The Climate Action Guidebook

The biggest disruption to the travel industry; the global pandemic was the first of its scale in the new era of interconnectedness. Tourism’s unexpected standstill has given us a chance to reflect on the type of industry we want to build.    

ABTA’s Tourism for Good roadmap released in 2020 laid the foundation and guiding principles for sustainability in the industry, by supporting Members to rethink and reset the way they do business at home and in destinations in which they operate.    

ABTA continues to support the industry to reduce GHG emissions and achieve net-zero targets and to do so in collaboration with industry stakeholders, to this end ABTA and Deloitte have launched the Climate Action Guidebook, which outlines how businesses can lead the way to decarbonisation and sustainable travel and tourism.

The manual will help leaders gain technical knowledge and understanding of carbon reduction and the practical steps their businesses can take.

    The guidebook provides:

    • Insight on current carbon reporting and reduction targets required as part of reaching the UK’s net-zero targets.
    • Information on climate-related risks and how to manage them.
    • Guidance on how to measure carbon for your business. 
    • Ways to approach a net-zero commitment. 
    • Industry-specific insights and case studies.
    • Glossary defining the ’carbon literate’ terminology  

    More can be done! 

    The travel industry must act now-whilst the industry has taken steps to decarbonise its operations more needs to be done. This guidebook is designed to inspire industry leaders to act and work together as a united force to achieve a common goal to protect our planet and all life forms within it.

    Key points include:  

    • Consumers demand sustainable tourism – new data on consumer attitudes towards climate change; 71% of UK consumers believe that climate change is an emergency, and 57% are changing their activities or purchase behaviour to help address it.
    • Developing a strategy – a net-zero commitment needs to be backed up by a plan or roadmap.
    • Manage expectations – although you should strive for the best carbon reduction possible, do not let perfection stand in the way of progress.
    • UK transparency requirements carbon reporting and reduction – there are several obligatory carbon reporting initiatives, typically for larger companies that are relevant to the tourism and travel sectors in the UK. Whilst this reporting and transparency may not be required of SMEs, stakeholder expectations for increased reporting will ultimately impact all businesses.
    • Understanding the ‘Scope’ reporting structure – reporting is structured around three scopes. This provides a way of categorizing emissions from different company activities.   
    • Collaboration and progress – collaboration across the industry is key to enhancing the climate resilience of the travel industry.
    • Advice and practical examples – the guidebook contains advice and practical examples for leaders within companies of all sizes in the travel and tourism sector who are looking to start, or progress their decarbonisation journey to net-zero.
    • ABTA’s role – ABTA plays a key role in encouraging its Members as well as the industry to build and implement credible science-based net-zero plans.
    Download The Climate Action Guidebook