Headline results

• Coastal and marine tourism contributed $1.5 trillion to global GDP through its direct activities in 2023 and $3.3 trillion when including its supply chain (3.2% of the world economy). This activity directly supported 52 million jobs and 100 million total jobs when including the supply chain. Its direct tax footprint totalled $820 billion and $1.3 trillion in total when including the supply chain.
• It also created a significant environmental footprint, with its directly attributable (Scope 1) greenhouse gas emissions equalling 0.8% of world emissions, and its total footprint equalling 3.0% of global emissions in 2023.
• Coastal destinations face significant threats from climate change. Dangers such as rising sea levels and extreme weather are already affecting coastal communities.
• Investments to mitigate climate impacts and adapt to its consequences will cost between $30 billion to $65 billion per year for the sector’s Scope 1 footprint, with the lower end of this range representing the minimum for mitigation efforts alone. Mitigation of its total footprint (including scope 2, scope 3, and international transport footprints) will require an estimated $120 billion, while mitigation and adaptation will require an estimated $260 billion.
• To reduce its emissions the Travel & Tourism sector will need to focus on decarbonising transportation emissions, boosting low-carbon electricity generation, and reducing emissions in its supply chain. Much of this will not be in the direct control of the Travel & Tourism sector, meaning it relies on joined-up action from government, international organisations, and other parts of the private sector. It is imperative that Travel & Tourism is a key stakeholder in their efforts to mitigate climate change.
• Adaptation to climate change will involve protecting destinations from climate hazards using a range of solutions including resilient infrastructure, coastal defences, early warning systems and nature-based solutions, with these also requiring coordination with other stakeholders including businesses and governments. When managed well, this can enhance the Travel & Tourism sector’s role as a positive force in coastal communities.

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Tourists flock to the world’s coastal tourism destinations in search of pristine beaches, underwater worlds, waterbased activities, and for the opportunity to see marine life. An estimated 50% of tourist spending takes place in coastal destinations, totalling $3 trillion in 20231 .

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his generates large economic and social footprints, with coastal and marine tourism critical to the economies of many countries. It also results in environmental impacts and contributes to climate change. However, Travel & Tourism is also facing significant threats from climate change that it needs to adapt to.

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This document presents the key preliminary findings from an upcoming report on the value of coastal and marine tourism, the challenges that climate change poses to it, and the investments needed to both mitigate its associated emissions and adapt to climate change.

• Coastal And Marine Tourism Generates Large Amounts Of Economic Value
• Coastal And Marine Tourism Has A Large Environmental Footprint
• Climate Change Is A Significant Threat To Coastal Tourism Destinations
• Significant Climate Funding Will Be Required To Mitigate Impacts And Adapt To A Changing Climate
• Effective Ways To Mitigate Coastal And Marine Tourism’s Climate Impact
• Adapting To The Threat Of Climate Change