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Sustainability

Travel technology can play a pivotal role in making travel more sustainable. Our members want to empower travelers. By Providing them insights about their transport, accommodations and activities’ green credentials, we let travelers make more environmentally friendly choices. Global policymakers can help unlock the data and standards that will allow consumers to reliably compare different options.

    Travelers are already looking
    for sustainable trips and stays.

    of travelers are likely to book sustainable travel in the future.(Source: Trip)
    0 %
    believe individual travelers should make more sustainable choices. (Source: Skyscanner)
    0 %
    of travelers already actively look for sustainability info when booking transport. (Source: Booking Holding)
    0 %

    Travel providers also know that sustainability efforts are key for the future of travel.

    Natural beauty, livable vibrant cities and just-so weather play an important role in the attractiveness of destinations.  The travel industry is acutely aware of the importance of efforts to curb climate change, limit pollution and protect biodiversity.

    All players in the travel and tourism sector have a role to play in decarbonizing travel: from more sustainable transport options over greener rentals to catering and services with a lower carbon footprint. And initiatives such as the Glasgow Declaration show that the sector is ready to act.

    Travel tech is at the intersection of sustainable supply and demand.

    According to Booking, 59% of global travelers want to filter by sustainability certification next time they book. Travel technology providers already offer these sustainability filters. They spotlight those accommodations, transport options and experiences which are already sustainable, while motivating others to follow suit.

    Skyscanner’s sustainability filters allow travelers to make more informed choices when selecting a flight or a rental car.

    eDreams ODIGEO is facilitating the modal shift by allowing travelers to compare journeys by train, plane or a combination of rail and flight.

    Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable programme shares info, best practices and tips to support accommodation providers in becoming more sustainable.

    Still, the right global policy can further stimulate travel’s green transition.

    There are still too many barriers to  informed traveler choice. There is no consistent methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of flights. Competing labels for green accommodation are difficult to compare.

    A global standard for calculating CO2 emissions from air travel is needed so travelers can make more informed decisions.

    Transport providers should be obliged to share their sustainability data with intermediaries. This allows travelers to easily compare options from different providers.

    Global policymakers also have a role to play in ensuring there are reliable, broadly adopted labelling schemes made available to travel services providers. This is particularly relevant for accommodations.

    Our other policy priorities