What’s the News — Full Details
- Marketing Manchester, together with The Growth Company and VisitEngland, commissioned a report by Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research to provide the first detailed carbon‑emissions analysis of tourism in a major English city‑region. (About Manchester)
- The report covers 2023 data: tourism in Greater Manchester was responsible for roughly 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions — from transport (international and domestic), accommodation, and attractions. (The University of Manchester)
- The report also establishes The Manchester Framework for Tourism Carbon Accounting, a methodology for measuring and managing tourism-related emissions. This framework is intended as a replicable model for other cities and regions. (tourism.marketingmanchester.com)
- The move comes shortly after Marketing Manchester signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, underscoring its commitment to climate action. (Prolific North)
- The report’s findings and recommendations will feed into a new Climate Action Plan for Greater Manchester’s tourism sector, aligned with the wider 2025–2030 visitor‑economy strategy. (The University of Manchester)
In short: this isn’t just a study. It’s a blueprint for transforming tourism in Manchester into a low‑carbon, sustainable sector — and potentially a model for the rest of England.
Case Studies & What the Report Reveals (or Could Lead To)
Case Study 1: Transport — Shifting from High‑Carbon Travel to Rail / Public‑Transport Tourism
What the report shows:
- The bulk of tourism emissions come from how visitors travel into and around Greater Manchester — especially international flights and domestic car travel. (The University of Manchester)
- Domestic car travel is a major contributor even when strong rail networks exist for well‑connected routes. (The University of Manchester)
Proposed response:
- Encourage more visitors to arrive via rail or ferry rather than planes (especially from nearby European countries). (The University of Manchester)
- Promote “car‑free tourism” by integrating public transport, walking/cycling routes, and sustainable travel‑itineraries — helping reduce reliance on petrol/diesel cars. (Travel And Tour World)
Potential outcome:
In the medium‑term, a measurable reduction in transport‑related carbon emissions from tourism. Over long term, a shift in visitor habits — more sustainable, more local, less car‑dependent tourism.
Case Study 2: Accommodation & Attractions — Improving Energy Efficiency and Reducing Footprint
Observation/Findings:
- Though transport dominates, accommodation and attractions (hotels, museums, event venues) also contribute significantly to tourism emissions. (The University of Manchester)
Recommendations from Report:
- Support accommodation providers and attractions to improve energy efficiency — e.g. upgrading heating/lighting, shifting to renewable energy sources, improving insulation. (The University of Manchester)
- Encourage sustainable operations across hospitality and events sectors — potentially via incentives or regulation under the new Climate Action Plan. (tourism.marketingmanchester.com)
Expected Impact:
Lower emissions per visitor‑night, more sustainable building and operational practices, and a tourism sector more resilient to energy‑cost volatility or sustainability regulations.
Case Study 3: Tourism Strategy — Embedding Sustainability into Destination Branding
Background:
Tourism is a major economic driver in Greater Manchester: in 2023, the region recorded 116.7 million visits, contributed £12.7 billion to the economy, and supported ~122,930 jobs. (Prolific North)
New Direction:
With the low‑carbon report and The Manchester Framework, Marketing Manchester aims to lead a “Visitor Economy That Values Both People and Planet.” The intention is to combine economic growth with environmental responsibility. (Prolific North)
Implication:
Manchester could emerge as a global example of sustainable urban tourism — attracting visitors who value sustainability, influencing how attractions & hotels operate, and setting a precedent for other UK destinations.
Expert Commentary & Broader Analysis
Comment 1 — Tourism Can’t Be Viewed Just Through an Economic Lens Anymore
Historically, destination marketing has focused on visitor numbers and spending. The report shows that environmental impact must be part of the equation. By quantifying emissions, Marketing Manchester is acknowledging that growth without sustainability could be self‑defeating.
Comment 2 — Measurement Is the First Step; Frameworks Enable Action
One of the strengths of the report is its methodical approach: not just a snapshot, but a replicable accounting framework (The Manchester Framework for Tourism Carbon Accounting). That means other cities (in the UK or globally) can adapt the methodology — helping shift tourism planning toward net-zero goals.
Comment 3 — Transport Behavior is Critical to Low‑Carbon Tourism Success
Because travel to/from the destination drives much of the emissions, pushing public transport, rail, cycling/walking and low‑carbon routing is essential. Urban destinations which already have good public‑transport infrastructure (like Manchester) are well placed — but success depends on visitor uptake.
Comment 4 — Economic Growth + Sustainability Can Go Hand in Hand if Done Thoughtfully
The report underlines that tourism contributes vastly to jobs and local economy — but with thoughtful planning (green buildings, energy‑efficient infrastructure, sustainable transport), the environmental cost doesn’t have to outweigh economic benefits. It’s a balancing act but feasible.
Comment 5 — This Could Be a Template for Other UK/European Destinations
Since this is the first detailed tourism‑emissions study at the city‑region level in England, it could inspire other destinations to commission similar reports, adopt carbon‑accounting frameworks, and embed sustainability into tourism strategies — changing how cities worldwide approach tourism.
What This Means — And What to Watch Next
- Greater Manchester is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism in the UK — with a clear plan to balance economic benefit and climate responsibility.
- The new report and framework might trigger public‑ and private‑sector changes: hotels, attractions, transport providers may need to adapt operations, energy use, and travel‑infrastructure incentives.
- If successful, we could see a shift in visitor profiles — from high‑carbon, short‑stay tourists to more sustainable, longer‑stay, low‑carbon travellers.
- Other UK cities may follow — leading to a broader shift in the UK’s tourism sector under climate‑conscious rules and consumer expectations.
- For researchers, city planners, and marketers — this provides a methodology and benchmark for measuring tourism’s climate impact, and tools to design greener, more sustainable visitor economies.
- Here’s a detailed case-study + commentary summary of Marketing Manchester’s recent low-carbon tourism initiative:
Overview
- Marketing Manchester, in partnership with The Growth Company and VisitEngland, commissioned the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research to produce the first city-region study on tourism-related carbon emissions in Greater Manchester. (aboutmanchester.co.uk)
- Key findings: tourism in Greater Manchester generated ~2.5 million tonnes of CO₂e in 2023, primarily from transport, accommodation, and attractions. (manchester.ac.uk)
- The report introduces The Manchester Framework for Tourism Carbon Accounting, offering a replicable methodology for cities aiming to manage tourism-related emissions.
- The initiative aligns with Manchester’s commitment to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, and will inform a new Climate Action Plan for the tourism sector.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Transport — Reducing Travel-Related Emissions
- Transport contributes the largest share of emissions, with domestic car travel and flights dominating.
- Recommendations: encourage rail, bus, and cycling-based travel, integrate public transport itineraries, and promote “car-free tourism.”
- Expected impact: significant reduction in transport emissions and long-term adoption of sustainable travel habits by visitors.
Case Study 2: Accommodation & Attractions — Energy Efficiency
- Hotels, attractions, and event venues are notable contributors.
- Recommendations: adopt energy-efficient technologies, transition to renewable energy, improve insulation, and implement sustainable operations.
- Expected impact: reduced carbon footprint per visitor-night and operational cost savings for businesses.
Case Study 3: Tourism Strategy — Embedding Sustainability into Branding
- Manchester’s visitor economy: ~116.7 million visits in 2023, contributing £12.7 billion and supporting ~123,000 jobs.
- The report encourages branding and marketing strategies that highlight sustainability, low-carbon experiences, and ethical tourism practices.
- Expected impact: position Manchester as a global model for sustainable urban tourism, attracting eco-conscious travelers.
Expert Commentary
- Tourism planning must integrate environmental impact — carbon measurement is now as important as economic performance.
- Frameworks enable actionable change — The Manchester Framework provides a methodology other cities can replicate.
- Transport behavior is critical — sustainable transport infrastructure is key to reducing emissions.
- Economic growth and sustainability can coexist — energy-efficient operations can reduce costs while promoting responsible tourism.
- Potential template for global destinations — Greater Manchester may influence tourism policy and strategy in other UK cities and beyond.
Implications & Next Steps
- Manchester is setting a benchmark for low-carbon urban tourism, combining economic development with environmental responsibility.
- Hotels, attractions, and transport providers may need to adapt operations in line with the Climate Action Plan.
- Success may shift visitor profiles toward longer-stay, low-carbon travelers.
- The report provides methodology and benchmarks for measuring tourism’s climate impact and designing sustainable visitor economies.