Tourism is an activity which depends a lot on climatic conditions and landscapes. But it contributes to the deterioration of its own vital elements when it is wrongly conceived and managed. The development of sustainable tourism, that is an economical rentable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly tourism, is the right way. This is becoming more evident because a larger number of tourists are sensible to the protection of the biodiversity and the phenomenon of climate change.

Strong relationships do exist between tourism and climate change. Carbon emissions caused by transport, accommodation and tourism activities reinforce global warming. The transport sector is particularly guilty, because planes flying at higher altitudes emit tons of carbon more directly into the atmosphere than terrestrial motorized transport means.

Global warming will create shift of seasons and higher temperatures will be favorable for tourism activities in some regions and unfavorable in others. Beaches, winter tourism destinations and biodiversity, will all be affected. It is an evidence that global warming will increase losers and winners in the tourism sector. It is important to see how this phenomenon will affect sub-Saharan African countries where tourism performance is still low compared to other parts of the globe, although they have like Cameroon, a great tourism potential.

Considering its negative influence on climate, one can ask, if more or less tourism should be promoted. We think more tourism is necessary but a sustainable one. Especially in the developing countries, such as Cameroon, tourism can contribute to diversify, the economy and to create employment. Eco-tourism in particular can help to protect the biodiversity, bring additional income to local populations and improve on inter-cultural exchange in relation with its impact on climate.

Tourism actors should recognize negative adduction of the tourism sector on global warming and finance project which aim at reducing green house gases in the atmosphere. Such initiatives are already on-going through voluntary contributions that some NGOs from rich countries proposed to travelers, tour operations, companies, households and individuals who would like to offset the carbon emissions induced by their flight.

If seen from this perspective, tourism can considerably contribute to mitigate climate change. This argument has led integrated youth empowerment center Cameroon to make sustainable tourism, especially ecotourism, part of their activities.