Greater Manchester’s Destination Management Organisation, has commissioned a new report to help accelerate the transition to low-carbon tourism across the region.
The study, conducted by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, provides the first detailed analysis of carbon emissions from tourism in Greater Manchester and outlines recommendations for developing a low-carbon visitor economy.
Supported by Marketing Manchester, VisitEngland and The Growth Company, the report is the first of its kind for a destination in England and has led to the creation of ‘The Manchester Framework for Tourism Carbon Accounting’ for other cities to follow when undertaking similar assessments.
The visitor economy is a key contributor to Greater Manchester’s overall economy, driving growth and social value, creating jobs and increasing local pride. In 2023, 116.7 million visits were made to the region, contributing £12.7 billion to the economy and supporting 122,930 jobs.
However, the report estimates that tourism in Greater Manchester generated approximately 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in 2023, spanning international and domestic travel, accommodation and attractions, with a significant proportion linked to how visitors travel to and from the region.
While acknowledging the broader challenges of carbon emissions in tourism – particularly those associated with international travel – Marketing Manchester is committed to working collaboratively with partners and taking a proactive approach to reducing the environmental impact of the region’s visitor economy, while also supporting the sector’s growth.
Researchers at the Tyndall Centre have developed benchmark targets aligned with Greater Manchester’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2038. To meet these targets, recommended actions include promoting rail and ferry access, encouraging car-free tourism through integrated public transport and sustainable travel itineraries, and supporting accommodation providers and attractions to meet energy efficiency goals.
Marketing Manchester commissioned the research following its signing of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, reinforcing its commitment to supporting climate action goals.
The findings will inform a new Climate Action Plan for Greater Manchester’s tourism sector, aligned with the five pathways outlined in the Glasgow Declaration: measure, decarbonise, regenerate, collaborate and finance.
This plan will support Greater Manchester’s visitor economy in achieving carbon neutrality by 2038, in line with the region’s wider environmental targets and the Greater Manchester Visitor Economy Strategy 2025–2030, which prioritises sustainability and positive community impact.
This work builds on the strong foundations already in place across Greater Manchester’s visitor economy, which earlier this year saw the region recognised as England’s leading sustainable destination in the Global Sustainability Index – climbing 24 places to enter the global top 40.
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said: “Tourism is a significant contributor to Greater Manchester’s economy, but we cannot overlook its environmental impact. As a destination, Greater Manchester is passionate about driving forward low-carbon tourism, and this report, in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre, is helping us set a standard for other English cities to follow through The Manchester Framework for Tourism Carbon Accounting. Having clear objectives will help us to make a positive impact and support our partners to become greener in the process; all of which will contribute to our region’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2038 and keep our status as a leading sustainable UK destination.”
Richard Walker, Sustainable Tourism Manager at Marketing Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester is constantly making strides to improve its sustainability credentials, especially across the visitor economy. This research by the Tyndall Centre has been crucial in helping us to develop an in-depth Climate Action Plan aligned with the five strategic pathways outlined in the Glasgow Declaration. This Climate Action Plan will provide a clear roadmap to a greener future in tourism across the region, with actionable steps and clear targets. We hope it will act as a catalyst for other Destination Management Organisations to also address climate change and accelerate low-carbon tourism across the UK and beyond.”
Dr Lois Pennington, Climate Researcher at the Tyndall Centre, said: “Tourism connects people with places and cultures, while supporting local economies and jobs. However, this value can’t come at the expense of our environment. In the climate crisis it is vital that the sector becomes sustainable in every sense of the word. Measuring tourism emissions is challenging, but it is important for identifying where change is most needed. By commissioning this research Marketing Manchester has taken an important and proactive step to decarbonise tourism. We hope that this work will not only support Greater Manchester to take action and reimagine what truly sustainable tourism looks like, but also inspire other destinations to do the same.”
