Sustainability and responsible travel is not a trend, it’s the only way forward that literally won’t cost the Earth. Get up to renewable-powered speed with Karryon’s weekly eco-wrap of the latest initiatives making a positive impact in travel.
We get it. Talking about sustainability in travel can often be difficult and easily become the elephant in the room. But the fact is, more and more travellers now are wanting to know about the impact of their trips on the environments, wildlife and communities they visit.
So, to make it easy to stay up-to-date on all the new initiatives in sustainable travel and tourism, we’ve curated an easy-to-digest weekly update of all the latest (non-greenwashed) news just for you.
Making a difference simply starts with education and conversation. Please pass it on and let’s all do our bit to make positive change.
Etihad set to deliver COP27 delegates on zero-emissions flight
Etihad Airways has partnered with net-zero solutions provider World Energy to operate the first NetZero flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Book & Claim, flying delegates to COP27 with zero net emissions. The airline will operate its Washington Dulles–Abu Dhabi service via COP27 venue Sharm-El-Sheik to demonstrate the path to net-zero commercial aviation using current technology while showcasing the challenges and opportunities of SAF.
Etihad Airways Head of Sustainability & Business Excellence Mariam Alqubaisi said: “This initiative is about proving NetZero commercial aviation is possible, but equally facing up to the significant logistical challenges the industry faces to turn the possible into the routine.”
Find out more at etihadaviationgroup.com/sustainability
Park City, Utah announces Sustainable Tourism Plan; signs Glasgow Declaration
Park City Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCCVB) has announced the development of a Sustainable Tourism Plan for Summit County, Utah where Park City resides. The vision for the future of Park City’s tourism sector balances protecting the environment and quality of life while promoting a thriving economy. Sustainable tourism initiatives include promoting arts and culture and responsible use and management of trails and recreation areas in the mountain resort destination.
Find out more at visitparkcity.com/sustainabletourismplan
Ovolo sows the seeds for new ‘Do Good, Feel Good’ sustainability initiative
Ovolo Hotels is cementing the hospitality group’s passion and purpose for sustainable action, taking its Plant’d vegetarian pledge one step further with a new ‘Green Perk’ in association with Eden Reforestation Projects by planting one tree for every direct booking. In addition, Ovolo has pledged to reduce food waste by 50 per cent by 2030, eliminate single-use plastics by 2023 and is committed to leaving behind a lighter footprint and positive contribution to the world.
Ovolo Group CEO Dave Baswal said the effects of the pandemic deepened his desire to be a force for good. “At Ovolo, sustainability has for a long time been part of our DNA, and we want to encourage our guests, teams, suppliers, and investors to Do Good, Feel Good,” he said. “We want to make better choices for ourselves and the planet and play our part in ensuring a better future for all.”
Find out more at ovologroup.com/do-good-feel-good
Sustainable travel on the rise with carbon offset bookings up 63% YOY
Webjet’s latest data shows Aussie travellers are taking positive steps towards sustainability and considering their travel impact with carbon offset bookings up 63 per cent year on year. Webjet’s Sustainable Traveller carbon-offset solution program, launched in 2020, has also reported it has offset more than 29,000 tonnes of carbon – the equivalent of the weight of 52 Airbus A380s.
Other insights highlighted that Gen Xers are the most sustainable travellers, accounting for 25 per cent of all carbon offset bookings, and Sydney to Melbourne (and vice versa) is the most popular route for carbon offset contributions.
Find out more at webjet.com.au/sustainable-traveller
Technology and innovation: How the cruise industry plans to hit net-zero
Over the next few years, the cruise industry is committing to launching more vessels that will be able to incorporate zero-emissions propulsion (when available) as well as growing investment in the utilisation of land-based electricity, CLIA’s newly released 2022 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report reveals.
Read on for more here.
Got sustainability news to share? Email us at editor@karryon.com.au to be featured in our weekly updates.
