Travelling with the Climate in Mind – Options between business as usual and staying at home- March 2008

There is now broad consensus that climate change is a reality and that much of it is man-made. Most people also agree that tourism is both affected by, and contributing to, global warming. However, there is considerable controversy as to what exactly and how much needs to be done about it. At this year's ITB leading companies and organisations form all fields of sustainable tourism will demonstrate how they minimise the ecological footprint of their trips in an exemplary way – and still offer great travel experiences. They range from tour operators implementing climate-friendly management systems, nearby destinations that can be reached by public transport, and the compensation of greenhouse gases in long-haul tourism destinations and aviation all the way to the necessary adaptation to the impacts of climate change in developing countries.

The public discussion on tourism and climate change has lately become polarised. On the one hand, there are radical demands to reduce travelling substantially. On the other hand, while downplaying tourism's share of global emissions, many tourism stakeholders keep pointing out the benefits of tourism, increasing energy efficiency, future technologies – and use this as an excuse to do nothing. Although there is no doubt that tourism is an important sector of the world economy that has created many jobs, it must be acknowledged that it does contribute about 5% to the man-made global greenhouse effect (by comparison: Germany's entire share is about 3%). In view of ongoing growth in this sector, business as usual may have devastating effects on host destinations and tourism itself.

Confronted with the perceived choice between staying at home and travelling indiscrimi­nately, consumers are becoming increasingly confused, in spite of their generally high awareness of the dangers of global warming. An example for this is the undifferentiated discussion about carbon offsetting as "indulgencies", thus denigrating this sensible option to reduce emissions from travelling. A recent study in Germany shows that many tourists say they would like to change their travel behaviour because of climate change, but end up doing nothing because they are not willing to forego their well deserved holidays and cannot find any climate-friendly alternatives. 

This is exactly where "Travelling with the Climate in Mind" makes a difference. This event aspires to show that there are real and pragmatic options between business as usual and overly environmentalist restrictions. By assuming responsibility for the world's climate while still enjoying travelling – and staying in business as a tourism entrepreneur.

International Tourism Exchange, Berlin 2008
Friday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. -13:00, ICC Room 15/16

March 2008