Forum for the Future, a sustainable development charity, works in partnership with leading organisations in business and the public sector. First Choice has been working with the Forum since 2003 to develop a sustainable development strategy and continues to do so as TUI Travel. 

'We're greatly encouraged that in the current economic climate TUI Travel has strengthened its commitment to sustainable tourism. Challenges like climate change and resource constraints will define the sector in the next decade so taking serious action to address them remains critical strategically.

This first full Sustainable Development Report is an important milestone on TUI Travel's leadership journey. It shows they have a good understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. They have a strong business case for sustainable tourism (including cost savings and a better experience for customers) and the business imperative for reducing carbon emissions and protecting their product. There is demonstrable senior level engagement across TUI Travel's sectors and an ongoing commitment to leadership in sustainable tourism.

This past year has been an important year for consolidation. We have seen first hand that bringing together a large global business with a shared set of sustainability objectives is difficult and they have achieved that through their workstreams and strong governance. To build on this, 2009 will be a critical year for embedding sustainability across the Group and, importantly, to translate this strategy into significant change within the business.

TUI Travel's leadership on sustainable tourism is increasingly critical as the challenges become ever more urgent. We congratulate them on what they have done so far and urge them to respond to this urgency and keep their foot on the accelerator towards a sustainable future.'

Stephanie Draper
Director, Change Strategies, Forum for the Future