The tourism sector is set to take a serious step in the fight against plastic pollution as part of the Global Plastic initiative.
With the natural environment, places, and wildlife at the center of tourism, the tourism sector has a responsibility to protect and preserve the environment.
According to research by One Planet Network, tourism organizations and destinations contribute to plastic pollution by increasing the number of plastic wastes generated yearly
A large number of plastics are made and disposed of in tourism activities and they lead to a buildup of plastic pollutants.
For tourism organizations, destinations, and associations that take place in the coastal areas, the waterways suffer damaging effects as plastics get dumped and find their way into these water bodies.
According to reports, during peak tourist season, marine litter in the Mediterranean region alone increases by up to 40 percent.
Also, more than 300 million tones of new plastics are produced every year which depletes natural resources, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and ultimately causes global warming.
As contributors to the global challenge and stakeholders in the environment, tourism industries and organizations must come together and take action against plastic pollution.
