MEASURING AND MANAGING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF TOURISM DESTINATIONS

<ns3:p>Purpose. Tourism is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, heightening the need for effective strategies to reduce its environmental impact. The aim of this study is to investigate the awareness of Destination Management Organisation (DMO) representatives about the carbon footprint and to propose an example for calculating the carbon footprint.Method. A questionnaire survey was administered to all 39 DMOs in Slovakia. Synthesis of the results was carried out by comparing relative frequencies and visualising responses to open-ended questions in a word cloud. A methodology for measuring carbon footprint was developed.Findings. The reciprocal relationship between tourism and climate change is explored, explaining approaches such as bottom-up and top-down methodologies for accurately quantifying tourism’s carbon footprint, each with specific applicability, depending on data availability and destination type. A survey of Slovak tourism organisations revealed moderate awareness of carbon footprint issues, although actual measurement practices are lacking.Research limitations and conclusions. An empirical study was conducted exclusively among Slovak destination management organisations, and the results as well as practical implications allow to presume the availability of sufficient financial, data and personnel resources.Practical implications. Prerequisites for future efforts are highlighted, such as financial support, technical training and policy initiatives, to improve sustainability practices within Slovakia’s tourism sector. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive carbon management as a path toward carbon neutrality at tourism destinations.Originality. This is the first type of survey conducted in Slovak conditions aimed at assessing destinations’ awareness of the need for measuring and managing their carbon footprint. Additionally, the paper provides guidelines for measuring the carbon footprint and identifies the prerequisites necessary for its management. Type of paper: This is a Research article.</ns3:p>