Chapter 1: Navigating Towards a Greener Tomorrow: The Imperative of Sustainable Tourism in the Era of Global Climate Change

As the world advances towards a sustainable and more environmentally friendly future, the need for protecting the environment becomes more and more apparent in every area. The tourist business has seen remarkable expansion, making a considerable contribution to the worldwide Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Nevertheless, this expansion has coincided with an increase in the release of greenhouse gases and the deterioration of natural ecosystems. In order to tackle these difficulties, there is an increasing acknowledgment of the need for a fundamental change in approach towards implementing sustainable tourism practices. This chapter analyses the present state of tourism and its contribution to the increase of carbon footprints. It also investigates possible remedies, including the implementation of environmentally friendly hotels, the use of cleaner energy sources, and the adoption of ideas from the circular economy. In addition, by using bibliometric analysis, the chapter offers valuable information on current research patterns in sustainable tourism, such as prominent authors, nations, keywords, and topics. This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future potential of sustainable tourism. It is a vital reference for policymakers, academics, and industry professionals, offering guidance on how to develop a more sustainable and resilient tourist business.