The global travel and tourism industry has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, lowering its share of global greenhouse gas emissions from 7.6% in 2019 to 6.7% by the end of 2024. This reduction is largely due to the growing use of “renewable electrification” in ground transportation, which accounts for 40% of the industry’s carbon footprint.
However, Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), cautioned that while emissions have decreased in percentage terms, the overall greenhouse gas emissions from the sector are still rising. This is because travel and tourism continue to be growth industries.
“Many people think aviation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but ground transport is actually the largest source,” Simpson said. “It’s the small trucks delivering goods to hotels and the vehicles transporting customers that are key culprits.”
Simpson emphasized the need for governments to promote the use of electric vehicles to further reduce emissions.
While ground transport remains the largest emitter, international air travel is the second biggest contributor. To address this, Simpson highlighted the WTTC’s ongoing efforts to encourage governments to support the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The aviation industry currently consumes 300 million tonnes of jet fuel annually, with the figure expected to rise to 500 million tonnes by 2050, despite commitments to reach net-zero emissions. However, SAF usage is still minimal, reaching only 1 million tonnes, or about 0.3% of total aviation fuel consumption. This figure is projected to rise to just 0.5% in the near future.
Simpson underscored the difficulty of reaching emissions targets, noting that international bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aim for 5% SAF usage by 2030, the European Union has mandated 6% by 2030, and the UK and Japan have set their targets at 10%.
When asked about the slow pace of SAF production and its high cost, Simpson acknowledged the challenge. “We need to find a balance where SAF is both available and affordable,” she said.
Simpson pointed to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act as an example of how governments can incentivize SAF production. The act provides substantial support for renewable energy production, benefiting U.S. farmers who supply feedstocks for SAF production.
In response to concerns about the potential impact of political opposition to funding under the Inflation Reduction Act, Simpson expressed confidence. “While it’s difficult to predict what statements mean in terms of action, I believe the support for renewable energy, especially SAF, will continue. The scheme is worth billions and provides vital income for U.S. farmers,” she stated.
Despite the challenges with SAF production, Simpson emphasized that the aviation sector is not solely relying on SAF to reduce its carbon footprint. The industry is also investing heavily in more fuel-efficient aircraft and using artificial intelligence to streamline air traffic control for more efficient flight paths.
Simpson remains hopeful that the growth of rail travel will help mitigate emissions in the travel and tourism industry, offering an alternative to air travel for certain routes.
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