UK travel aims to go green

A recent survey by the Telegraph assessed the environmental friendliness of different travel industry operators, revealing that appearances can be deceiving.

Aviation is the source of CO2 emissions increasing most quickly in the UK, despite the boasts of several airlines that their planes are "greener" than ever. Do the new planes of British Airways really compensate for its alleged flying of empty planes across the Atlantic simply to maintain a top take-off slot at Heathrow? Boeing Dreamliners and Airbus A380s are undeniable improvements, but they should not be undermined by decidedly "ungreen" actions.

Responsible Travel is a website that lists holidays aiming to reduce environmental and cultural damage. According to Responsible Travel guidelines, 40 top UK travel companies were assessed for their efforts in emissions reduction and offsetting, as well as for the company's sense of responsibility regarding its environmental impact.

Co-founder of Responsible Travel, Justin Francis said: "For an industry that is dependent on pristine environments and local cultures, many parts of the tourism industry have been remarkably slow to recognise their wider responsibilities to both local communities and the environment."

First Choice was a top rated company due to its donations to sustainable tourism and its carbon offsetting plan. Virgin, British Airways and Easy Jet led the list for airlines, while cruise lines showed an unimpressive performance. Luxury tour operators generally displayed a low level of environmental concern, and only one ski company met responsible tourism conditions.


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Zoe Westof Editorial


12/01/2008




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