As the world’s largest integrated leisure tourism business, we are proud of the positive role our industry plays around the world. The travel and tourism sector accounts for 10% of the world’s GDP and 7% of its exports.* It is responsible for one in 10 jobs globally* and is the main source of foreign exchange in one-third of developing countries.**
Of course, alongside these positive impacts, there are also significant challenges. Travel and tourism accounts for around 5% of global carbon emissions** – half of which is attributable to aviation. Tackling this is a key challenge for TUI, and it is one we are fully committed to.
We are mindful of the importance of travel and tourism for many countries in the world and people living there. By working in partnership, we can shape a sustainable future for tourism. One where we create unforgettable moments for customer whilst minimizing environmental impact, respecting culture and people and bringing economic benefits to communities.
* United Nations World Tourism Organisation, 2017
** United Nations Environment Programme, 2017
In 2015 we developed and launched the ’Better Holidays, Better World’ sustainability strategy. In 2020 we closed out this strategy and are currently working on its next evolution up to 2030. This strategy will be published later in 2021 and will reflect the current challenges our industry faces and take into account the new scenarios and mechanisms that now exist at a global scale, e.g. the EU Green Deal.
You can find out more about sustainability strategy and read our latest progress report here.
Our 2015-2020 strategy was built around the following core pillars:
Step lightly
Where we committed to operating the most carbon-efficient airlines in Europe and cutting the carbon intensity of our operations by 10% by 2020
Make a difference
Where we committed to delivering 10 million ’greener and fairer’ holidays per year by 2020, enabling more local people to share in the benefits of tourism
Lead the way
Where we committed to investing €10 m per year by 2020, to support good causes and enhance the positive impacts of tourism, using the TUI Care Foundation to support this work
Care more
Where we committed to achieving a colleague engagement score of over 80