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Tourism as a force for good

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and the main force for development and prosperity in many parts of the world. Every holiday leaves an impression – in our hearts, but also on the environment. We use our scale and influence for the sustainable transformation of travel. Together with our partners we strive to continue to positively contribute to local communities, reduce our environmental footprint and create experiences that are authentic and sustainable.

Learn more here about our sustainability agenda, which is built on three pillars and 15 focus areas, as well as our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You can also explore the latest news on sustainability, discover key milestones of our sustainability efforts in a timeline, see some of our achievements in numbers, or find information on our sustainability initiatives across the various business units.

Our Mission

Two young people on bicycles in urban environment with historical buildings in the background
We are mindful of the importance of travel and tourism for many countries in the world and for the people living there. We partner with these countries and other stakeholders to actively shape a more sustainable future for tourism. We are in a decade of sustainable transformation. TUI takes its responsibility seriously. And TUI takes action.
We are in a decade of sustainable transformation - for TUl and the tourism industry as a whole. We will strengthen and further develop tourism as a global driver of prosperity and development. TUl will continue to lead the tourism industry in sustainability - with our ambitious goals, pioneering initiatives and a holistic approach. Sustainability is a top priority for me personally and for TUl. We have proven in the past that we have the expertise and the right approach to make tourism more sustainable. That's why we don't see sustainability as a threat - for us, it's an opportunity.
Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group

Our building blocks

Our Three P’s of People, Planet and Progress are supported by 15 focus areas to drive our sustainable transformation.

People

Tourism is the main force for development and prosperity in many parts of the world. It creates employment, provides education and drives up social and environmental standards.

People

More information

Planet

Progress

Science Based Targets initiative

TUI has committed to reducing its emissions, with 2030 targets for its airlines, cruises, and hotels. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated these goals, which align with the latest climate science. By 2030, TUI aims to cut emissions by 24% for its airline, 46.2% for Group-operated hotels, and 27.5% for cruises, all compared to 2019 levels. Additional goals include achieving net-zero emissions across operations and supply chains by 2050, becoming a circular business, enabling 20 million customers to choose sustainable holidays annually by 2030, and co-creating sustainable destinations.

TUI's contribution to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals

TUI is committed to supporting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combat inequality, eradicate poverty, and protect our planet by 2030. Through its Sustainability Agenda, TUI takes action to contribute to these global goals, with a particular focus on 13 of them. As we enter a decisive decade of sustainable transformation, TUI is dedicated to driving meaningful change.

1881
experiences, tours and activities have been verified in accordance with international sustainability criteria
1/3
of TUI Hotels & Resorts generate renewable energy to partially meet their energy needs
Future
Mein Schiff 7 already built for the future with methanol propulsion
11%
less CO2 was emitted per guest night in our Hotels*
12.1
million guests stayed at a hotel with a GSTC-recognised certification
1,700
tons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) were used by TUI airline in the financial year 2024
65+
contrail avoidance flights were done in 2024
420,330
people were reached with environmental education initiatives by the TUI Care Foundation
38%
rise in port calls with on shore power was achieved at Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd
35,000
hours of training on sustainability topics have been completed by TUI employees

*The number is based on t CO2e from owned, managed and leased TUI Hotels & Resorts in relations to guest nights, compared to FY2023

Sustainability News

Sustainability NewsAll News

Our Sustainability Timeline

TUI’s commitment to sustainability spans more than three decades, from environmental reporting to a holistic agenda for sustainable tourism.

1990

Environmental Management Unit

First mainstream tour operator to set up an environmental management unit

1990

Environmental reporting

Environmental reporting included in the TUI Annual Report

1996

Environmental Champion Hotels

First selection of TUI Environmental Champion hotels – based on environmental criteria

2004

FTSE4Good Index

First listing on FTSE4Good index and thereafter first Group Environment Report published

2007

Customer donation scheme

World Care Fund customer donation scheme launched supporting sustainability projects

2009

Futouris

TUI Deutschland and TUI AG co-found the sustainable tourism initiative Futouris

2011

Sustainable biofuels

Thomson Airways (today: TUI Airways) the 1st UK airline to fly customers on sustainable biofuel
TUI branded Airplane above clouds in blue sky

2013

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

First deliveries of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, up to 20% more carbon efficient

2014

UN Global Compact

TUI signs UN Global Compact’s ten principles Ground-breaking tourism total impact measurement study on Cyprus

2015

Better Holidays, Better World

strategy launched to create sustainability change at scale and aligned to the UN SDGs Innovative ecoDemonstrator project with Boeing

2016

TUI Care Foundation

TUI Care Foundation established as TUI’s corporate Foundation

2018

Leading efficiency

TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 1 enters service as one of the most energy-efficient ships of its class

2019

Best for Transparent Reporting

TUI Group won the World Responsible Tourism award for Best for Transparent Reporting

2020

More sustainable holidays

43m holidays delivered to sustainably certified hotels since 2015

2021

Corona Relief Fund

90,000 people supported through the TUI Care Foundation Corona Relief Fund

2022

Tourism is a force for good

Sustainability Agenda launched to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the tourism industry

2024

Climate efficiency recognized

According to the atmosfair ranking, four TUI airlines are among the top 30 most climate-efficient airlines worldwide, with TUIfly Netherlands taking first place in the overall ranking

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