Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development Supports Efforts Towards a Globally Agreed Framework for the Reduction of GHG Emissions From Aviation

Madrid (ots/PRNewswire) -

Tourism industry supports 255 million jobs worldwide and is a
major,

reliable pillar of world economy

The Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development
(TOI), whose members represent more than 50 million leisure
travellers a year, is supportive of efforts in favor of a global,
multilaterally-agreed framework for the reduction of greenhouse gases
(GHG) emissions from aviation that would mirror the global nature of
travel and tourism, with all jurisdictions working hand-in-hand.

"The travel industry at large, as well as the aviation industry,
have already taken actions to reduce GHG emissions and we would
welcome globally-accepted market-based measures, provided the
approach dovetails with other strategies, including research and
development, technological and operational innovation, and use of
sustainable biofuels, as well as initiatives or projects that
actually benefit the environment," said TOI Chairman Michel Lemay.
"Planet Earth has only one atmosphere, molecules can't be held in
check at the border, making this the quintessential multi-lateral
file."

Mr. Lemay added: "Travel and tourism is one of the biggest
economic engines on the planet, representing 255 million jobs in
virtually all countries on all continents. Travel and tourism
together, in which air transport plays a crucial role, may not only
be sustainable but actually a primary driver of green growth. It is
also often a primary driver behind environmental, landscape and
heritage protection, and it helps foster dialogue and exchanges
between cultures. Surely there is a way to combine the benefits of
travel and reductions in GHG emissions."

Founded in 2000, the TOI is a non-profit organization of tour
operators and travel companies of all sizes based in all parts of the
world. Together they represent more than 50 million international
travellers. With the support of the World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO), hosting the TOI Secretariat, the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO), TOI member companies work together to
promote best practices in sustainability and corporate
responsibility.

TOI members are Accor (France), Andes Nativa (Chile), Atlas
Voyages (Morocco), Aurinko Suntours (Finland), Steppes Discovery
(UK), Dynamic Tours (Morocco), Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd.
(Switzerland), NES Travel (Turkey), REWE-Touristik (Germany), Sahara
Tours International (Morocco), Settemari (Italy), TLB Destinations
(Lebanon), Transat A.T. Inc. (Canada), Travel Walji's PVT (Pakistan)
and TUI Travel plc (United Kingdom).

Tour Operators'Initiative (TOI) (http://www.toinitiative.org)
Contact: Cristina Civili +34(91)5678214

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