Lead, Inform and Set an Example – TravelMole guest comment by David Weston of The Travel Foundation
Travelmole’s ‘How Green is the Travel Industry’ debate last Thursday provided further proof of how seriously the industry is taking the issue.
Not one skeptical voice was raised querying the need to be “greener”, and there was a real air of determination to do all that can be done by the industry – short of persuading clients not to travel (which someone likened memorably to turkeys voting for Christmas).
Several key themes emerged – including the importance of “educating” (I prefer the word “informing”) the public on the issues and how they can make a difference by not only the type of holiday they choose, but by how they behave on holiday, and indeed at home the rest of the year.
Yes, we must all reduce our “carbon footprint”, and each low energy light bulb installed at home, Colin Sharples of TUI pointed out, saves enough CO2 to “offset” one hour’s flying time on a charter aircraft. Clients can save energy at home, do more recycling – and enjoy their family holiday whilst respecting the destination environment and supporting its local community, for example by buying locally produced food and crafts.
Meanwhile, the travel industry itself must continue “greening” its own operations – both in its UK offices, and through its influence with accommodation owners and resorts. Changing the way we do business, making use of the most energy-efficient technology, maximizing load factors of aircraft and encouraging destination partners to source local supplies – all these things will help to make travel more sustainable.
All of which we at the Travel Foundation echo and applaud – we are here to help the industry both inform consumers and change the way it does business.
To help the travel trade inform its clients, Travelmole will shortly be offering Travel Foundation materials online for download from the Travelmole website – a very welcome practical action in response to the clear need voiced in Thursday’s debate.
Phil Davies
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