Climate change is reshaping the future of global travel, with rising risks to destinations, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. Discover why sustainability is now a strategic imperative for business travellers and the industry leaders who serve them.
For the modern business traveller, the world is a portfolio of opportunity, destinations that inspire, connect, and catalyse growth. But beneath the surface of seamless itineraries and luxury lounges lies a sobering truth: many of the places we travel to may not be here tomorrow.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat to the Travel & Tourism sector – it is a present and accelerating crisis. From wildfires in California to rising sea levels in the Maldives, the very landscapes and cultures that make travel meaningful are under siege and for those who rely on global mobility – whether for commerce, conferences, or corporate retreats, the implications are profound.
Destinations at risk
Recent studies confirm that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more destructive. Hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves are not only disrupting travel plans they’re dismantling the infrastructure that supports tourism. In Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where tourism contributes up to 90% of GDP, the stakes are existential. Macau, Aruba, and the Maldives are among the most vulnerable, facing both economic collapse and cultural erosion.
Beyond the numbers, the human cost is equally stark. According to the UN, marginalised groups – particularly women and informal workers – bear the brunt of climate-related disruptions. These individuals form the backbone of the tourism workforce, and their vulnerability underscores the sector’s broader responsibility to embrace inclusive and sustainable practices.
The carbon cost of connectivity
Transport remains the sector’s Achilles heel. Air travel, cruise ships, and other carbon-intensive modes of transport account for three-quarters of tourism’s CO₂ emissions. By 2030, these emissions are projected to reach 5.3% of all human-made CO₂ output. For business travellers, this presents a paradox: the very mobility that enables global commerce is accelerating the degradation of the destinations we depend on.
Rethinking travel with purpose
To preserve the future of travel, the industry must undergo a strategic transformation. This means prioritising low-carbon transport options – such as high-speed rail and electric vehicle fleets and investing in carbon-offset programmes that go beyond tokenism. Hotels and resorts must adopt energy-efficient designs, reduce waste, and protect biodiversity.
Equally vital is the empowerment of local communities. By involving residents especially women and informal workers in decision-making, destinations can foster resilience and ensure that tourism benefits are equitably shared.
For business travellers, sustainability is no longer a niche concern—it’s a strategic imperative. Choosing eco-certified accommodations, supporting local enterprises, and offsetting travel emissions are not just ethical choices; they are reputational assets in a world where ESG credentials matter more than ever.
A call to action
The time for incremental change has passed. Climate-driven degradation is already reshaping the travel landscape. If the sector fails to adapt, it risks not only its own viability but also the livelihoods of millions and the preservation of the world’s most extraordinary places.
For the business traveller, the message is clear: travel with purpose, invest in sustainability, and demand more from the industry. Because the journey ahead depends on the choices we make today.