This study represents the dynamic association among tourism, corruption, and CO2 emissions in 59 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2002-2020. For estimation, we utilize dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) methods. To check the robustness, we use common correlated effects (CCE) and dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE). The results find that tourism arrivals, and corruption, increase environmental pollution in the long run. The outcomes demonstrate the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. This study finds an inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and CO2 emissions. Furthermore, this study also establishes the linkages between current findings and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The findings suggest that SDGs are applicable as well as achievable in BRI countries. To achieve the SDGs, the governments of BRI countries should take the necessary measures to prevent corruption and ensure environmental protection for sustainable economic development.