Sustainability Synergy: Aviation and Tourism Unite for Green Growth
A groundbreaking partnership between the Travel Foundation and Skyscanner, titled "Shared Horizons," aims to revolutionize climate action within the travel industry. This initiative offers immense potential for African travel businesses, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The "Shared Horizons: Connecting aviation and tourism for climate action" initiative seeks to bridge the gap between the aviation and tourism sectors in addressing climate change. Recognizing that current climate efforts often operate in silos, the initiative aims to foster a unified approach, maximizing impact and minimizing emissions.
A core element of "Shared Horizons" is a sector-wide survey, open to all travel stakeholders, including tour operators, destination managers, and aviation professionals. The survey explores current practices, barriers, and opportunities related to emissions reduction, aiming to understand how different players can contribute to a collective solution. The insights gathered will inform a white paper outlining a shared vision and actionable pathways for climate leadership.
Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation, stressed the importance of shared responsibility, stating, "The climate challenge is shared, and the solutions must be too. We need a new model of partnership…grounded in mutual risks and shared responsibilities." Kirsty Webster, Skyscanner's Industry and Partner Sustainability Lead, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the opportunity for airlines to show leadership and build on existing efforts.
A newly formed Advisory Group, comprising representatives from leading airlines, industry bodies, tour operators, and destination organizations, will guide the initiative. This group will provide strategic input, promote engagement, and shape the recommendations for joint action presented in the white paper.
The "Shared Horizons" initiative aligns with a growing global movement towards sustainable tourism. The Travel Foundation, with its extensive experience in delivering sustainable tourism projects in over 27 countries, brings valuable expertise to the partnership. Skyscanner, a leading travel metasearch engine, contributes its technological prowess and commitment to promoting sustainable travel choices, evidenced by its Greener Choice Label and participation in the Travalyst Coalition.
For African travel businesses, this initiative presents a unique opportunity to engage in a global dialogue on climate action. By participating in the survey and contributing their perspectives, African stakeholders can help shape a more sustainable future for the industry. The initiative's focus on a "just transition" ensures that climate strategies align with the needs of destination communities, supporting equitable and resilient tourism development.
The potential impact of "Shared Horizons" is significant. By aligning climate strategies, the aviation and tourism sectors can achieve substantial emissions reductions. Analysis suggests that strong alignment could reduce tourism emissions by up to 47%, equivalent to removing over 170 million cars from the road annually. This collaborative approach also unlocks new opportunities for innovation, resource sharing, and access to green finance.
The initiative's focus on key synergy mechanisms, such as coordinated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) procurement, integrated carbon tracking, and joint destination planning, offers practical pathways for emissions reduction. These mechanisms can be particularly beneficial for African destinations, helping to reduce the environmental impact of tourism while preserving natural and cultural heritage.
The "Shared Horizons" initiative is a call to action for the African travel industry. By embracing collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability, African travel businesses can position themselves at the forefront of a global movement towards responsible tourism, creating a more resilient and prosperous future for the continent.
