The travel industry’s sustainability actions

• United Airlines’ Eco-Skies Alliance is a first-of-its-kind program that helps leading global corporations reduce their environmental impact and collectively contribute towards the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel. 
• The first airline to fly a passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). United has committed to purchase more SAF and 100 hydrogen-electric engines from ZeroAvia.
• With more than $100 million in investments from United and its partners, The United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund will support start-ups working on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) research, production and technology.
• Will purchase 15 of Boom Supersonic’s Overture airliners and is the largest airline to invest in zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines through an equity stake in ZeroAvia. 

United was the first airline to commit to reducing its GHG emissions 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets. To support this commitment United has invested in the future production of more SAF than any airline globally. United has also launched two corporate investment funds, United Airlines Ventures, and its SAF-focused Sustainable Flight Fund. Through these venture funds, United became the first U.S. airline to make investments in technologies including hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft and air taxis.

• On-site anaerobic digester generates energy from food waste Universal Orlando. Installed irrigation control sensors at Universal Orlando and Hollywood adjust watering as needed based on real-time ground moisture and weather data.

• Virginia Tourism Corporation helps travelers plan eco-friendly trips to Virginia with their Sustainable Travel landing page, which highlights green travel options and trip planning ideas across the state.
• Virginia Green is a statewide program in partnership with Virginia Tourism and 18 additional partner organizations. The Virginia Green program administers the Virginia Green Travel Certification Program, which recognizes tourism businesses for their environmental commitments. More than 1200 Virginia businesses have achieved this certification, and they are searchable as options for planning Sustainable Vacations in Virginia.
• The Commonwealth of Virginia is a signatory participant of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative of Eastern States in the U.S. to cap and reduce CO2 emissions for the power sector. Additionally, the Virginia Clean Economy Act created the state’s Clean Energy Standard with commitments to switch the entire electric grid to 100% clean energy by 2050 and it supports opportunities for expanded solar for individuals, churches, businesses, etc. Fleet managers of many state and local governments and various transportation partners are working in cooperation with Virginia Clean Cities and the Virginia Department of Energy to dramatically increase support for EV charging infrastructure.
• VDEQ provides technical assistance to the industry, develops guidance on green practices and innovative techniques, and oversees the Virginia Green Certification program. The program includes requirements for recycling and waste reduction and measures to conserve water and energy and reports progress. Additionally, the program is engaged in efforts to reduce single-use plastics, such as bags and water bottles, and helping expand partner efforts to reduce food waste and implement compost collection programs.
• Virginia State Parks is the newest core marketing partner of the Virginia Green Travel Alliance, working to certify all its 43 parks statewide and co-brand with the Virginia Green program. Additionally, many organizations are working to preserve native species, habitats, farmland, and natural attractions in Virginia, and are supported by state agencies in the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources.
• Virginia Green offers green products & services through the Virginia Green Suppliers Network for Virginia’s Hospitality Industry and it encourages all of its partners to commit to purchasing responsibly.

• Achieved carbon neutrality across its operations beginning in 2020 through transition to 100% renewable energy, energy efficiency initiatives and limited use of carbon offsets. 
• Issued an inaugural green bond of $500 million to finance projects such as high-efficiency buildings, energy and water efficiency improvements, renewable energy, and initiatives focused on sustainable consumer behaviors.

• Offers eco-friendly meeting spaces at its convention center, equipped with solar panels, recycling programs, sustainable food and beverage options and the largest fleet of electric buses and vehicles in California.

• Launched a Sustainability Resource Center with resources for journalists, influencers and trade professionals aimed at promoting responsible, sustainable travel. 
• Launched a $4.5 million two-year project to develop detailed strategic plans with a significant sustainability focus in all 12 of California’s tourism regions.
• Realigned its TravelMattersCA website with a focus on sustainability. A series of stories aimed at industry and key opinion leaders showcases best practices and provides practical, segment-specific sustainability tips for travel businesses.

Dallas is making significant strides in promoting sustainable travel through various initiatives. The city encourages local businesses and hotels to adhere to their green business certification. Public transportation, including buses and light rail, is actively promoted to reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion. Dallas’s The Loop is also enhancing its bike-friendly infrastructure with expanded bike lanes and a plan to connects 39 miles of existing trails with 11 miles of newly developed trails to create a circuit trail. Additionally, sustainable practices focus on waste reduction and energy efficiency and the city’s investment in maintaining and expanding green spaces further underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability, providing both recreational areas and a healthier urban environment. Visit Dallas has developed a microsite covering these and more sustainable news, itinerary ideas, and additional tools to help visitors plan a more sustainable visit to the city!

The Colorado Convention Center (CCC) is LEED-certified and has a stated goal to ensure that every event it hosts sustainable. The CCC believes in using certifications to guide it’s implementation of sustainable practices throughout its operations. With robust Voluntourism and Green Vendor directories, the city of Denver has positioned itself as a highly attractive destination for those looking to ensure their meeting is sustainable.

• Provides a comprehensive guide to “voluntourism” across the state, allowing visitors to participate in environmental initiatives. Examples include participating in planting native plants and helping rehabilitate marine life.

• Partners with the Leave No Trace organization to promote responsible stewardship of the outdoors at Lake Charles’ 2nd largest attraction, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.

• Promotes sustainable tourism by offering visitors and groups with a variety of ways to volunteer while visiting Greater Fort Lauderdale.
• Protects marine life through its sea turtle conservation program.
• Partners with the Florida Green Lodging Program to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources.

• Greater Fort Lauderdale’s “meet green” allows meeting professionals to gently travel as they incorporate ecologically-friendly practices into their meeting, convention, or incentive.
• When completed at the end of 2025, the expansion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center will offer more than 1 billion in new investments, including these green initiatives: Electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels covering the entire roof of the east convention center building, no single-use serving plastics, LEED certified buildings, filtered water bottle refilling stations, high-efficiency LED lighting and single-stream recycling compactors and bailors.

• Conducts training workshops with Leave No Trace for partners across the state. Visit North Carolina’s Outdoor NC Trip Tips help visitors explore lesser-known areas of the state to reduce impact on the natural environments.

• Working with a state golf trade group to encourage better water usage.
• The Phoenix Convention Center holds itself to the highest standard of sustainability through a robust compost system, smart watering program and chairs made from recycled materials.
• The City of Phoenix reached its goal of diverting at least 92% of waste away from landfills from Super Bowl LVII events in 2023.
• City of Phoenix is one of 122 cities and counties globally to make the 2022 CDP A list for its environmental efforts.

• VistLEX volunteers and donates money to several local non-profits, including Reforest the Bluegrass, Trees Lexington, America in Bloom, and Keep Lexington Beautiful. 
• The Lex For Good Sustainability Certification Program certifies industry partners based on energy, water quality and conservation, waste reduction, transportation and urban forestry metrics.

• Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ Green Certification program is a five level progression that helps hotels reduce their environmental footprints and operate more efficiently through eco-friendly initiatives, with Wyndham Green badges featured on hotels’ webpages.