Tourism Plastic Pledge

Every year over eight million tonnes of plastic ends up in the sea. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world. And thus responsible for a high percentage of pollution. Research shows that hotel room visitors generate far more plastic waste than a normal household in the same region. So with plastic reduction, this industry is making a big impact.

The project: fighting plastic pollution at holiday destinations

In September 2019, CSR Netherlands initiated the International Tourism Plastic Pledge. The now 215 signatories of this pledge recognise the need to work together to reduce plastic pollution. Affiliated are travel organisations, accommodations, certifying parties, sector organisations, NGOs and experts. These include ANVR, Landal GreenParks, Hostelling International, Fox Verre Reizen, Better Places and TUI Group.

"Plastic pollution is a major challenge, both for the attractiveness of destinations and for the environment. TUI Group is convinced that by joining forces we can scale up faster. It is good that CSR Netherlands has moved so many companies to sign the Tourism Plastic Pledge" said Melvin Mak, Manager of Sustainability at TUI.

The result: from national to international with Global Tourism Plastic Initiative

Under the guidance of CSR Netherlands, signatories worked on a concrete plan to reduce plastic use in destinations worldwide and prevent plastic pollution. To maximise impact and strengthen international cooperation, the International Tourism Plastic Pledge (ITPP) transitioned into the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) in May 2021. By working together under the GTPI umbrella, organisations worldwide can collaborate on tackling plastic pollution at holiday destinations. This will help the international sector take action in a coordinated manner.

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative was developed within the One Planet Network's Sustainable Tourism Programme. This is a multi-stakeholder collaboration focusing on the implementation of SDG 12, responsible consumption and production. The GTPI is led by the UN Environment Programme and the World Tourism Organisation, in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

CSR Netherlands is involved as part of the Advisory Group and acts as an active ambassador of the GTPI.

Contribute too?

We invite all parties working in the tourism sector to join the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. Plastic pollution threatens everything that makes holiday destinations worth visiting. Let us make a concerted effort to preserve holiday destinations.