At Branchspace we believe travel can flourish without overstretching communities or ecosystems. This edition of Good Reads presents key reports, awards and innovations that show how tourism can scale sustainably and inclusively. Whether you work in policy, destination planning or travel tech these insights translate global ambition into practical direction.
1. WEF: Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point
Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth (July 2025)
The World Economic Forum in partnership with Kearney released this comprehensive framework offering ten guiding principles to transform tourism by 2034. It addresses climate resilience, workforce gaps, SME development and infrastructure planning .
Key takeaways
- The sector may contribute up to US $16 trillion in global GDP by 2034, representing over 11 per cent of world economy (World Economic Forum).
- Without intervention tourist waste could reach 205 million tonnes annually by 2034, roughly 7 per cent of global solid waste (gstc.org).
Why it matters
Rather than viewing tourism as a challenge tourism can be a regenerative force. The report lays out how public private alignment can deliver growth that benefits communities and restores ecosystems.
2. Forbes: Small regions driving responsible travel
8 small regions driving responsible travel in 2025 (January 2025)
Forbes highlights eight smaller destinations succeeding in balancing tourism with community support and environmental protection. These places prioritise low-impact experiences, eco certifications and local ownership.
Key takeaways
- Each region pursues measurable environmental targets and sustainable livelihoods.
- They demonstrate that responsible tourism can work at small scale and win visitor satisfaction too.
Why it matters
These regions offer scalable inspiration that demonstrates responsible tourism is accessible even for lesser-known places.
3. Travel + Leisure: Global vision award winners
Travel + Leisure Global Vision Awards 2025
This programme celebrates people, destinations and brands leading sustainable tourism innovation. Winners include community-led conservation initiatives, hotels committed to eco-standards, and operators building narrative around positive impact.
Key takeaways
- Awardees blend purpose and profit in tourism, for instance building conservation initiatives or sustainable hospitality networks.
- Recognition encourages industry norms and offers replicable models.
Why it matters
These real-world examples show how tourism can deliver regeneration, inclusion and revenue without compromise.
4. PhocusWire: Green travel tech as strategic advantage
Hidden climate cost: booking travel with sustainability in mind (PhocusWire August‑2025)
This article reveals how travel‑tech platforms can embed climate transparency in the booking process and why sustainability features increasingly matter to consumers.
Key takeaways
- Emission data, offset options and green filters support traveller trust.
- Integrating sustainability into commerce can boost conversion and user loyalty.
Why it matters
In a competitive travel market sustainable tech is not just ethical, it is a business differentiator.
5. Technology at the airport
Billy Bishop Airport launches AI bin assistant to boost recycling (Summer 2025)
Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport debuted an AI-powered recycling guide that helps passengers dispose of waste correctly in real time. It merges behavioural science and simple tech in a public terminal setting.
Key takeaways
- The assistant improves recycling behaviour and sustainability awareness.
- A low-cost human‑centred innovation with potential for wider deployment.
Why it matters
This example shows how smart design and tech can shift passenger behaviour and enhance sustainability at scale.
Final boarding call
These five sources together form a toolkit for travel leaders:
- global goals from WEF,
- real-world inspiration from Forbes regions and Travel + Leisure winners,
- technology insights from PhocusWire and airport innovation examples.
From strategic frameworks to grassroots action, this curated selection illustrates that sustainable growth is not only possible but profitable when rooted in climate‑aware planning and local value creation.
At Branchspace, we see sustainability as central to shaping the future of travel. From the way we build digital experiences to how we partner with clients. Find out how we’re putting this into practice → branchspace.com/sustainability
Have a recommendation to share? Email us at reinventdigital@branchspace.com
