Climate Hub

Welcome to Skift’s Climate Hub, where solutions-based journalism cuts through industry spin to spotlight real progress in travel sustainability. In partnership with Intrepid Travel, Skift’s editorial team will evaluate environmental claims, highlight meaningful advancements, and hold the travel sector accountable. This independent initiative brings rigorous reporting to the forefront and pushes the industry to meet the moment in the face of growing scrutiny from travelers and stakeholders alike.

Hotels

Hyatt Joins Other Big Hotel Chains by Pledging to Eliminate Small Plastic Bottles

Hyatt joins Marriott and IHG by promising to get rid of single-use plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion with large-format bathroom amenities. Hotels are wisely promising to do what they can to mitigate waste. Let's see if they can make their deadlines.

Nancy Trejos | 5 years ago

Business Travel

The Often Overlooked Role Travel Advisors Play in the Path to Responsible Tourism

While it's more obvious that hotels, airlines, and cruise lines have a big impact on sustainable tourism, travel advisors wield influence too. How they guide clients in the choices they make has ramifications for the health of the travel industry, as well as for the planet.

Maria Lenhart | 5 years ago

Cruises

Cruise Chairman Deflects Concerns Over Industry's Environmental Threats as 'Fake News'

It makes sense that a longtime leader of a cruise company would give lip service to sustainability. To say consumer concerns about the sector's sustainability are fake, however, risks alienating customers at a pivotal moment for the sector.

Andrew Sheivachman | 5 years ago

Tourism

Aruba Is Building a Tourism Economy Centered on Sustainability

Many destinations have stepped up their environmental sustainability efforts in recent years. But the island nation of Aruba is going further than most, working to reduce plastic use, support local communities, and make tourism itself a more sustainable industry overall.

Aruba Tourism Authority + Skift | 5 years ago

New Concepts Tackle Luxury Travel's Abuse of Nature in Asia

Enough of abusing nature for luxury. Tourism players in Asia-Pacific share how conscious design and excursion-based wellness can change how we think about luxury resorts.

Yixin Ng | 5 years ago

Luxury

How Los Cabos is Transforming Luxury Tourism in Mexico

Today’s luxury travelers want the world at their fingertips. But not all destinations have managed to adapt their offerings to suit the demands of this new mindset. Now, thanks to its unique luxury-friendly amenities and a new brand positioning, the Los Cabos region of Mexico is emerging as a new luxury hotspot.

Los Cabos Tourism Board + Skift | 5 years ago

Ryanair CEO: ‘No Justification’ for More Environmental Taxes on Air Travel

Airlines think they can win over consumers, investors, and other stakeholders with their environmental spin. Ryanair is clearly doing some things right, but the sector has a structural problem that isn't going to be solved by tweaking the edges.

Patrick Whyte | 5 years ago

Cruises

The Cruise Industry Will Soon Face Its Strictest Pollution Standard Yet: Can Anyone Enforce It?

Everyone — even cruise line executives — agrees that the air pollution the industry generates needs to be reduced. But a closer look at how cruise ships are regulated leaves little confidence that a new global standard to reduce disease-causing sulfur emissions can be adequately enforced.

Rosie Spinks | 5 years ago

Business Travel

Ensemble Travel Group Adds Carbon Offset Tool for Agencies

Ensemble Travel's partnership with Cool Effect enables travel advisors to help clients offset their carbon footprint by donating to sustainability projects. It's a step that other travel agency groups should take as well.

Maria Lenhart | 5 years ago

Business Travel

Greta Effect Felt on Climate Talk at Ensemble Travel Group Conference

Sustainable travel was the overriding theme at Ensemble Travel Group's 2019 International Conference, which CEO David Harris called the most important issue facing travel advisors and their clients. The importance of capturing sales data and strong alliances with travel industry organizations also emerged as top priorities.

Maria Lenhart | 5 years ago