Tui Travel cut its carbon footprint by 8% last year, according to a report issued today.

Its Sustainable Development Report said carbon emissions fell by 8% from 2006/7 to 2007/8 and committed the company to a further 6% reduction by 2013-14.

The report also highlighted the £1.7 million Tui raised for the World Care Fund, which pays for sustainable tourism projects, and said that 87% of Tui businesses supported charitable programmes in destinations.

Tui said tourism was responsible for only about 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions but accounted for 11% of the world’s GDP, and 50 of the world’s least developed countries relied on the industry for economic development.

However, it said the company had a responsibility to reduce its negative impact and increase its positive impact on society and embed sustainable development in its priorities.

Chief executive Peter Long said: “We aspire to lead in sustainable development within the leisure travel industry and want to develop this in the wider marketplace.

“ In the long term, this goal will help build shareholder value for Tui Travel, and contribute to us operating a strong business now and in the future.”

Stephanie Draper, director of sustainable development organisation Forum for the Future, added: “We're greatly encouraged that in the current economic climate Tui Travel has strengthened its commitment to sustainable tourism.

“Challenges like climate change and resource constraints will define the sector in the next decade, so taking serious action to address them remains critical strategically. 

See Tui’s full report at tuitravelplc.com/sustainabledevelopment

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