Topics & Positions
Sustainability
Shaping the Transformation of Tourism
We are in the middle of a decade of sustainable change. As the world's leading travel group, we at TUI are aware of our responsibility. Our approach is to systematically strengthen the positive effects of tourism in holiday destinations while further reducing the environmental impact of travel. Our sustainability strategy includes strict targets to achieve this – and we are continuing to build on our pioneering role record of delivery.
The TUI Group is working to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years. As an initial step, we have drawn up concrete roadmaps up to 2030. Emission reduction targets have been reviewed and verified by the independent Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) – which is supported by the UN Global Compact and WWF, among others. In accordance with the SBTi's strict catalogue of requirements, the targets are in line with the latest findings of climate science. This made us the first holiday airline, the first cruise line and one of the first holiday hotel brands to have SBTi-validated reduction targets. The targets in figures:
Lighthouse for sustainable destinations
The sustainable transformation of our industry will only succeed if we think in terms of value chains and include holiday destinations as true partners in our plans. With this in mind, we are developing Rhodes into a beacon for sustainable holiday destinations together with the government of the southern Aegean and local stakeholders – with the national Greek government also involved. Together, we are making an important contribution to a more sustainable tourism industry. Other destinations can benefit from the learnings on topics such as sustainable mobility, green energy, waste prevention and environmental education.
Our sustainability agenda
TUI’s sustainability agenda is based on three key areas: People, Planet and Progress. For these areas, we will actively shape the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability with pioneering initiatives and ambitious targets. The areas at a glance:
People – Empower to drive development:
We want to ensure that people in destinations benefit from tourism. Especially in emerging and developing countries, tourism contributes significantly to development and prosperity. With the independent TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI, we implement projects around the world that strengthen economic participation and local education. In March 2023, for example, the Foundation announced the Tourism for Development Fund in cooperation with UN Tourism: 10 million euros will be made available by 2030 to promote sustainable tourism in the world’s least developed countries (LDCs).
Planet – Reduce our footprint:
By 2050 at the latest, we are committed to achieve net zero emissions in all business areas as well as supply chains. As an interim step, we have set specific emission reduction targets for our airlines, cruise lines and hotels by 2030, which have been reviewed and validated by the independent SBTi. In addition, we aim to change the way we use the planet’s natural resources and evolve into a circular economy company.
Progress – Accelerate the transformation:
We want to use our scale in the industry to increase the positive social and environmental impact of our holiday offerings. Together with our local partners, we will develop a sustainable business model that empowers customers to make sustainable choices at every step of their journey.
Further expanding pioneering role
Why are we convinced that we will achieve our emission reduction targets? Because sustainability has been part of our corporate DNA for decades. For example, TUI pioneered with the first sustainability department in the European tourism industry over 30 years ago. Since then, we have been working hard to reduce the environmental impact of our aircraft and cruise fleets, as well as our hotels, offices, and travel agencies. This includes multi-million-dollar investments in state-of-the-art aviation and cruise technologies to improve carbon efficiency. Key performance indicators:
