Sustainability

Heathrow airport expansion: everything you need to know

Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday (29 January) confirmed the government will back expansion at Heathrow, and potentially at other London airports. So what are the ins and outs for travel?

The great diversity and inclusion pushback: why it’s wrong and what you can do about it

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been gaining traction in the travel industry, but the global climate has changed – so how can travel help keep these issues on the agenda?

Heathrow expansion 'must be within carbon budget', says top minister

Net zero secretary Ed Miliband has told MPs any expansion of Heathrow and other airports must fall within the government’s carbon budget or not go ahead

Los Angeles tourism chiefs appeal for trade's support following wildfires

’Millions rely on the economic engine of the Los Angeles tourism industry for their livelihood,’ said Francine Sheridan, Los Angeles Tourism’s Europe and Middle East regional vice-president

Clia plays down mayor of Nice's threat to ban large cruise ships from French Riviera port

The mayor of Nice says he plans to ban larger cruise ships from the city as they only bring ’low-cost’ tourists that do not benefit the local economy

Cost remains bigger priority for majority of travellers than green concerns

A WTTC report has found consumers are still prioritising cost over sustainability issues, but offers solutions as to how to change the mindset

Why agents prefer to recommend this under-the-radar Greek island

The Greek National Tourism Organisation hosted TTG and four TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors on the lesser-visited island of Naxos, where the agents discovered "authentic Greece" through cooking classes, local product tastings and walking tours – and sampled one of the destination’s newest luxury hotels

James Thornton: 'Donald Trump's rhetoric goes against everything travel stands for'

’As we enter the era of the individual, let’s make sure travel is the thread that binds us,’ writes Intrepid Travel chief executive James Thornton for TTG

Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airport expansions 'poised for govt go-ahead'

Government signals expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports will be approved in the next few weeks, according to national media reports

Industry urged to stop promoting and selling captive orca and dolphin attractions

’Travel companies and tour operators, across Europe and around the world, need to recognise the public is increasingly rejecting the idea that keeping cetaceans in captivity is an acceptable form of entertainment,’ says Born Free charity

‘We can be a real force for good’: how agents are inspiring others to sell responsible travel

Last year, our TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors learnt how to sell Smarter, Better, Fairer travel. Charlotte Cullinan hears how they’ve been inspiring their colleagues to follow in their footsteps

The Intrepid holiday agents say is a 'once-in-a-lifetime'

TTG recently explored South Africa with Intrepid and an agent group of TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors. They met the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit (the Black Mambas) and tried both a private game reserve and Kruger National Park safari

'Sorrento isn't what it used to be'; is overtourism ruining Italy's Amalfi Coast?

TTG’s Ilaria Grasso Macola headed to Sorrento to find out how tourism chiefs in the region and wider Amalfi Coast area are striking a delicate balancing act managing overtourism and combatting anti-visitor sentiment

Put brakes on airport expansion plans, campaigners urge transport sec

Coalition of climate groups urge new transport secretary Heidi Alexander to review planning guidance around aviation and heed the government’s Climate Change Committee’s advice and recommendations before ruling on any further airport expansion plans

Govt insists it is keen to avoid 'unnecessary' air fare hikes amid carbon clampdown

Ministers open consultation on how to marry Europe’s emissions trading scheme with global systems to avoid duplication and fare increases

How to persuade clients to swap to a more responsible holiday

Find out what happened when this year’s TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors encouraged their customers to swap their holiday for a more responsible choice

Tui sees switch from Spain to North Africa as cost and capacity deter consumers

Tui has said some consumers are switching away from Spain to North Africa because of cost issues

Gran Canaria region introduces tourist tax after overtourism protests

Gran Canaria’s Mogan region has become the latest to levy a tourist accommodation tax, ring-fencing proceeds for improvements and sustainability

'Sometimes, it makes sense not to fly – but not when our rail system is so mind-bendingly useless'

The UK can’t yet afford to cut domestic air routes when rail isn’t always an adequate alternative, writes co-chair of Aito’s Sustainable Travel Committee Amy Skelding after an eye-opening European rail journey

The rise of rail and 'coolcations', and why agents will have to 'work for it' in 2025

Reflections on a strong but challenging 2024, a disappointing Budget and demand for cooler climes were some of the debates waged in the final Agenda 2024 seminar hosted by TTG and PwC

'Our evolution has only just begun', says confident Crystal boss

The luxury cruise line has announced an order of three new-build ships by 2032.

Louise Haigh, tax hikes and the 'B' word – seven takeaways from Abta Travel Matters

Labour’s approach to travel, Brexit frustrations and the climate crisis were all top of the agenda at the latest Abta Travel Matters this week

'Travel and tourism gets a bad rep – it's time we fought back against the negatives'

’As an industry, we must challenge the current narratives around travel and tourism," writes Chris Crampton, chair of the Pata UK and Ireland, for TTG

Lisbon to hold referendum on the future of short-term rentals

The city’s government will put the issue to residents, with questions likely to revolve around whether properties intended for housing should be permitted to be used as short-term rentals