Amin, CEO of COP28, said the economic potential of sustainable tourism is significant. According to the World Economic Forum, nature-positive tourism could generate $230 billion and create 20 million new jobs annually by 2030, provided it is properly managed.

　　“China, one of the world's largest tourism markets, is also seeing growing demand for sustainable travel experiences, creating opportunities for innovation and leadership in low-carbon tourism development,“ Amin said. “Tourism can be a driver of sustainable development and economic opportunity. By aligning with climate goals, the sector can secure its resilience and make a real contribution to the ongoing global energy transition.“

　　According to Bayona, sustainable tourism, or social impact tourism, also offers a lot of opportunities to help the most vulnerable. “When you respect others, when you respect society, when you respect communities, then you are in a win-win strategy,“ she said.

　　Priantha Fernando, former chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, or SLTDA, said that low-carbon tourism goes hand in hand with sustainable tourism, and it ensures that natural resources are utilized in a planned manner.

　　“From environmental, social, cultural and economic perspectives, maximum protection and preservation is provided (in this type of tourism),“ he said. “Resources are used in a planned manner to generate income, and through proper management of such precious resources… all benefit.“

　　Passengers arrive at the Padalarang Station of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Padalarang, Indonesia, on March 29. [Photo/Xinhua]