Category: Travel Problems

Introduction

Back in June I wrote an theoretical article about how Hybrid engines in aviation could help reduce radiative forcing (and essentially carbon) – see Exploring the Viability of Hybrid Neo Engines. In reading through news I was thrilled to see that Airbus has been developing this using smaller motors and newer battery technology.

Airbus has unveiled plans to integrate a series of small electric motors into its first hybrid airliner. https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/energy-transition/hybrid-and-electric-flight

Continue reading “Airbus’s Hybrid A320: Paving the Path to Sustainable Aviation”

Introduction

In an era of heightened environmental consciousness, businesses increasingly seek to showcase their commitment to sustainability. However, this surge in green marketing has also led to the proliferation of misleading environmental claims, known as “greenwashing.” To address this, the European Union (EU) introduced the Green Claims Directive, which ensures transparency, accuracy, and accountability in green marketing. A recent notable impact of this directive is seen in Booking.com’s adjustment of its green leaf certification following an EU challenge. This blog explores the EU Green Claims Directive, its significance, and how it has influenced Booking.com’s practices.

Continue reading “Greenwashing to Genuine: How the EU is Transforming Green Claims and reshaping OTA Practices”

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.

Continue reading “Why travel needs a specific sustainability framework”

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.

Continue reading “The Broken System of Sustainability Certification: A Call for Third-Party Auditing and 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.

Continue reading “Bridging the Say-Do Gap: Encouraging Sustainable Holiday Choices”