During the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), held in Azerbaijan from 11–22 November, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) highlighted the critical role that tourism has to play in advancing climate action, while outlining their own vision for greener travel in Malaysia.
MATTA President Nigel Wong used an expert panel discussion to introduce the MATTA Sustainable Tourism Initiative; an ambitious collaboration that involves various multi-sector stakeholders, with a remit to advance eco-centric practices across Malaysia‘s tourism industry.
Comprising organisations such as Climate Governance Malaysia, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), RHB, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), the initiative focuses on a combination of talent development, standard setting and advocacy for sustainable government policy.
The plan focuses on leveraging the potential of eco-tourism by empowering communities to be more involved in the sector’s decision-making processes. It is thought that by integrating communities more clearly into the tourism value chain, the industry can create new economic opportunities while also preserving natural resources. This strategy is expected to not only improve the visitor experience, but also ensure that tourism benefits local populations and contributes to environmental conservation.
Another key area that the Sustainable Tourism Initiative is focusing on is the aviation sector, which has long been considered one of the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG). During COP29, Rahimah Farjan Ali from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) covered the company’s plan for mitigation strategies, along with some new technological solutions. This includes sustainable airline fuel (SAF), improving operational efficiency, and establishing carbon offsetting programmes.
Expanding on this commitment to lower the industry’s carbon footprint, Frank Radstake highlighted the need to reduce emissions across all travel sectors. He advocated for a holistic approach that includes expediting the transition to renewable energy sources, developing more sustainable infrastructure and promoting responsible travel practices among international visitors. Radstake emphasised the need for immediate, collective action and long-term sustainability planning.
During COP29, the MATTA Sustainability Initiative provided a roadmap for tourism development in the years ahead, highlighting the major impact tourism can have in shaping a more sustainable future for Malaysia and the world. Crucial to this process will be continued collaboration by all industry stakeholders. As Nigel Wong stated in the panel discussions, “together, we can take meaningful steps towards a greener, more sustainable world.”
