Can the Travel Industry Reduce Its Global Emissions and Foster a Brighter Future?

As a loyal reader of Dinogo, you know our commitment to transforming travel into a positive force globally. Our motto, “Travelers Who Care,” embodies our pride in representing conscious travelers who seek enriching experiences that benefit both themselves and the communities they visit, while being mindful of our planet's well-being.

I just returned from my inaugural trip to Saudi Arabia, which began welcoming international tourists with visas in 2019. I participated in the annual global summit hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), a nonprofit advocating for the travel industry. This year, the summit brought together leaders from major companies like Japan Airlines, Hilton, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Expedia, Intrepid, and Airbnb, all united under the theme “Travel for a Better Future.” It was inspiring to witness such strong commitment from industry executives to pursue positive change.

Hearing this message in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, added a profound sense of purpose and complexity. While the country is investing heavily to boost global tourism and ensure social and environmental benefits, it also grapples with a challenging history of human rights issues. Can the travel sector, much like its WTTC host, rise above its past to pave the way for a better future?

The WTTC reports that the travel industry directly contributes over 10 percent to global GDP and supports more than 10 percent of jobs worldwide. Although it was once believed that the industry was responsible for a similar proportion of global emissions, the WTTC's recent Environmental and Social Research study reveals that travel-related greenhouse emissions accounted for 8.1 percent of the total in 2019. The data further indicates that while the sector contributed 4.3 percent to global GDP from 2010 to 2019, its environmental impact increased by only 2.4 percent per annum.

Fortunately, speakers consistently acknowledged that the industry cannot persist in raising emissions, even at a slower rate than its growth. Travel companies pledged in 2019 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050; urgent calls for planning and action emerged not only from industry watchdogs but also from prominent leaders like Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano, who oversees the largest hotel chain globally with over 8,000 properties and 1.4 million rooms. He emphasized, “Our employees demand it, our investors demand it, and our customers demand it,” during the summit's opening session.

What occurs if the industry fails to implement real changes? A tangible negative effect on the social, cultural, and environmental well-being of the communities that welcome travelers. CEOs recognize that their enterprises could face significant limitations or even closure if their carbon emissions continue to escalate.

Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, urged all governments and businesses to swiftly formulate plans to lower their carbon emissions. He believes that by undertaking this work to clear a path forward, they will reveal the advantages of such transformations and become even more committed to taking necessary actions.

Sachs encouraged the industry to keep safeguarding the unique qualities of each destination while inspiring people to travel. Bringing individuals together fosters cultural understanding, diminishes the likelihood of conflict—which is among the most destructive actions we can undertake—and promotes collaboration to address our collective challenges.

Over the past two years, we have witnessed numerous positive developments across the industry. Airlines are adopting more fuel-efficient aircraft and accelerating the transition to sustainable fuels. Hotels are minimizing food waste and enhancing their support for local communities through employment initiatives. Meanwhile, the cruise sector is also investigating hybrid ships and methods to reduce their environmental impact as they travel from port to port. These represent just a few of the many initiatives underway, but significantly more action is essential.

Hosting the conference in Saudi Arabia was significant. The Saudi government aims to increase the number of international visitors from around 20 million annually (mostly Muslims traveling for Hajj to Mecca) to over 100 million per year. They have initiated several “giga-projects” that involve building tens of thousands of new hotel rooms and enhancing accessibility to some of Saudi Arabia’s natural and historical attractions.

While such extensive construction and a dramatic rise in visitor numbers may not initially appear sustainable, H. E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, the Kingdom’s inaugural Minister of Tourism, expressed a strong commitment to ensuring sustainability remains a priority. For instance, the Red Sea Project, which spans 11,000 square miles on Saudi Arabia’s western coast—including 90 islands and inland dunes—aims to attract 1 million visitors each year. This project will primarily utilize solar energy, supported by biofuel-powered generators. It promises regenerative and responsible development by monitoring sea temperatures and cataloging marine life, with a commitment to improve conditions compared to when the project began.

Skepticism is understandable, but during discussions with leaders of several giga-projects, I consistently heard about their substantial investments—hundreds of millions of dollars—dedicated to ensuring these initiatives are environmentally and socially beneficial. Words alone won’t lead us to our goals, yet I was heartened to hear such strong commitments from many leaders, delivered with a level of conviction that peers will hold them accountable. This was certainly an improvement over inaction.

Dinogo is dedicated to promoting conscious travel, featuring ongoing discussions and coverage of industry participants, including our 2022 Vanguard winners, who uplift communities while minimizing their environmental impact. We also strive to hold the industry and its players accountable by highlighting areas where improvements are needed. We are firm believers in the benefits of travel, while recognizing the potential harm that can arise if we fail to remain vigilant.