Carbon emissions breakdown
The Travel & Tourism sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for 8-11% of total greenhouse gases. From aviation to accommodations, various segments within this sector play a role in driving emissions. Reducing carbon emissions in travel has become a critical focus as the world works toward a sustainable future. This infographic breaks down emissions by industry, highlighting where the largest contributions come from and explaining the different types of emissions — Scope 1, 2, and 3 — to provide a clearer picture of the sector's carbon footprint.
Sign in to access actionable insights
The Travel & Tourism sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for 8-11% of total greenhouse gases. From aviation to accommodations, various segments within this sector play a role in driving emissions. Reducing carbon emissions in travel has become a critical focus as the world works toward a sustainable future. This infographic breaks down emissions by industry, highlighting where the largest contributions come from and explaining the different types of emissions — Scope 1, 2, and 3 — to provide a clearer picture of the sector's carbon footprint.
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions (e.g., fuel combustion in aircraft).
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions (e.g., purchased electricity for hotels).
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions from the value chain (e.g., food and beverage supply for accommodations).
- Sector contributions: Travel & Tourism contributes to 8-11% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Key industries include:
- Aviation: 17% of travel-related emissions, driven by aircraft fuel use (Scope 1).
- Accommodation: 6%, with emissions primarily from energy use (Scope 2) and value chain services like laundry (Scope 3).
- Cruise industry: 0.6%, predominantly from fuel onboard (Scope 1).
- Tour operators (asset heavy): 95% of emissions come from operations (Scope 1), such as fuel and power generation.
- Online travel agencies (OTAs)/travel agencies: Less than 1% of total emissions, with the majority being from office energy consumption (Scope 2).