TUI Group has provided a comprehensive update on its sustainability initiatives at TUI Blue Sylt, with a particular focus being placed on the strategy for sustainable mobility.
The aim is to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions in ground transportation and to establish an infrastructure for e-mobility in holiday regions.
Ambitious electrification targets for company cars, operational vehicles at airports and in destinations, and for bus transfers are driving forward the transformation of the company’s own vehicle fleet.
By 2030, charging stations for electric cars will be available in 1,000 hotels worldwide – in hotels operated by TUI and its partners.
In addition, the share of electric vehicles in TUI’s total vehicle fleet will rise to 80 to 90 per cent by 2030.
“We are harnessing the potential of new technologies to drive forward sustainable transformation in our source markets and destinations. TUI is, thus, making a clear commitment to the future viability of tourism – even though TUI’s ecological footprint continues to be heavily influenced by emissions from hotels, cruise ships and aircraft,” said Sebastian Ebel, CEO of the TUI Group.
The targets for ground transportation are part of the ‘People, Planet, Progress’ sustainability strategy.
Specifically, by 2030, around 90% of employee service vehicles, 90% of vehicles used in operations (such as apron vehicles at airports) and 80–90% of all guest transfers will be electric. These measures complement the emission reduction targets already set and validated by the independent Science Based Targets initiative in the areas of airlines, hotels and cruises, which are also to be achieved by 2030.
As part of the strategy presentation, TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel and Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of smart Germany, announced a new partnership between the two companies.
An exclusive TUI special model will be launched in the summer, which will be available in TUI colours and equipped with TUI accessories. The navigation system of the TUI special model will display the nearest TUI travel agency or TUI hotel, among other things.
“With this partnership, TUI is not only increasing the visibility of its own brand, but also strengthening emotional brand loyalty. Customers experience e-mobility as part of the holiday experience. The design, technology and responsibility of the smart brand are a perfect fit with the TUI Smile and its global recognition,” said TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel.
Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of smart Germany, added: “The co-operation with TUI is something special for me. It is credible, based on partnership and was decided quickly. Sometimes everything just fits: attitude, trust and goals. We are combining our strengths to make sustainable mobility a reality – fully electric and with a clear vision. This project is characterised by an inspiring spirit and I am very much looking forward to everything we will achieve together.”
smart and TUI will initially offer special models for the two electric models #1 and #3, with the electric SUV #5 also set to be available as a TUI special model at a later date. The special edition model will offer attractive terms for TUI employees, family and friends, and TUI customers. Details on prices and features will be announced in the next step. In addition to the offers for employees and customers, TUI plans to gradually introduce the models as company cars at destinations.
