Experts identify UAE as a prime destination for more sustainable travel
January 8, 2025, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has convened a group of academic experts, industry practitioners, and thought leaders in a series of discussions to explore the opportunities and challenges for the tourism industry in the context of climate change. Through a program of keynote addresses and panel discussions, the Conference on Climate Change and Tourism reflected on the future of the industry in the UAE, exploring how the country can promote more sustainable tourism by combining its numerous visitor attractions to create a one-stop destination for different categories of tourists.
Opening the event, CUD Provost, Dr. Adam Fenech, discussed the scientific history of climate change and revealed some stark predictions for the future if action is not urgently taken, from the destruction of coral reefs to the ultimate elimination of life on earth. He explored some of the geoengineering solutions that have been developed to try and mitigate the consequences of the climate crisis but emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in humanity’s relationship with the natural environment, grounded in traditional, holistic practices.
The conference went on to hear from sustainability advocate, social leader, and entrepreneur, Juhi Yasmeen Khan, who introduced Eco Walk, an initiative she founded with her son, Mohammad Mustafa, to raise awareness and inspire societal action on sustainability. Khan stressed that every individual has a role to play, sharing how her campaign, ChariTREE, mobilised thousands of school and university students to plant a tree.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Daniel Scott, Professor and Research Chair in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Drawing on his decades of experience advising international agencies, including the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Organization, the UN Environment Programme and the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Scott discussed how both physical climate change and the transition to low carbon solutions will impact the tourism industry.
Discussing the opportunities for the sector, Dr. Scott explained how the changing weather will alter the tourist experience, with different destinations gaining popularity as extreme climate events and global warming shift traditional temperature patterns. Conversely, he said that many popular destinations, including renowned cultural and heritage sites, could face destruction from hazardous weather and rising sea levels. Addressing the decarbonization of transportation, Dr. Scott outlined the various measures being tested to reduce emissions in air travel, concluding that tourism policy and climate policy need to align to progress towards sustainable solutions that support justice across the industry.
Reflecting on the role of higher education in climate action, Dr. Scott said, “As academic researchers, we can assist destinations in mapping, understanding, and planning for the potential threats, and work directly with industry partners on projects that can address the challenges they present. We also have a vital role to play in educating the next generation to establish the foundations for a global community that is prepared to tackle climate change through a collaborative approach based on sharing knowledge and expertise.”
Mr. Colin Francis, CEO of Gostoso Coffee went on to deliver a presentation on his climate-focussed business model that promotes regenerative agriculture to support sustainability in the Brazilian coffee industry. Ms. Anke Glassing, General Manager at La Ville Hotel & Suites Dubai City Walk, shared insights into the actions of the hospitality sector in enabling sustainable practices among both staff and guests.
CUD faculty members, Dr. Farooq Haq, Dr. Samar Noaman, and Dr. Leonardo Mataruna shared their insights on sustainability in cultural, medical, and sports tourism in the UAE. In a panel discussion that followed, the academic and industry experts explored how the UAE is uniquely positioned to be a multipurpose travel destination, by offering visitors different experiences in one place. The variety of opportunities to discover ancient culture, view futuristic landmarks, become immersed in nature and attend mega-events, allows visitors to achieve more in a single trip than they could in several sole-purpose journeys, thus making the UAE an appealing option for tourists aiming to minimize their carbon footprint in air travel.
Speaking about the significance of the conference, Dr. Fenech said, “A climate change and tourism conference in Dubai is a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and innovation at the intersection of sustainability and global travel. By addressing the environmental challenges faced by one of the world's most dynamic tourism hubs, such a gathering not only highlights the urgency of collective action but also underscores the potential for sustainable tourism to drive economic growth while preserving our planet for future generations.”
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