Embracing Sustainability in Travel: How the Travel Industry can Support the UNSDGs- by Sabre
In our commitment to helping customers operate more efficiently and offering personalized traveler experiences, Sabre is seeking to prioritize the strategic integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into our business to better serve all of our stakeholders — from our people to our partners, from our customers to travelers around the world.
One of the guiding principles of our ESG strategy is to use the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to map the areas which will help us deliver the most positive impact and achieve our sustainability goals.
The UNSDGs provide a universal blueprint to address the most important global challenges by 2030. Travel and tourism is a diverse, interconnected industry and it touches on the majority of the 17 SDGs. Here’s how travel can play an influential role in catalysing positive global change:
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
One in ten jobs worldwide are in the tourism sector (WTTC) and many of these are in developing countries, with a significant contribution to GDP. To support SDG 8, the industry must prioritise decent work conditions and fair wages, uplifting marginalised communities and promoting inclusive growth. We can also shine a light on more sustainable travel options, so that travel agencies and travellers can make better choices.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Aviation is a high-emitting sector, responsible for 2.5 per cent of global carbon emissions and as an industry, travel must move towards net zero carbon emissions. In the longer term, advancements in biofuels, hybrid-electric propulsion systems, and more efficient aircraft designs show potential for a more sustainable aviation future. In the short to medium term investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and technology that helps airlines set the fastest routes, reduce unnecessary weight, and empowers travellers to make more sustainable flight choices are all possible solutions.
Society and business are being asked to “close every loophole that enables delay and glorifies inaction” on work to create a sustainable future. Environmentally and socially and through collaboration, innovation and a whole system approach, this is an area where the travel sector can have a major impact.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Tourism accounts for approximately eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions (The Guardian), with the average hotel guest generating about 1.5kg of waste per night (Green Hotelier). To align with SDG 12, the industry needs to adopt sustainable technologies, reduce plastic usage, and promote responsible sourcing, water and waste management strategies.
Goal 14: Life Below Water & Goal 15: Life on Land
Tourism-related activities contribute to approximately 80 per cent of marine pollution from land-based sources* (United Nations) and the annual cost of biodiversity loss due to tourism is estimated to be around $490 billion (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity). It’s vital that the industry takes a nature-based approach to sustainability, minimising disturbances to wildlife and supporting conservation efforts in order to support SDGs 14 and 15.
Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 1: No Poverty & Goal 10: Reduced Inequality
Women make up around 54 per cent of the global tourism workforce (UN Women). However, they earn 10-15 per cent less than men on average in the tourism industry (World Tourism Organization). The travel industry can support SDGs 5, 1 and 10 by promoting gender diversity and equal opportunities, thus empowering women and girls to reach their potential. We can also work hard to ensure that a larger slice of the tourism pie directly benefits local communities.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Travel is often described as a bridge between cultures and according to the World Tourism Organisation, 80 per cent of people believe that travel promotes cross-cultural understanding and peace. Some of the best travel experiences are those where we experience meaningful connections with people and destinations, and through responsible travel we can contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world.
In short, the travel industry’s potential to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is vast. We can make data-driven decisions to prioritise decent work and economic growth, adopt responsible consumption and production practices and take climate action. In collaboration, the industry can lead the way in embracing sustainability, becoming a force for positive change that supports the wellbeing of our planet and all its inhabitants.
This article has been reposted with permission from Sabre, a software and technology company that provides intelligence behind mobile apps, airport check-in kiosks, online travel sites, airline and hotel reservation networks, travel agent terminals, and scores of other travel solutions and a valued PATA Member. PATA proudly supports discussions around sustainability through the SDGs Matter guest post initiative. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the article may not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or views of PATA or any of its employees.
