Travel & Tourism
Travel connects us to the world without needing to cost the planet. Innovators are reimagining every step — from transport to stays to experiences — making exploration cleaner, smarter and more meaningful for travelers and destinations alike.
Greener Travel & Tourism
Sustainable travel isn’t just lighter on the planet — it’s richer, more authentic and often more rewarding for the people experiencing it. From eco-lodges and lower-carbon transport to cultural immersion and regenerative tourism, mindful choices can make every journey count for more.
Air & Rail
Flying and long-distance rail often set the tone for a trip’s footprint. While air travel remains carbon intensive, airlines are beginning to scale sustainable aviation fuels, test electric and hybrid aircraft, and improve efficiency. Rail, where available, offers a much lower-carbon option, especially on electrified networks. When booking, look for carriers investing in cleaner energy, transparent offsets and more efficient fleets — and consider swapping short-haul flights for rail where possible.
Hospitality
Where you stay can make as much impact as how you get there. Hotels, resorts and short-term rentals are shifting to renewable energy, efficient water use and healthier building materials, while many are investing in local communities and nature-positive projects. Certifications like LEED, Green Key or B-Corp can help identify leaders. Look for properties that minimize waste, source responsibly and give guests practical ways to tread lighter during their stay.
Cruise
Cruises bring together transport, lodging and entertainment in one package — and with that, a sizable footprint. But innovation is underway: cleaner fuels, electrification at port, advanced wastewater treatment and even emerging electric or hybrid ships. Travelers can support cruise lines that are piloting these changes and pushing for systemic improvements across the industry. Consider smaller expedition cruises or operators with strong sustainability commitments for a lower-impact way to explore.
Trips & Experiences
Guided tours, safaris, adventure travel and cultural expeditions can unlock life-changing perspectives, but how they’re run matters. Increasingly, travel companies are designing experiences that prioritize local communities, nature conservation and lower-carbon logistics. Look for operators that cap group sizes, use local guides, invest in renewable energy and give back to the places they visit. Choosing these kinds of experiences ensures the memories made contribute positively to both people and planet.
Destinations
Cities, regions and even countries are branding themselves as sustainable destinations, but it goes deeper than marketing. Some are redesigning transit systems, expanding bike and pedestrian access, investing in renewable grids and protecting natural landscapes. Tourism boards that prioritize sustainability often back it with measurable goals, partnerships and transparent reporting. As a traveler, seeking out these destinations not only lightens your footprint but helps reward and accelerate their progress.
Solutions
Seeing Green highlights innovators reimagining travel — from airlines and hotels to cruises and guided trips — each honored as a Solutionist of the Day. Explore their stories below. Click button below to see the full list of Travel & Tourism Solutionists organized by category.
Learn More
Want to go deeper? Check out these curated episodes from our "Greening My..." podcast series, where we explore how everyday spaces and routines can become greener, healthier, and more sustainable
Intrepid Travel is redefining adventure through purpose-driven journeys that connect travelers with people and places while protecting the planet. From carbon-labelled trips to community impact projects, they’re proving exploration can be both exciting and responsible.