Tourists often perceive Airbnb as having a relatively small environmental footprint compared with other forms of holiday accommodation. However, a recent study looked at the carbon dioxide emissions of Airbnbs per room per night and found out that the emissions are similar to other types of accommodation.
Small island destinations are particularly vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters, and external economic shocks. A newly published paper titled ‘Small Islands, Large Oceans: Voices on the Frontlines of Climate Change’ looks at how a ‘blue economy’ approach is needed: protecting ocean resources by linking their sustainable use with economic growth.
Valencia aims to be a carbon neutral city by 2025 and has adapted a pioneering sustainable tourism strategy. Part of the commitment was to verify its carbon emissions from tourism-related activities, such as transport, accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities. The study showed that 81 per cent of the carbon footprint in the tourism sector came from travel to the city.
A new sleeper train route linking Prague, Dresden, Berlin, Amsterdam and Brussels adds to the biggest planned extension of the European night train network in years. Concerns about climate change and Covid-19 are changing people’s travel preferences and some train journeys are in fact faster than flying.
On the two-decade anniversary of his travel company, Responsible Travel, Justin Francis reflects on just how far the industry has come and where it’s going next. He suggests nothing is possible unless we first reduce carbon emissions and restore nature and that the only way forward is to consult more closely with local people.
