TUI Travel makes call for open carbon reporting

TUI Travel, which operates travel brands like Thomson and First Choice have publicly called for the travel industry to begin transparent and complete carbon reporting. The call was made at this week’s ATBA conference in Barcelona, where groups of travel agents and operators are gathered to discuss various travel-related issues.

TUI Travel pointed out that the company has made a dedicated commitment to cutting carbon emissions by 6% by 2013/2014. TUI Travel has now successfully earned a spot in the top 10% of companies in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index of FTSE350 companies, for the second consecutive year.

Dermont Blastland, Managing Director for First Choice and Thomson, has challenged all travel related companies, including and especially airlines, to adopt the policy by developing and publishing carbon reduction policies that clearly declare their carbon footprint and CO2 emissions per passenger.

Blastland pointed out that it is rare in the travel industry for a company to set carbon targets that seriously stretch businesses, and where they would be under obligation to report their figures transparently enough for customers and stakeholders to comprehend.

In separate news, but also at the ATBA conference in Barcelona, several leading travel companies announced that they would make a dedicated commitment towards achieving a sustainable travel future. Major companies like British Airways, The Travel Foundation, Thomas Cook Advantage, Sunvil Holidays and TUI Travels were part of the announcement for a greener travel industry vision. The participating companies have set 2023 as their goal for reaching this vision.