With sustainable practices and responsible choices, the travel industry is poised to deliver experiences that protect the environment, promote local cultures and support local economies
World Tourism Day 2023: Leading travel industry players take major steps to make eco-friendliness a cornerstone of their strategies, ushering in a promising era for sustainable travel
As the world celebrates World Tourism Day in 2023, the travel industry is at a crossroads, driven by an evolving trend: eco-friendliness. Travelers today are not only looking for adventure and cultural experiences, but are also prioritizing responsible and sustainable travel choices. This transformation reflects not only a response to environmental concerns, but also a shift in consumer preferences. Leading players in the travel industry are taking significant steps to make eco-friendliness a cornerstone of their strategies, ushering in a promising era for sustainable travel.
Consumer demand for sustainable travel
Highlighting the growing demand for sustainable travel, Advait Kumar, co-founder of Boon, a water tech startup, says: “With 68% of consumers considering climate change an emergency, there is a rising demand according to Deloitte’s Global State of the Consumer Survey towards sustainable travel choices.” A recent survey by Booking.com shows that more than half of global travelers (53%) are now more committed to traveling sustainably than a year ago. This shift in consumer mindset is forcing the industry to respond with eco-friendly options.
The commitment of the catering sector
Leading players in the hospitality sector are making significant progress in reducing their environmental footprint. Advait Kumar points out that hotels and accommodations are phasing out single-use plastics such as plastic bottles and preferring eco-friendly alternatives such as glass bottles and water refill stations. Hotels also adopt energy efficient practices, utilize renewable energy sources and implement water conservation measures to minimize their impact on the environment.
The role of travel aggregators in education
In addition to individual companies, many suppliers within the travel industry have initiated emissions reduction programs. Travel aggregators also play a role in educating consumers about the climate impacts associated with their travel choices during the booking process. This collective commitment to environmental friendliness aligns with consumer values and contributes to broader goals such as preserving local cultures and strengthening local economies, reshaping the future of the travel industry.
The rise of sustainable transport
Highlighting the importance of sustainable transportation, Aloke Bajpai, co-founder and Group CEO of ixigo, opines, “A key trend shaping this future is the growing adoption of sustainable transportation such as electric vehicles in India.” For example, electric buses not only reduce CO2 emissions but also offer tourists a greener way to experience the beauty of India. Investments in such environmentally conscious alternatives are poised to positively shape the future of travel.
Saving the environment with electric buses
Throwing light on the environmental impact of electric buses, Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, says, “As India gears up to invest around INR 57,613 crore in 10,000 electric buses, we foresee a positive impact on the environment.” Electric buses can save significant amounts of diesel fuel every day, leading to significant savings and strengthening the commitment to environmental sustainability.
Digital transformation of train travel
Highlighting the role of digital transformation in train travel, Sripad Vaidya, Co-Founder and COO of BevestigTkt, says: “From a substantial reduction in paper consumption, thanks to the rise of digital platforms, to the seamless convenience and accessibility of digital ticketing, we have a ushered in an era in which traveling is not only user-friendly but also environmentally responsible.” Digital ticketing apps provide convenience, reduce the carbon footprint associated with additional vehicle journeys and complement the inherent energy efficiency of trains.
In short: the future of the travel industry is undeniably green. The commitment to eco-friendliness is not only a response to environmental concerns, but also a reflection of travelers’ changing preferences for ethical and responsible travel experiences. With sustainable practices and responsible choices, the travel industry is poised to deliver experiences that protect the environment, promote local cultures and support local economies. This collective effort aims to reshape the future of travel towards one that is environmentally conscious and sustainable.
