Sustainability Update: TUI launches electric vehicle initiative and partnership with car brand smart
Electric mobility: Proportion of electric vehicles to increase to up to 90 per cent by 2030
Charging infrastructure: E-charging stations at 1,000 hotel locations by 2030
Partnership: Exclusive TUI special model from smart
‘We are harnessing the potential of new technologies to drive forward sustainable transformation in our source markets and destinations. TUI is thus making a clear commitment to the future viability of tourism – even though TUI's ecological footprint continues to be heavily influenced by emissions from hotels, cruise ships and aircraft,’ explains Sebastian Ebel, CEO of the TUI Group.
The targets for ground transportation are part of the ‘People, Planet, Progress’ sustainability strategy. Specifically, by 2030, around 90% of employee service vehicles, 90% of vehicles used in operations (such as apron vehicles at airports) and 80–90% of all guest transfers will be electric. These measures complement the emission reduction targets already set and validated by the independent Science Based Targets initiative in the areas of airlines, hotels and cruises, which are also to be achieved by 2030.
As part of the strategy presentation, TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel and Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of smart Germany, announced a new partnership between the two companies. An exclusive TUI special model will be launched in the summer, which will be available in TUI colours and equipped with TUI accessories. The navigation system of the TUI special model will display the nearest TUI travel agency or TUI hotel, among other things.
"With this partnership, TUI is not only increasing the visibility of its own brand, but also strengthening emotional brand loyalty. Customers experience e-mobility as part of the holiday experience. The design, technology and responsibility of the smart brand are a perfect fit with the TUI Smile and its global recognition,‘ says TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel.
Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of smart Germany, adds: ’The cooperation with TUI is something special for me. It is credible, based on partnership and was decided quickly. Sometimes everything just fits: attitude, trust and goals. We are combining our strengths to make sustainable mobility a reality – fully electric and with a clear vision. This project is characterised by an inspiring spirit and I am very much looking forward to everything we will achieve together."
smart and TUI will initially offer special models for the two electric models #1 and #3, with the electric SUV #5 also set to be available as a TUI special model at a later date. The special edition model will offer attractive terms for TUI employees, family and friends, and TUI customers. Details on prices and features will be announced in the next step. In addition to the offers for employees and customers, TUI plans to gradually introduce the models as company cars at destinations.
About TUI Group
The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. TUI Group offers its over 33 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 18 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with 125 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
