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The travel and tourism industry is one of the world's largest industries, but it also has a significant environmental footprint. Transport alone accounts for about 25% of global CO2 emissions. As concerns about climate change grow, the industry is increasingly looking for cleaner, more sustainable ways to power vehicles, accommodation and attractions.
Key Definitions:
Tourism depends on natural environments and cultural heritage. Climate change threatens these assets through rising sea levels, extreme weather and biodiversity loss. By adopting alternative energy, the tourism industry can help protect the very attractions that draw visitors while creating new opportunities for green tourism.
Many countries have set targets to reduce carbon emissions. For example, the UK aims to cut emissions by 78% by 2035 and reach net-zero by 2050. The travel and tourism sector must play its part in meeting these goals by adopting cleaner energy sources and more efficient technologies.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common in tourism transport. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are quieter than conventional vehicles, making them ideal for nature-based tourism.
Many car rental companies now offer electric vehicles. Countries like Norway lead with over 80% of new car sales being electric or hybrid.
Cities like London, Amsterdam and Shenzhen have introduced electric buses for public transport and sightseeing tours, reducing noise and air pollution in tourist areas.
Electric-powered boats and ferries are being used in sensitive marine environments and on lakes in national parks to reduce water pollution and noise.
Amsterdam has committed to making all canal boats electric by 2025. The city has already converted many of its famous canal tour boats to electric power, reducing noise and air pollution in the historic centre. This has improved the experience for both tourists and locals while protecting the city's waterways from pollution.
Biofuels are made from organic materials like plants, algae and waste. They can be used in existing engines with little or no modification, making them a practical alternative to fossil fuels.
Airlines like British Airways and KLM have tested flights using biofuels made from waste cooking oil, agricultural residues and dedicated energy crops. These sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Biodiesel blends are being used in trains and buses in many countries. Virgin Trains has tested biodiesel in its diesel engines, while many tour bus companies now use biodiesel blends to reduce their carbon footprint.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water as the only by-product. They offer longer range and faster refuelling than batteries, making them suitable for larger vehicles and longer journeys.
Cities like Aberdeen in Scotland and London have introduced hydrogen-powered buses. Aberdeen's hydrogen bus fleet is one of the largest in Europe and demonstrates how hydrogen can work in a colder climate.
Germany introduced the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger train in 2018. The UK is also testing hydrogen trains as part of its plan to phase out diesel trains by 2040.
The Orkney Islands in Scotland have become a pioneer in hydrogen energy. Excess renewable electricity from wind turbines is used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. This hydrogen powers a fleet of vans and a ferry, demonstrating how remote tourist destinations can become energy self-sufficient using local renewable resources.
Solar power harnesses energy from the sun using photovoltaic panels. It's particularly useful in sunny tourist destinations and for powering facilities in remote areas.
Many hotels have installed solar panels to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The Boutiquehotel Stadthalle in Vienna was the world's first urban hotel with a zero-energy balance.
Solar-powered boats are being used for tourist cruises on lakes and rivers. They operate silently and produce no water pollution, ideal for nature tours.
Solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles are being installed at tourist attractions, allowing visitors to charge their cars while sightseeing.
The future of alternative energy in travel and tourism looks promising, with several emerging trends:
Companies like Wright Electric and Eviation are developing electric aircraft for short-haul flights. These could revolutionise regional tourism with zero-emission flights between nearby destinations.
Tourism facilities are increasingly using smart grids and energy management systems to optimise their use of renewable energy, storing excess energy for use during peak demand.
Future tourism will likely feature more integrated, multi-modal transport systems combining different alternative energy vehicles for seamless, low-carbon travel experiences.
Costa Rica aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050 and is already a leader in sustainable tourism. The country generates over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources (hydroelectric, wind, geothermal and solar). Many eco-lodges operate entirely on renewable energy and electric vehicle charging networks are expanding to serve tourists. The country's commitment to sustainability has become a major selling point, attracting environmentally conscious visitors from around the world.
Alternative energy sources are not just a technical solution but a fundamental part of making tourism more sustainable. By reducing emissions, preserving natural environments and creating new experiences, alternative energy can help ensure that tourism continues to bring joy and economic benefits without harming the planet.
As a tourism professional or student, understanding these technologies and trends is essential for planning and developing sustainable tourism products and services. The transition to alternative energy sources represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the industry to reinvent itself for a more sustainable future.