This innovative new partnership will focus on the challenge of how to reduce carbon emissions in the tourism supply chain, by bringing together the destination, VisitScotland, the global tour operator, The Travel Corporation, and international sustainable tourism organization, The Travel Foundation. This collaboration aims to inspire and support climate action within Scotland’s tourism industry and represents a huge opportunity to influence and drive change with businesses, visitors and destinations. 

It is the first time that VisitScotland and any global tour operator have committed to work together to share learnings, insights and support each other in accelerating change and being part of the climate change solution. The overall goal of the project in the long term is to accelerate the decarbonization of the tourism supply chain in Scotland and it is anticipated that the learnings from the project will be of international relevance.  

ENGAGING THE SUPPLY CHAIN

-The focus will be on developing and delivering responsible tourism experiences and itineraries which aim to have a positive social or environmental impact on communities and those who experience them.   

The partnership will look at every touchpoint in the supply chain that a visitor experiences. For consumers looking for positive impact experiences in Scotland, the project aims to make selecting a travel provider that prioritises sustainability easier, giving them the opportunity to discover local stories, enjoy authentic experiences and see how their visit contributes to local communities.  

Scotland’s tourism industry recognises the need for change with 75% of businesses aware of the Scottish Government’s net zero target for 2045 (see VisitScotland’s Tourism Industry Net Zero Survey under Resources below). For its part, The Travel Corporation is the first global tour operator to achieve validated near-term, long-term and net zero targets.  

Together they will support businesses seeking to take steps to reduce their carbon emissions and offer sustainable options. This project will encourage tourism businesses in Scotland to see the business case for responsible, low-carbon development, and it will enable consumers to choose responsible products and tours. 

Supporting Scotland’s transition to a low carbon economy is a key part of VisitScotland’s work to support the national tourism strategy Scotland Outlook 2030 Responsible Tourism for a Sustainable Future, and this new partnership is a significant part of planned activity for the year. 

RESOURCES

THE TRAVEL FOUNDATION

♦ Glossary of climate terms

♦ The five pathways of the Glasgow Declaration

♦ The Envisioning 2030 report