Prince Harry Champions Sustainable Tourism in China Amid Global Climate Push
Published Date: 27th May, 2025
Shanghai, May 27, 2025 — Prince Harry made a surprise appearance in Shanghai on May 26, delivering a powerful keynote at the Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference to promote sustainable tourism through his nonprofit initiative, Travalyst. The visit coincided with King Charles III's state visit to Canada, highlighting contrasting royal engagements on opposite sides of the globe.
Leading the Charge for Greener Travel
Addressing industry leaders, Prince Harry emphasized the urgent need for the travel sector to reduce its carbon emissions by 43% before 2030 to meet global climate goals. He highlighted the Asia-Pacific region's pivotal role in driving sustainable tourism practices.
“Climate change isn't just an environmental challenge—it's a critical business emergency, costing the global economy $143 billion annually,” he stated. “Now is the moment for the industry to reaffirm its commitment to being a force for good.”
The conference also marked the launch of Travalyst's first two-day Executive Summit, bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to develop actionable strategies for eco-friendly travel. This initiative is part of a global series aimed at turning sustainability pledges into tangible actions.
Travalyst's Mission and Growth
Founded by Prince Harry in 2019, Travalyst aims to make the travel industry more sustainable by providing travelers with information to make eco-conscious choices. Since its inception, the organization has expanded its partnerships to include major travel companies such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, representing a combined market value of over $3 trillion.
Travalyst's recent Five-Year Milestone Report revealed a significant “say-do gap” among travelers: while 83% express a desire to travel more sustainably, only 18% consider sustainability when booking trips. To bridge this gap, Travalyst is working to provide trusted information on booking platforms, helping travelers make informed decisions that benefit local communities and the environment.
A Personal Commitment Amid Royal Tensions
Prince Harry's dedication to environmental causes comes amid ongoing tensions within the royal family. While he was advocating for sustainable tourism in China, King Charles III was undertaking a historic state visit to Canada, marking his first since ascending the throne. Despite personal differences, both royals are engaging in international efforts to address pressing global issues.
As Prince Harry concluded his speech, he left the audience with a resonant message:
“Challenges will undoubtedly rise, but if there's one thing I've learned in my life, it's that meaningful progress requires persistence. The true measure of our commitment is how we respond to setbacks. We must never give up.”
With initiatives like Travalyst, Prince Harry continues to leverage his platform to promote sustainable practices in the travel industry, aiming to create a positive impact on the planet for future generations.
Date: 27th May, 2025
