The Impact of Technology on Achieving Eco-travel

There is no denying the economic significance of the travel and tourism industry in the global market, however, the climate crisis the world currently faces due to the negative impact of carbon emissions from transportation cannot be ignored either. According to a study published in 2018, between 2009 and 2013, 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions were caused by the travel and tourism industry, of which three-quarters were due to aviation. Many of the local resources have been overused and wasted, while water pollution reaches a new high during peak travel seasons. That being said, many industry specialists have been trying to conceptualise a way to improve environmental sustainability and ensure eco-travel, which can only be achieved through cooperation from all the players in the industry and the proper incorporation of state-of-the-art travel technology.

Several international aviation organisations have already started on the path to achieving a zero carbon footprint by 2050. For instance, IATA is planning to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by bringing air transport in line with the objectives set in the Paris Agreement. IATA has already begun using more sustainable aviation fuel, improving infrastructure and operational efficiencies, and implementing ultra-modern technologies to achieve their Fly Net Zero pledge.

However, to find the perfect balance between improving environmental conservation without jeopardising or hindering the trajectory of economic growth experienced by the travel sector, the contributions of advanced technology cannot be underestimated. And its significance is evident in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in establishing Eco Travel. In this article, we will shed some light on the impact of technology in the travel sector to improve environmental sustainability.

The relationship between tourism, technology, and Environmental Sustainability

The protection and preservation of natural biodiversity, making proper use of the resources, and minimising pollution in the natural environment are ways to achieve environmental sustainability. And when travel activities are planned and managed in a way that helps preserve the natural environment, then it is considered "eco travel."

Environmental sustainability is not limited to the minimisation of harmful impacts; rather, it is also about having a positive impact on the environment. For example, protecting and preserving cultural as well as natural sites, being respectful of the needs of the local communities, preserving the ecosystem, and much more.

The advancements made in the field of technology have enabled facilities like fast and easy computerized reservation systems, global distribution systems (GDS), high-performing websites for online travel agencies (OTA), and competitive pricing. And through the use of social media, the medium of communication in the travel and tourism industries has been made very easy for agents, suppliers, and, of course, the customers. This has also, in many ways, improved the scope for boosting environmental sustainability.

With the proper use of technology, tourism can play a very important role in providing sustainable solutions and has the potential to contribute to global sustainable development. Let us look at some specific ways technology has helped boost environmental sustainability. 

Virtual tours

If you could see all the wonders of the world, visit remote locations thousands of miles away, and experience being in the most dangerous and thrilling destinations without ever leaving your house, or in other words, without contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions, virtual tours would be the only thing that would come to everyone's mind.

For example, the city of Berlin introduced the WallGuide, a handheld multimedia device, to give visitors a tour of the demolished Berlin Wall. The dismantled wall is brought back to life thanks to the technological advancements witnessed in virtual reality. The multimedia device will also provide the audience with some historical information as well as interviews with people who witnessed the wall firsthand.

A virtual tour can provide a better understanding of the ecology, local wildlife, and how to navigate through the local areas of any destination to a curious traveller by taking them on an informative journey within minutes. This does not just reduce tons of energy consumption but also helps preserve the natural habitat of the destination.

 Furthermore, the use of this technology is not limited to outdoor destinations. You can also modify the device settings and adapt them to a hotel room. For any potential guests at a hotel, a virtual tour of the room they will be booking can help make the final sale. 

Hybrid and Electrical Transportation

It might be expensive, but the increase in hybrid or electric transportation use is a sign that the world is moving towards achieving environmental sustainability and opting for an eco-friendly travel experience instead of the traditional energy- and fuel-consuming one.

Many travel agencies, car dealers, and other businesses are offering hybrid car and shuttle bus rides to their clients to show that they are aware of their responsibility towards the environment and are taking the necessary steps to do their part in supporting the cause. Hybrids not only get better fuel efficiency results but also improve fuel economy by 37%.

Apart from on-the-land vehicles, hundreds of airline companies and travel providers, including big names in the industry like British Airways, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and many others, have set net-zero targets to cut down greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the year 2050. Since the aviation sector is responsible for generating huge amounts of greenhouse gases, resulting in rapid climate change, technology can help reduce the intensity in many ways. With the Eco Skies Alliance, carriers like United are trying to promote sustainable flying through the testing of planes that are powered by electricity. People are being encouraged to use public transportation thanks to the emergence of contactless payment. This reduces the need for unnecessary paper or plastic tickets while also reducing the carbon emission as buses don’t stay idle while passengers are trying to pay with cash.

Solar energy

With the present situation of the economy, energy consumption can be very expensive, but the cost of solar power has been on a constant decline. The installation of solar panels on the rooftops of a hotel or any vehicle will be the only expenditure incurred in this case.

Most often, the entire space on the rooftops of hotels remains unused. So, mid- to large-size solar panels can easily be installed there to minimise energy consumption while promoting the hotel's image as an environmentally conscious one.

The Courtyard by Marriott Lancaster is the first Marriott-branded hotel in the USA. What sets this 133-room hotel apart from the rest is that all of its electricity needs are met through solar power. 

Again, we have the Lightyear Zero, a long-range solar car designed and engineered by Lightyear in the Netherlands, a successful example of a solar-powered car.

Throughout the decades, countless other technological advancements have contributed to making eco-travel a reality. To reach this goal it is important to focus not only on reducing the overall carbon footprint but also on helping preserve natural resources.