As the world races to achieve net zero by 2050, the hospitality industry is well-placed to lead the decarbonization of the travel and tourism sector. Tourists' climate awareness is growing and investments into sustainable hotels often pay for themselves, but how can we boost the pace of progress? Here are three ways travellers, hotels and platforms can work together to create more sustainable travel and achieve global net-zero goals. The hospitality industry has an unmatched opportunity to lead decarbonization in the travel and tourism sector. The collective agreement made through the Glasgow Declaration aims for the sector to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. This, coupled with growing consumer interest in sustainable travel options, is setting the stage for tourism to decarbonize. The end goal is clear but getting there won’t be easy, and all stakeholders need to recognize the on-the-ground realities for travellers and accommodation providers. Consumers want climate-friendly options but are worried about the price of sustainable travel amidst rising inflation and cost-of-living woes. Have you read? How to Create the Sustainable Travel Products Customers Want Providers – especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – often lack the resources and sometimes knowledge to take the necessary steps towards becoming more sustainable; like retrofitting ventilation systems, powering rooms with renewable energy, or accurately accounting for their emissions. In a recent report, the World Economic Forum tackled the question of How to Create the Sustainable Travel Products Customers Want. The knowing-doing gap is perhaps the biggest impediment, as is illustrated below, but the flip side of it, I believe, is a sustainability flywheel for climate action.
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