A number of larger Atol holders have not made public commitments on sustainability
Less than a third (30%) of the UK’s biggest travel companies have proactively and publicly published comprehensive sustainability plans, new research carried out in partnership with the ITT’s Sustainability Committee has revealed.
We at TerraVerde Sustainability analysed the websites of the UK’s top 50 Atol holders for evidence of their sustainability commitments and strategies, while also evaluating their efforts to promote sustainable travel choice.
The findings revealed:
- More than 40% failed to mention sustainability in any capacity;
- Only 30% had shared credible sustainability strategies on their sites;
- Only 14% had set science-based targets aligned with the Science-Based Targest initiative’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard; and
- Just three had signed the UNWTO-backed Glasgow Declaration for Action in Tourism.
Tourism is currently responsible for between 8-11% of global carbon emissions. With the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasting the sector being likely to grow in GDP terms by nearly two-thirds (64%) over the next 10 years, there is dramatic potential for further increases.
Managing this growth while minimising environmental impact poses a significant challenge for the industry. The largest companies in our sector – those with the greatest influence and the most extensive supply chains – should surely therefore take the lead.
While the likes of Jet2 plc, Tui, easyJet, Booking.com and Expedia should be commended for their efforts, these giants typically have the greatest resources to hand – and there is evidence to suggest being part of the transition to responsible tourism needn’t be resource dependant.