It is well known that tourism cause damage to environment and it is big problem the world population faces. This growth of tourism led to an increase in the negative environmental and social impacts of tourism, from resource consumption, pollution and the generation of wastes. Tourism activities can also disrupt or destroy local cultures and introduce unwanted activities such as drugs and prostitution. In the past 30 years the earth has lost nearly a third of its natural habitat. Aircraft emissions contribute to greenhouse gases and tourism development, in the shape of new hotels, golf courses and resorts, continues apace in environmentally sensitive areas. That’s why many organisations of travel and tourism sector are becoming more environmentally friendly.
In past years airlines and aircraft manufacturers have become increasingly committed to becoming more "green," or environmentally friendly. Here are some steps airlines are taking to become greener. Few steps airlines takes to be more environmentally friendly includes:
- Modernizing their fleets with more fuel-efficient aircraft
- Employing new technologies and fuel efficiency standards to reduce emissions
- Introducing water-saving and recycling programs
- Removing excess weight
- Offering carbon offset programs
- Improving insulation at airports
- Researching alternative energy sources for jets
Air France is a Europe airline which has made a huge steps to be greener. Airline is trying to promote the European emission scheme, continuing renew its fleet with more fuel efficient aircraft and they are offering carbon calculator. Airline also promote the use of renewable energy, and encouraging employees to be involved in environmental action. Air France-KLM aims to minimize its impact on the environment, and has set the target to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020, as compared to 2011.
Hotels providers are also trying to be more eco-friendly. Good example of eco-friendly hotel is the hotels van Oranje in Netherlands. The Hotels van Oranje is the only five-star hotel on the Dutch coast to obtain a Green Globe certificate. The Hotels van Oranje are largely provided with LED and other energy efficient lighting. Many areas are provided with motion sensors and timers which alleviates unnecessary lighting. Hotel has special water system in the swimming pool which saves up to 8000 litres of water per day. All waste will be separated where possible. Changing of bedding and towels is guest-controlled. Rooms have water-saving showers, and special film on window to reduce the use of air-conditioning. All employess of this hotel are having a training about how to be more environmentally friendly. This training shows the impact of human actins on environment.