Climate Justice (02/2024)

The ITB (Internationale Tourism Fair Berlin) is just around the corner: From the 5^th to the 7^th of March, trade visitors and exhibitors from over 165 countries will be attending the trade fair in Berlin – the exhibition space is almost fully booked. With the return to the “old normal” in tourism, however, the long-term problems of tourism are also back on the agenda. It is pleasing to see that topics such as diversity and inclusion are strongly emphasized at the ITB Congress, the world's largest tourism industry discussion forum. Good to see, that finally, the global biodiversity crisis is receiving the attention it deserves in the program.

However, if you are trying to find events and discussions on climate protection at ITB, you need a magnifying glass this year. What a pity! The future of tourism – also as a profitable economic sector – largely depends on whether it transforms quickly enough towards climate neutrality. Our introductory article provides an overview of climate engagement in tourism. In an interview with Dr. Ya Yen Sun, we learn about the cost-benefit calculations of the travel sector from an economic and ecological perspective: Unfortunately this balance is worse than in other industries. However, our articles from Latin America and Thailand show that a transformation of tourism is possible, in which climate protection goes hand in hand with stronger economic and positive social impacts. Finally, we discuss climate financing, specifically the newly launched loss and damage fund. Our Bread for the World climate expert Sabine Minninger explains that aviation must be held accountable for climate damages and that ultimately, tourism may also benefit from this!

With the ITB on the horizon, we look forward to many exciting discussions and exchanges with tourism policymakers and businesses at the trade fair. You can find more information about our activities at the ITB here.
Whether you visit us as a trade visitor or exhibitor at booth 201 at the ITB or follow the ITB from home: We hope you enjoy reading and send you warm regards from Berlin!