SINGAPORE, 19 MAY 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with global consultancy ICF, has today launched a new framework urging the entire Travel & Tourism sector to unite in tackling one of its toughest challenges: scaling up the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other renewable fuels.
The report, Scaling Up Sustainable Fuel, sets out a practical roadmap for how every business in the sector, no matter its size or role, can help address transport-related emissions and accelerate the shift to cleaner fuels.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Sustainable fuel is the single biggest game-changer for Travel & Tourism, but supply falls dangerously short of demand. If we don’t act together, we risk rising costs, limited availability, and stalled climate progress.
“Every hotel, tour operator, travel agency, cruise line and airline has a role to play. This framework gives them the blueprint. Sustainable fuel is not just an environmental necessity; it’s a business imperative, and governments must incentivise the production of SAF, not just set targets for the sector.”
Today, SAF accounts for just 0.3% of global jet fuel use. To meet net-zero targets by 2050, production must increase more than 400-fold — from 1.25 billion litres today to over 450 billion litres. That will require as many as 6,500 new renewable fuel plants worldwide. Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF) faces similar supply and infrastructure constraints.
Unlike other decarbonisation options, SAF is a ‘drop-in’ solution. It works with existing engines and aircraft. However, high production costs, limited infrastructure, and feedstock competition have kept volumes low and prices high, up to 10 times that of conventional fuel.
The new WTTC-ICF framework offers clear, tiered actions for Travel & Tourism stakeholders to engage, whether as Collaborators, Promoters, Adopters, or Investors. From joining campaigns and supplying waste products to funding production facilities or purchasing sustainable fuel certificates, the report clarifies that every business can contribute.
ICF Managing Director Daniel Galpin stated: “Decarbonising transport is a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable tourism sector. While transport industries, particularly aviation, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), have recognised the importance of sustainable fuels and are courageously working towards a new era, a significant journey remains ahead. The broader tourism ecosystem needs to take action and provide support to meet the targets set and implement the operational and strategic changes required.
“ICF is proud to have collaborated closely with WTTC to identify the roles tourism stakeholders can adopt and the actions they can take to facilitate the sector’s decarbonisation, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Real-world case studies show how action is already underway. The Erawan Group is turning hotel waste oil into SAF in Asia, whilst Jet2 has invested in a UK-based SAF plant using recyclable household waste.
Crucially, the report warns that unless the sector collaborates, SAF mandates introduced by governments, requiring a 5% to 10% blend by 2030, could increase travel costs and limit consumer choice.
With Travel & Tourism forecast to generate USD16.5 trillion and support over 460 million jobs by 2035, scaling up sustainable fuel isn’t just an environmental challenge. It’s an economic imperative.
For more information and to access the full report, visit WTTC’s Research Hub
