WTTC calls on tourism sector to contribute to SAF

UK-based World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced a framework in collaboration with global consulting firm ICF calling on the global travel and tourism sector to help decarbonise aviation through increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The new WTTC-ICF framework, launched in a report titled “Scaling Up Sustainable Fuel” lists tiered actions for Travel & Tourism stakeholders to engage, whether as collaborators, promoters, adopters, or investors.

From joining campaigns and supplying waste products, to funding production facilities or purchasing sustainable fuel certificates, the report says that every business can contribute.

“Sustainable fuel is the single biggest game-changer for Travel & 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,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO.

“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.”

Today, 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 – from 1.25bn litres to over 450bn litres.

That will require as many as 6,500 new renewable fuel plants worldwide and industry investment will be key to scaling these projects.