Blog

Travel and tourism are integral parts of our lives, providing opportunities for leisure, exploration, and cultural exchange. However, they also pose significant challenges to sustainability. The industry’s unique characteristics—variable occupancy, integration of leisure and restaurant services, and consolidation by tour operators and travel agents—necessitate a specific sustainability framework to ensure consistent and meaningful reporting.

In an era where sustainability has become a corporate buzzword, the certification systems designed to ensure environmentally responsible practices are under increasing scrutiny. While the intention behind these certifications is commendable, the current system is fraught with inconsistencies, lack of transparency, and potential conflicts of interest. To genuinely progress towards a sustainable future, the industry needs a robust overhaul: third-party auditing supported by real-time data disclosure.

The modern consumer is increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their actions, including their travel habits. Sustainable tourism has garnered significant attention, yet a substantial gap remains between consumers’ expressed intentions and their actual behaviours—a phenomenon known as the say-do gap. Addressing this discrepancy is critical to fostering a genuinely sustainable travel culture. But how can we close this gap? Let’s explore the multifaceted approach needed to encourage more sustainable holiday choices.