Revealed: What travel companies fear most about climate change

Flooded house aerial view

New research has revealed tourism brands greatest fears when it comes to climate change.

As reported by Skift surveys conducted by UK climate nonprofit, the CDP, asked public and private companies around the world to describe risks they believe are associated with climate change.

See also: How climate change will affect your client bookings

The results paint a stark picture of the impact climate change will have on the industry including intense heat, widespread damage to infrastructure and disruption of food and water supply.

While we may think of this as something to deal with in the near future, some companies listed these impacts as current issues, particularly those in hurricane or drought affected areas.

Istock/CHUYN

Istock/CHUYN

Skift highlights a few examples from the research: AccorHotels and Hilton are most worried about droughts and inadequate water supply, while American and Japan airlines point to the hazards of increased cyclones and hurricanes.

However, not everyone is concerned about the effects of climate change. Ireland’s largest hotel company, Dalata Hotels reported it perceived no significant risks.

Each year, thousands of companies disclose environmental data (including risks, opportunities, impacts and actions) through CDP’s questionnaires.

CDP then gives each company a score against a diverse range of metrics to give them a letter grade on climate change, forests and/or water security.

See also: GSTC Chair Luigi Cabrini: “Tourism must be a leader in responding to climate change”

For example, Marriott got a C for its work combatting climate change while Scandic Hotels got an A-.

The highest graded airlines were Delta and United, both scoring a B grade, while American and Japan Airlines were given a D.

You can check out all of CDP’s rating here.

The potential risk cited by most hotels was drought and inadequate water supply, followed by hurricanes and cyclones, which was the risk most airlines cited.

Hotels also reported concerns about flooding, rising sea levels, higher mean temperature, extream heat or cold, disturbed food supply, wildfires and decreased snowfall.

Airlines listed increased precipitation, flooding in airports, high winds, snow and ice, volcanic eruptions, lower air density and heavy fog.

Latest News

  • Hotels

Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne

ERDI, a private collection of premium hotels and hospitality businesses, has announced the launch of ERDI Academy, the next chapter of hospitality education and the legacy of founders Eva and Les Erdi. Starting in the mid-1980s, ERDI offers hospitality education with a commitment to community enrichment from its base at its Mercure Welcome Melbourne on […]

  • Destinations

Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts

Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]

  • Aviation
  • Sustainability

Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup

Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has signed an agreement with Neste to purchase 1,000 tonnes of neat Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel TM. The purchase makes SIA and Scoot the first carriers to receive Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced at Neste’s refinery in the country, at Singapore Changi Airport. The milestone will also mark the first […]

  • Aviation

Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares

Qantas has launched its latest International Red Tail sale, discounting more than 200,000 fares to Los Angeles, New York, Honolulu and other US destinations, plus Vancouver. The discounted seats are available to book either as a cash fare or as a reward seat using points. Thirty routes are on sale, including 10 for under $1,199 […]

  • Health & Wellness

Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers

Boutique hotel Bannisters by the Sea has revealed a brand-new package for new mothers – Bannisters Mummymoon – right in time for Mother’s Day. Designed to nurture and rejuvenate new mothers, this luxurious escape prioritises postpartum self-care and wellbeing in a serene coastal setting. Reconnecting and Recharging: The two-night Mummymoon allows mums to reconnect with […]

  • Destinations

APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia

APT Luxury Travel launches has launched its Asia Sale featuring 20 trips, with journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia as highlights, as well as opportunities to explore Japan, South Korea, India and Sri Lanka. It’s ‘Spiritual Cambodia and the Mekong’ land and river cruise tour for example takes guests on an all-inclusive 11-day journey through Vietnam […]

  • Travel Agents

Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland

Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]

  • Cruise

Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers

French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]