5 travel trends to celebrate Earth Day’s 55th Anniversary
Happy birthday, Earth Day! This 22nd of April, Earth Day celebrates its 55th anniversary under the theme Our Power, Our Planet.
What began in 1970 as an American grassroots movement spearheaded by student activist, Denis Hayes, has since grown into a global phenomenon. Today, Earth Day has mobilised over 1 billion individuals and over 75,000 organisations worldwide to take action for the planet. Back then, the movement responded to urgent environmental crises, like oil spills and toxic waste dumps. In 2025, Earth Day's mission is more urgent than ever, with the need for renewable energy pushed to the forefront.
As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, the global travel industry is transforming in exciting ways. With budgets rebounding and shift in focus from carbon offsetting to insetting, here are five key trends that are shaping the future.
1. Climate laws are updating the rules
Businesses and travellers aren’t the only players in this game. New climate regulations, such as the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), are pushing organisations to rethink their travel strategies.
Corporate travel policies in 2025 require deeper collaboration between travel buyers, suppliers, and vendors. Getting clarity on sustainability practises before forming partnerships is becoming essential, but navigating these challenges is no small task. Still, the message is clear: sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential.
To help, GBTA introduced the industry’s first global Sustainable Procurement Standards in 2024, paving the way for better collaboration between buyers and suppliers.
2. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is taking off
By now you’ve probably heard that aviation accounts for nearly all of business travel emissions (90% to be exact). In 2022, it contributed 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions—a number that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could drastically reduce.
In January 2025, companies like Wizz Air, Airbus, Movie, and Charleroi Airport successfully wrapped trials using SAF, proving that it can cut CO2 emissions by up to 90% over its lifecycle. Just in the knick of time, too. Starting this year, new Refuel EU rules mandate that flights departing its airports must use SAF, paving the way for broader adoption.
Despite its promise, SAF faces challenges. This same study revealed that 74% of respondents were unaware of the new mandate, underscoring the need for better communication and education. However, with strong government-industry partnerships, SAF could revolutionise the future of business travel.
3. Travel suppliers are getting greener
In 2024, GBTA reported that 46% of travel programmes prioritised sustainability, and this momentum is only growing in 2025. Europe is leading the charge, with 60% of travel buyers integrating sustainability initiatives, compared to 36% in North America. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is catching up quickly, driven by robust government policies and corporate sustainability mandates.
In response, accommodations are, well, accommodating. In the US alone, hotels generate carbon emissions equivalent to 19 volcanic eruptions annually and produce 1.9 billion pounds of waste each year.
But there's hope—new builds are earning green certifications like LEED in the US and Green Key across Europe, Mexico, and AMEA, which help travellers easily identify their greenest options. Older hotels are also joining the green movement, swapping out traditional lighting for LEDs and adopting solar-powered solutions.
Additionally, travellers are increasingly opting for greener transportation options with 38% of buyers reporting a rise in rail travel, signalling a growing shift toward sustainable travel choices.
4. Technology is empowering travellers to go green
Technology is making it easier than ever to travel sustainably. From AI tools that identify greener travel options to online booking tools with sustainability features like carbon footprint calculators, the tech landscape is revolutionising how we approach travel.
Currently, nearly 70% of companies have integrated sustainability features into their travel platforms, and 22% plan to upgrade to tools with even better capabilities. These advancements enable travellers to make more informed, eco-friendly choices without added hassle.
5. Electric and hybrid aircrafts
Another area of innovation in sustainable aviation is the development of electric and hybrid commercial aircrafts. Industry giants like Boeing and Airbus are racing to deliver the first electric aeroplanes for short-haul and regional air travel. These aircraft promise cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flights, with several prototypes already taking to the skies. While still in the early days, the momentum behind electric aviation is growing, and could play a role in the future of air travel.
In the meantime, organisations worldwide are reassessing how to make trips as purposeful as possible. The biggest trend to come out of this? Companies are moving away from quick one-day business trips in favour of longer, multifunctional trips with bespoke itineraries.
The Power of Imperfect Action
As we reflect on Earth Day's 55-year journey, one message resonates: “We don’t need a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
Sustainable corporate travel in 2025 is about progress, not perfection. Every choice—from opting for rail over flights to supporting green-certified hotels—contributes to a healthier planet. Together, we have the power to reshape the future of travel while protecting our planet for generations to come. How is your organisation playing its part?