The tipping point of sustainable travel

Today’s travelers are more picky, more choosy, than those of just a few years ago. They know a good deal when they see one, to be sure, but today’s travel choices revolve around far more than just cost. Travelers are now more environmentally conscious than ever and this has sparked a remarkable shift towards demand for sustainable travel options.

The 2022 Sustainable Travel Report by Booking shows that 71% of travelers expressed the desire to travel more sustainably. Furthermore, they are increasingly mindful of how they get to their destination, with half (51%) seeing their choice of transport as a key part of ‘sustainable travel’.

With the eco-tourism market booming and a renewed interest in train travel, access to great travel planning tools and reliable ticketing options is more than a mere luxury. It’s essential as we move to a climate-friendly future of travel.

The renaissance of train travel

You’ve heard the term. Train travel has emerged as a leading choice for conscious travelers due to its low carbon footprint. But is there not something else besides? Travelers are now very keen to maximize quality experiences.

Journeys, long dismissed as a necessity to get to a destination, are now being valued in their own right. After the dark days of the Covid pandemic, many now see journeys as extremely worthwhile. Especially so when they are by train. Train travel is a social experience in a way that air travel and car travel have never been.

The rail industry has been quick to react to these changes in mindset and the renewed demand. New daytime links and night trains are being introduced throughout Europe, connecting various destinations with comfort, convenience, and a touch of nostalgia. A third (32%) of passengers are willing to switch from flight to night trains if there is an attractive offer, reducing emissions from air traffic by 26%. This is according to The Global Warming Reduction Potential of Night Trains, a report published by Back-on-Track.eu.

Regulations and legislation are also fast to respond to the urgent need for more sustainable travel options. France recently banned domestic short-haul flights in favor of train travel and with the European Green Deal having the ambition for Europe to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, the shift to rail plays a significant part as transport today represents 25% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The business sector is also seen pushing for sustainable travel with a growing need to limit their direct emissions. Inevitably, as regulations and corporate ethos align, we will be seeing more people traveling by train for work.

Getting back on track

The environmental movement is gaining momentum, and climate activists along with the wider policy community target the aviation sector. Flight shaming has moved from the sidelines into the mainstream of social discourse. This movement has driven people to reconsider their travel choices and sometimes even forgo longer trips due to guilt or shame. Nonetheless, it is clear that people's thirst for new experiences and exploration has not dwindled. In fact, it seems that the desire for adventure and the chance to explore new places is only increasing.

Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where we are faced with some very stark choices around how we want to travel. As we look to the future, it is clear that train travel will play an increasingly important role in the travel industry, offering a way to explore the world that is both sustainable and enjoyable. Why not hop on board?

Helping our partners build great trips

The mission of All Aboard is to make sustainable travel accessible to as many people as possible. We simplify the booking process, enabling agents, tour operators, and travel aggregators to focus on the remarkable experiences that await their customers. We do the heavy lifting in technology so that you can focus on your business and the end customer.

Our platform helps to navigate the complexities of ticketing, providing a hassle-free and convenient way to plan and book. Whether your customers are exploring vibrant cities, discovering hidden gems, or embarking on scenic journeys, we've got you covered.

Whether you're a tech-savvy startup, a travel agent enterprise, or a brick-and-mortar travel agent, you can secure access to train inventory. Get hands on a full-featured dashboard with an easy-to-navigate interface or implement directly with our API. Both built from the ground up to meet the varied needs and requirements of the travel industry.

Anton Trollbäck
CEO, All Aboard
anton@allaboard.eu