The topic of sustainability in the travel industry has received a lot of attention lately. Such as: What defines sustainable travel? Or what steps can I take to reduce my company’s carbon footprint on business travel?
These have been in people’s thoughts as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent to all of us. A kind of global awareness on the significance of sustainability as a guardian to protect our world and way of life was sparked by the coronavirus outbreak Regardless of the purpose of the trip, travel is essential to mitigating the environmental impact we have on the planet.
According to the UNWTO, “travel that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.”
Essentially, the key is to travel in a way that has the least adverse effect possible on the environment and all life on it. This can include everything from utilising carbon offsets to travelling by public transport whenever possible to using reusable water bottles for the whole trip.
The practical applications of sustainable travel principles are synonymous with business travel as well as sustainable tourism. The main thing to remember is to try your best to minimise the negative impact that any trip can have on the environment, society, and economy while you are away.
Our travel habits and experiences have a significant effect on our ecosystem. A recent study found that travel contributes about 5% of global warming due to carbon dioxide emissions from flying, among other sources. Travelling, however, can also result in excessive water use, soil degradation, improper garbage disposal, greenhouse gas emissions, and more.
So, what are some of the strategies to enhance the environmental responsibility of travel? To lower carbon emissions, short trips should be replaced by trains rather than planes. It is now required by law in certain nations, such as France, and the UK. Germany will soon follow suit.
Players in the travel industry are taking clear, positive steps in the right direction. For instance, RyanAir has promised to eliminate all single-use plastics within the next three years. Single-use plastic bottles for toiletries are being phased out entirely by Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group. Airlines are searching for alternative energy sources. For instance, Qantas has used a 10% biofuel blend on pan-Pacific flights in place of the fossil fuels that are currently widely used.
The social and economic elements of environmentally conscious travel are sometimes overlooked in the bustle of environmental awareness. However, the travel and tourism industry are among the select handful that directly influence almost every one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Ensuring that the money spent on travel within a country’s borders is the social dimension of the travel industry’s sustainable responsibility, which focuses on supporting local economies, cultural heritage, and local culture. It also involves appreciating culture, safeguarding locals, and their businesses, as well as promoting good health and well-being.
In this regard, small adjustments to our travel habits can make a big difference. One of the best ways to make sure that money stays in the community is to encourage tourists to dine at locally-owned restaurants. Another big difference can be made by collaborating with tour operators, travel management systems, or other travel providers who support social causes.
There is no denying that travel around the world has a significant impact on the environment, society, and economy. By addressing most of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is a sector that has the potential to bring about major change. Moreover, integrating sustainable practices into our business and leisure travel is not difficult.
