Spotlight: Sustainable Travel & Tourism News Highlights
Copenhagen rewards sustainable travelers. Booking, WSU discuss sustainable travel intention/action gap. IHG launches Low Carbon Pioneers program. Pinerary launches w/ sustainable travel tips. And much more.
Brands in today's highlights: Visit Copenhagen, Booking.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Pinerary, Explore Worldwide, Amadeus, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, Visit Truckee-Tahoe, TUI and many more.
Copenhagen Will Reward Environmentally-Responsible Tourists With Free Perks
“Copenhagen has long been hailed as one of Europe’s coolest and most progressive cities, and the latest campaign announced by its tourism board only serves to bolster its reputation. The trial program begins on Monday, July 15, and will reward travelers for acting in an eco-friendly manner. Those who engage in an environmentally responsible activity like riding a bike, taking public transportation, or collecting plastic will be offered a thank-you gift. These free perks may come in the form of a meal at a restaurant, coffee, wine, Danish pastries, museum admission, kayak rentals to float along the river, and extra activity time at leisure centers or cultural workshops.”
Consumers Want to Travel Sustainably, Are They Acting on It?
“The majority of Americans want to prioritize sustainability when traveling, so what's keeping them from following through? Researchers at Washington State University looked for an answer in hopes of learning how to make sustainable travel easier to act on.”
IHG’s New Hotel Group Aims to Lead in Sustainability Efforts
“IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched the Low Carbon Pioneers program, aimed at hotels adhering to stringent sustainability standards. Announced on Wednesday, this initiative targets hotels that operate without consuming fossil fuels, except for emergency generators, utilize renewable energy sources, and hold valid sustainability certifications. This program serves as an experimental platform for green innovations and aims to appeal to environmentally mindful corporate clients.”
Bridging the gap between desire and action for more sustainable travel choices
“Consumer surveys typically show that people want more sustainable choices in principle, but don’t always choose them in reality. Booking.com’s head of sustainability Danielle D’Silva gives her thoughts on closing the desire-action gap in the travel industry.”
Pinerary Revolutionizes Travel Planning with Real Itineraries and Sustainable Travel Tips
“In addition to enhancing the travel experience, Pinerary is deeply committed to sustainability. It recognizes the environmental challenges posed by travel and is dedicated to sharing insights on how travelers can make more eco-friendly choices. Pinerary aims to inspire people to explore the world responsibly while creating lasting memories.”
Ecotourism growing faster than ever
“The increase in ecotourism has been brewing for a few years. A 2022 survey found that more than 80% of travelers believed ecotourism to be important. While hotels and resorts continue to adjust to the ever-changing industry, they must consider consumer wants and expectations. This means the creation of more opportunities for guilt-free getaways and the option to leave a reduced carbon footprint without sacrificing the creature comforts of travel.”
UK Government’s New Initiatives to Boost Travel, Tourism, and Sustainability
“The United Kingdom’s new government is implementing robust measures to rejuvenate the travel and tourism sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. The strategic focus combines boosting travel and tourism with an emphasis on sustainability, ensuring long-term benefits for the industry and the environment.”
Global Travel Company Calls on Industry to Put the Planet Alongside Profits
“With just weeks to go until the 100-day countdown to COP29 begins, Explore Worldwide, owned by Hotelplan Group, announced it is the first adventure tour operator to offer customers the opportunity to buy sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) alongside their holiday.”
Amadeus And Clear Sky Unite For Sustainable Aviation Development
“Amadeus has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Clear Sky, signaling its intention to invest in Clear Sky’s inaugural fund aimed at promoting sustainable aviation. This potential investment from Amadeus, a leader in travel technology, aligns with its broader mission to foster a more eco-friendly travel industry. By supporting Clear Sky, Amadeus is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable advancements in aviation.”
Jet2Holidays Offers a Certified Sustainable Hotel Package
“Jet2Holidays has introduced a collection of Certified Sustainable Hotels, which are accommodations that meet global sustainability standards. These hotels have been assessed by independent organizations and certified based on criteria recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The certification process involves evaluating various practices, such as reducing energy, water, and waste, sourcing products locally, and supporting local communities. This initiative aims to provide travelers with more responsible accommodation options that contribute positively to local economies, communities, and environments.”
Visit Truckee-Tahoe launches sustainable Truckee Visitors Guide, promotes responsible tourism
“Visit Truckee-Tahoe (VTT) unveiled its latest initiative, the Sustainable Truckee Visitors Guide. This digital and printed guidebook is designed to educate visitors on how to enjoy Truckee responsibly. The initiative is part of VTT’s broader Sustainable Truckee program, which includes over 20 programs (such as $570,195 in funding for TART Connect) aimed at balancing tourism with environmental stewardship and community well-being.”
TUI Group’s CEO Sebastian Ebel in Madrid Champions Sustainable Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
“Tourism is a driver for the economic and social development of destinations. To this end, TUI harmonises economic, social and environmental sustainability. Green energy and sustainable fuels, the strengthening of educational and training opportunities, concepts for the economical use of water in hotels and on cruise ships: Sustainability is part of TUI’s DNA.”