According to the Intercultural Outreach Initiative, ecotourism came onto the travel scene in the early 1980s “… as a type of travel for people who wanted to learn about different and exotic environments without causing the environmental harm or damage associated with other forms of tourism.” Fast-forward to today, and a Sustainable Travel Study from Expedia Group Media Solutions shows “nearly 3 in 4 travelers would choose a destination, lodging, or transportation option that supports the local community and culture, even if it was more expensive.
Here, we take a look at airlines and hotels leading the charge in sustainability efforts.
More than 30 airlines affiliated with the International Air Transport Association offer carbon offsetting to passengers “… to ‘neutralize’ their proportion of an aircraft’s carbon emissions on a particular journey by investing in carbon reduction projects.” To that end, LeafScore, a website fighting climate change by helping consumers make greener purchasing decisions, published “The 6 Most Sustainable Airlines for Flying Green in 2022” this year. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ranked No. 1, followed by Alaska Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific (aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050), Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines all committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This fall, Southwest celebrated one year of its carbon offset program, becoming the first U.S. airline with a carbon offset offer with loyalty points and contribution match to offset its carbon emissions. Since 2020, Etihad Airways has reduced its total carbon emissions by 56 percent; restructured its fleet strategy to focus on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft; and launched the first aircraft carbon offset program in the Middle East. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic equips its aircraft with the most efficient engines and state-of-the-art technology designed to save fuel and reduce emissions, delivering a 20 percent reduction in fleet carbon emissions to date
When it comes to sustainability in hotels, tremendous strides have been made, starting with Hotel Marcel New Haven, opened in May. The hotel is anticipated to be the first net-zero hotel in the United States, the first Passive House-certified hotel in the country and one of fewer than a dozen LEED Platinum-certified hotels in the country.
Earlier this year, the Hawai’i Green Business Program recognized five of Outrigger Hospitality Group’s properties for exceptional environmental stewardship in light of its energy efficiency and sustainable business practices to advance the Aloha State’s clean energy and sustainability goals. Outrigger applied for Green Seal certification for all seven of its owned or managed properties in Hawai’i, making it the first in Hawai’i to commit to earning the prestigious certification.
Opened in January, Rosewood São Paulo sourced all building materials within Brazil and committed to using 100 percent renewable energy within its first year of operation. Additionally, HomeExchange Collection, the luxury offering launched this summer, will take part in its parent company’s dedication to calculate its carbon footprint every year; the company intends to contribute to global carbon neutrality with PUR Project by investing in social and environmental projects.
In Michigan, Daxton Hotel committed to The PLEDGE on Food Waste, an initiative aiming to limit the amount of food thrown away. Gravity Haus, a “social club for the modern adventurer” and a model of globally conscious hospitality, will open two new Colorado properties soon in Steamboat Springs and Aspen.
Last year, Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, British Columbia, became the first hotel in North America to sign on to The Climate Pledge and committed to meet The Paris Agreement by 2040, a decade ahead of the agreement’s deadline.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
IHG Hotels & Resorts: Elevating the Guest Experience & Expanding Globally
With a robust portfolio of brands catering to diverse traveler preferences, IHG has been on a strategic trajectory to conquer key markets worldwide. The IHG footprint continues to grow, offering unparalleled experiences to guests around the globe.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis