Photo Credir: IRGAC
A new global initiative launched today by the Travel Foundation and Skyscanner seeks to bring together the aviation and tourism sectors, bridge any gaps in the sector’s response to climate change, and offer a chance to share mutual support, ideas and challenges. The initiative, titled ‘Shared Horizons: Connecting aviation and tourism for climate action’, will be shaped by a newly formed Advisory Group and a sector-wide survey that is now open for responses.
Tour operators, destination managers, aviation professionals and other aviation and tourism stakeholders are invited to participate in the initiative by sharing their views through the survey. The survey explores current approaches to emissions, barriers to action, innovation, finance, and climate responsibility. The aim is to understand, without any attempt to assign responsibility or blame, how various industry players, with differing levels of control over emissions, see their role in helping to account for and reduce these emissions. Insights gathered will inform a white paper outlining a shared vision and joint actionable pathways for climate leadership.
Breaking down silos, building shared solutions
The initiative responds to a growing recognition that climate action across the aviation and tourism sectors often takes place in silos – with airlines, airports, destinations, and tourism businesses working independently. This fragmented approach can result in missed opportunities for the most impactful response, with some emissions associated with travel slipping through the gaps.
“The climate challenge is shared, and the solutions must be too,” said Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation. “We need a new model of partnership across tourism and aviation that is grounded in mutual risks and shared responsibilities. This initiative is about unlocking that opportunity.”
“This initiative creates a space for open, cross-sector collaboration where we can better understand shared challenges and develop joint solutions,” said Kirsty Webster, Industry and Partner Sustainability Lead at Skyscanner. “Airlines have a real opportunity to show leadership and build on the work already taking place. By bringing together voices from across aviation and tourism, we hope to accelerate progress, spark innovation and ensure that climate action supports the long-term wellbeing of destinations and the people who rely on them.”
The newly established Advisory Group includes representatives from leading airlines, key industry organisations, tour operators, and destination organisations. Over the coming months, the group will provide strategic input, promote engagement, and help shape recommendations for joint action set out in a white paper.
Towards a just transition
The initiative sets out to align climate strategies with the real-world needs of destination communities and support a just transition for the sector. By working together, the aviation and tourism industries can build business resilience, reduce shared climate risks, and contribute more meaningfully to sustainable development goals.
Take part
The survey is open to stakeholders across aviation and tourism, including airlines, airports, tour operators, DMOs, hotel groups, industry suppliers, NGOs, and others. All responses will be treated confidentially.
