Introduction to The Business of Low-carbon Tourism: The Case of the Tropics

Driven by increasing public demand for greener practices and heightened pressure from regulatory bodies, sustainability has become a central focus of tourism research (Assaf & Josiassen, 2012; Boluk et al., 2017; Higgins-Desbiolles, 2020; Lorek & Spangenberg, 2014). In response, the tourism industry strives–if not to achieve genuine sustainability, then at least to project a greener image–by actively seeking to demonstrate a reduction in its carbon footprint (Chen et al., 2023; Papagiannakis et al., 2024). Despite progress and valuable lessons learned, the tourism industry's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint remain only a small step toward the significant strides required. A recent UNWTO report (2023) underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts to cut carbon emissions. The report highlights the importance of adopting tailored strategies that account for the unique social, economic, and environmental contexts of specific regions, with a particular focus on the tropical region.