China, Beijing – As China cements its position as the world’s second-largest travel and tourism market, the country is taking major steps to make its tourism sector more sustainable. Tourism-related activities in China account for 15.2% of global tourism emissions, second only to the United States, prompting national and regional authorities to push for eco-friendly and low-carbon tourism.
Key Developments in Green Tourism
1. Renewable Energy in Major Infrastructure
- Beijing Daxing International Airport utilizes a $210 million geothermal heat-pump system, supplying naturally heated water in winter and chilled water in summer.
- This system provides 12.5% of the airport’s heating and cooling energy, avoiding around 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
- Daxing’s example represents a growing trend of renewable energy adoption across China’s tourism sector.
2. Policy Support for Sustainable Tourism
- China’s State Council’s 2021–2025 tourism plan emphasizes green, low-carbon development and nature protection.
- Since the 1990s, the government has promoted eco-tourism, with recent focus shifting to CO2 emission reduction in line with Beijing’s 2060 carbon-neutrality goal.
3. Adoption of Solar and Wind Power
- Universal Beijing Resort has been fully powered by solar and wind energy since 2025.
- Songtsam resort on the Tibetan Plateau uses solar panels and heat pumps for electricity and hot water, demonstrating that even small-scale hotels are adopting renewable energy.
- Renewable adoption improves brand image and aligns with government incentives, including tax rebates.
4. Promoting Low-Carbon Travel
- Booking platforms like Ctrip label hotels and airlines as “low-carbon” based on emissions, encouraging travelers to make sustainable choices.
- Revenue from voluntary carbon-offset fees has been used for global environmental projects, including biomass power plants in Turkey.
5. Waste Recycling and Resource Management
- Hilton Resort in Dali harvests rainwater and recycles unused water for irrigation.
- Local chefs, such as Li Yan, reuse food waste to make organic fertilizers and cooking products, a practice popular with tourists.
- Chinese airlines are experimenting with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming for over 20,000 tonnes usage by 2025, though this currently represents less than 0.1% of annual fuel consumption.
6. Government Programs Encourage Green Practices
- Museums, such as the Palace Museum in Beijing, implement zero-waste campaigns.
- Apps in cities like Wuhan allow residents and tourists to track emission savings and earn rewards for using public transport or shared bikes.
Challenges and Oversight
- While businesses are rapidly adopting “green” practices, concerns over greenwashing have emerged, such as claims by Air China about “carbon-neutral flights” that only partially offset emissions.
- Experts stress the importance of clear government standards, third-party verification, and public awareness to ensure claims of sustainability are accurate and effective.
Conclusion
China’s tourism industry is actively integrating renewable energy, sustainable practices, and low-carbon operations to meet carbon-neutrality goals and attract eco-conscious travelers. With government support, innovative technologies, and growing consumer awareness, China is transforming its tourism sector into a global model for sustainable travel.
