How is the travel industry innovating to stay on top of important issues such as sustainability, diversity and accessibility?
The travel industry is constantly adapting as new generations join the workforce, employees’ expectations evolve and customers’ travel habits shift. These changes are a direct reflection of the global trends shaping all aspects of our lives. From accessibility and diversity to sustainability and the rise of AI, we look at key topics to find out how travel companies are investing in initiatives to lead the way and not just follow the trends.
SUSTAINABILITY
Given that travel is all about exploring the world, it comes as little surprise that protecting the
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planet remains at the forefront of many companies’ agendas. In November 2023, Virgin Atlantic operated the first transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel, marking a milestone in the development of greener options for airlines. Cruise lines are also charting
a course to a more sustainable future, as a growing number of ships launching over the next five years (from the likes of MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line) will use alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas, or be able to operate using zero-carbon fuels as they become available.
Tour operators including
Intrepid Travel, Explore, Wilderness Scotland and HF Holidays, among many more, have begun publishing the carbon footprint of their trips to help travellers choose those with the lowest environmental impact. Of course, sustainability isn’t just about cutting emissions – it’s also about supporting communities around the world. Travel agency Travel Counsellors, tour operator Audley Travel and cruise line Ponant are among the growing number of companies setting responsible tourism targets, and a host of awards recognise ethical and sustainable travel practices.
Shannon Guihan, chief sustainability officer at The Travel Corporation, says: “It’s important that we acknowledge the value and privilege of travel and the responsibility that comes with it. In practice, that means we have put in place a strategy and a number of tactics to support the places visited on our tours.” While great strides towards
a more sustainable future are being made, there is still a lot of work to be done. Sustainability-focused roles are cropping up at more travel companies as they seek new talent and fresh ideas to help drive innovation. ±
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