BA join travel giants in 'green' future pledge

British Airways joined top travel companies today in committing to a "green" future for the tourist industry.

The companies signed up to the initiative - entitled Tourism 2023 - at the annual convention of UK travel organisation Abta in Barcelona.

Abta, Thomas Cook and Thomson Holidays' parent company Tui Travel are also involved in the collaborative project which seeks to benefit tourist destinations and protect the environment.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "It is vital that the travel and tourism industry meets the challenges that an international industry faces if we want to have a successful and profitable future.

"By working together we can come up with practical and innovative solutions to these challenges, which make sound commercial sense. Tourism 2023 sets out the destination, and the direction we must follow to get there."

The vision and strategy have been developed in response to four detailed scenarios which explore critical uncertainties facing the UK outbound industry such as the impact of growing domestic demand, climate change, resource scarcity, legislation, and increasing travel from emerging economies.

Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment Dan Norris said: "It's great to see these organisations coming together to declare their commitment to Tourism 2023 and working to reduce their environmental impact and I hope others will join them.

"I look forward to seeing their vision turn into real actions and create a low-carbon industry."