The Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism has been signed by some of the biggest names in the industry and features commitments to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest.

Those signing the declaration commit to delivering a “concrete” climate action plan, or an updated plan, within 12 months.

The 300-plus organisations to sign the declaration so far include hotel giant Accor, Aito, Etoa, Iberostar, Intrepid Travel, Skyscanner, Visit Scotland and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “While many private businesses have led the way in advancing climate action, a more ambitious sector-wide approach is needed to ensure tourism accelerates climate action in a meaningful way.

“The Glasgow Declaration is a tool to help bridge the gap between good intentions and meaningful climate action.

The declaration has been development through the collaboration of several organisations including the UNTWO, the Travel Foundation, One Planet Network and Visit Scotland.

WTTC chief executive Julia Simpson called the declaration an “important collective call for heightened ambition in the travel and tourism sector”.

“The Glasgow Declaration is a real opportunity for travel and tourism to unite and show true leadership as we strive towards net zero,” added Simpson.

The launch event at Cop26 featured a panel discussion focusing on the importance of increased action on climate change by the tourism and travel industry.