry of Tourism is organising a side event titled ‘Towards a Circular Economy of Plastics in Tourism – The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative’ in collaboration with UNEP and UNWTO. This event aims to engage tourism stakeholders in adopting circular approaches throughout the tourism value chain to combat plastic pollution. The agenda includes high-level introductory remarks, a keynote presentation on the action framework proposed by the GTPI, a panel discussion with industry representatives, and a signing ceremony to welcome new organisations adhering to the GTPI.The GTPI welcomes different types of signatories, including businesses from various tourism subsectors, destination management organisations at the national and local levels, and supporting organisations such as associations, NGOs, and certification schemes. By fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable practices, the GTPI is poised to create a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution. According to UNEP, its aim is to drive transformative change within the tourism sector, ensuring a cleaner and more responsible future for the industry and the planet as a whole.
The GTPI’s efforts perfectly align with the growing global awareness of the harmful effects of plastic pollution. By uniting stakeholders across the tourism industry and championing a circular economy, the initiative holds the promise of a plastic-free future for one of the world’s largest economic sectors.
Also, Coming on heels of the conclusive Tourism Working Group Meeting scheduled to commence in Goa from Tomorrow, couldn’t give a better time and opportunity for India to showcase it’s sense towards sustainability, supported by the fact that the tourism track of India’s G20 presidency has marked ‘Greening of Tourism’ as one of the five key priorities.
