Travel Industry Needs Strong Leadership for Sustainability: Airlines, Hotels, and Cruises Must Act Now

Published on December 19, 2025

The travel industry — spanning airlines, hotels, cruise ships, and even individual travelers — is under mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and act on climate change. As global environmental concerns continue to escalate, sustainability has become a top priority for travelers, governments, and businesses alike. However, the industry’s efforts toward carbon neutrality remain fragmented, largely due to the lack of clear leadership and the high costs involved in transforming existing operations.

One of the major challenges facing the travel sector is the absence of a unified voice that can drive the industry towards sustainability goals. Without clear leadership, it’s difficult for companies to set consistent standards or take decisive action. Jane Thompson, the director of aviation at ICF, emphasized that governments need to step in and offer support to facilitate this transition. She noted that the cost of fuel has skyrocketed, making it even harder for nascent industries like aviation to bear the burden of sustainability on their own. Governments must lend a hand in reducing the risk for investors and help industries manage the financial challenge of going green.

The Role of Governments: Providing Support and Enforcing Regulations

Governments around the world are playing a dual role when it comes to sustainability in the travel industry. According to Nico Nicholas, CEO of Zeero Group, they are using both carrots and sticks to encourage businesses to meet sustainability goals. Regulations and fines have been implemented to push companies into action, but at the same time, incentives are being offered to promote innovation in green practices.

Fines and regulations are seen as essential to “wake up” the industry, but Nicholas argued that aviation cannot bear the full weight of responsibility alone. Sustainability must be a shared responsibility across all sectors of the travel industry. He also highlighted the cost of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which could top $4,000 per ton — a price that could lead to fines while still requiring ongoing investment in sustainable solutions.

The Importance of Education and Collaboration: Changing Habits for Sustainability

Education remains a key element in the travel industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Munnmunn Marwah, the chief operating officer of MMGY Global, noted that, especially in countries like India, sustainability policies are abundant, but day-to-day actions often fail to reflect these commitments. She stressed that the travel industry must create a shift in habits, moving sustainability beyond a simple checklist to become an integral part of customer experience.

Collaborative efforts are also essential in fostering a culture of sustainability within the travel industry. Thompson emphasized that teams within companies need to engage in open dialogues and speak about sustainability confidently. She believes that with the right attitude, even small steps towards change can have significant rewards, especially when performance indicators are aligned with long-term sustainability goals.

Challenges of Sustainable Travel: The Need for Industry-Wide Action

One of the largest challenges hindering the travel industry’s transition to carbon neutrality is the lack of a central leadership figure that can guide the industry toward common sustainability standards. Anthony Daniels, general manager at PONANT and chair of The Expedition Cruise Network, said that the absence of a singular voice has resulted in a fragmented approach to sustainability efforts. Daniels believes that a unified voice would make it easier for guests to understand how sustainability directly impacts their travel experiences. A shared vision could drive the industry toward accountability and greater consumer engagement in sustainable practices.

Partnerships: The Key to Sustainable Tourism

For a true shift toward sustainability, collaboration between the travel sector’s various stakeholders is essential. Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises, emphasized the importance of partnerships in creating sustainable solutions. For instance, cruise ships could take advantage of shore excursions that are fully integrated into the hotel industry’s sustainability ethos. Rood explained that cruise companies could work with local communities to take waste and recycling efforts back into their operations, thus benefiting the environment and local economies.

Rood highlighted the potential of working with partners who share a commitment to sustainable practices, such as green technologies and waste reduction systems, across the entire supply chain. Whether it’s airlines, hotels, or cruise ships, the need for cooperation among providers is more critical than ever.

How Individual Travelers Can Contribute to Sustainable Travel

While the travel industry is making efforts to reduce carbon emissions, individual travelers also have a role to play. Thompson noted that travelers are becoming more interested in sustainable tourism and are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly practices. She emphasized that conscious consumers are demanding sustainability, and those who actively seek green travel options will help shape the market in the future.

At the same time, Nico Nicholas pointed out that travel providers should use sustainability as a marketing opportunity. By implementing eco-friendly practices such as using local ingredients, offering low-carbon excursions, and collaborating with green initiatives, businesses can engage with consumers while simultaneously working toward carbon neutrality. The “green premium” can encourage tourists to support businesses that make sustainability a key part of their brand identity.

The Future of Sustainability in Travel

Sustainability in travel is not just a trend; it is becoming an essential element of the industry’s future. Companies are under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste, and implement eco-friendly practices. From airlines to hotels and cruise ships, the travel industry is seeing a shift toward greener alternatives. But as Jane Thompson stated, this shift requires collaboration across all sectors, from governments to consumers.

Sustainability is about more than just reducing the environmental impact; it’s also about educating travelers and businesses on the importance of responsible tourism. As global awareness grows and the need for action becomes clearer, it’s up to both the industry and the traveler to step up and make a meaningful change.

Conclusion: Taking Ownership of Sustainability in Travel

The call for strong leadership in the travel industry’s sustainability efforts is louder than ever. With governments and businesses working together, we can ensure the future of sustainable travel. It’s time for the travel industry to not only embrace sustainability but also to lead the way in demonstrating how the global travel market can thrive while protecting our planet. Every step counts — whether it’s through better fuel efficiency, collaborative partnerships, or consumer education. The journey toward sustainable tourism is underway, and the actions taken now will shape the future of travel for generations to come.