WTTC urges travel sector to join forces to scale up sustainable fuel

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is urging travel and tourism firms to unite to scale up the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other renewable fuels.

 

Its call comes in a report called Scaling Up Sustainable Fuel, written with global consultancy ICF, which sets out a roadmap for how businesses can tackle transport-related emissions and accelerate the shift to cleaner fuels.

 

Julia Simpson, WTTC president and chief executive, said: “Sustainable fuel is the single biggest game-changer for travel and tourism, but right now, supply falls dangerously short of demand. If we don’t act together, we risk rising costs, limited availability, and stalled climate progress. 

 

“Every hotel, tour operator, travel agency, cruise line and airline has a role to play. This framework gives them the blueprint.

 

“Sustainable fuel is not just an environmental necessity; it’s a business imperative and governments must incentivise the production of SAF, not just set targets for the sector.”

 

The WTTC said SAF accounts for just 0.3% of global jet fuel use. To meet net-zero targets by 2050, production must increase more than 400-fold.

 

SAF works with existing engines and aircraft but high production costs, limited infrastructure and feedstock competition have kept volumes low and prices high – up to 10 times that of conventional fuel.

 

Daniel Galpin, ICF managing director, added: “Decarbonising transport is a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable tourism sector. While transport industries, particularly aviation with its focus on SAF, have recognised the importance of sustainable fuels and are courageously working towards a new era, there remains a significant journey ahead.

 

“It is essential for the broader tourism ecosystem to take action and provide support to meet the targets set, as well as to implement both operational and strategic changes required.”

 

Real-world case studies show how action is already being taken, such as Jet2’s investment in a UK-based SAF plant using recyclable household waste.

 

More: New SAF measures to help more eco-friendly flights take off