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.
Costa Rica’s tourism model was developed with sustainability, innovation, and inclusiveness in mind, and part of their key to success has been to target a demand that can adapt to the conditions the country has to offer. The country’s tourist attractions focus on activities that respect the environment and offer travellers opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to conservation and cultural heritage.
How will the industry measure “building back better”? There needs to be a major reckoning of the industry’s problematic equity imbalance and new performance metrics if the industry is to transform into a more climate-smart, socially sustainable and equitable industry across its supply chain.
Several European countries have revised their travel guidance for citizens planning trips to the United States, with specific new advisories for transgender and non-binary travellers.
