---
title: "UK Tourism Industry Seeks Low-Carbon Holiday Solutions"
url: https://newscentral.site/uk-tourism-industry-seeks-low-carbon-holiday-solutions/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Science"
published: 2026-10-07T11:40:08.000Z
updated: 2026-10-07T18:26:05.811Z
id: ca88d712-ba3f-403b-b09e-114345b91173
source: "Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-10-real-opportunity-boost-carbon-european.html"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/uk-tourism-industry-seeks-low-carbon-holiday-solutions/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# UK Tourism Industry Seeks Low-Carbon Holiday Solutions

A growing number of UK vacationers and the tourism industry are being presented with a chance to transition towards low-carbon European holidays, thanks in part to research from the University of Exeter.

A growing number of UK vacationers and the tourism industry are being presented with a chance to transition towards low-carbon European holidays.

The reliance on air travel has become deeply ingrained in the way many people plan their vacations, but it comes with significant environmental consequences that are increasingly concerning the public.

Researchers from the University of Exeter argue that instead of solely focusing on customer preferences, it is essential to examine the complex interplay between marketing strategies, booking processes, infrastructure, and support systems that influence travel decisions.

To develop a comprehensive understanding of these factors, the researchers conducted focus groups with customers from two prominent travel brands, Inghams and Inntravel, which provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by those seeking eco-friendly travel options.

According to Dr. Ewan Woodley from the University of Exeter, many travelers genuinely want to minimize their environmental impact while on vacation but are currently deterred by various obstacles associated with low-carbon travel alternatives.

Researchers have identified three key areas that need attention to improve low-carbon European holidays.

These areas include making "no-fly vacations more visible by promoting the green travel experience, as well as following airlines' lead in streamlining booking processes for rail and ferry travel.

Inghams has been actively growing its rail offering, with over 30% of their resorts now accessible by train, indicating a strong customer demand for lower-carbon travel options.

The company's head of sustainability emphasized the importance of making low-carbon travel an attractive choice, rather than a difficult one, citing better connectivity, fairer pricing, and increased reliability as essential factors in achieving this goal.

The new toolkit, Travel towards net zero: a toolkit for low-carbon tourism travel, aims to help European travelers reduce their carbon footprint while on vacation. By shifting the focus from quick transportation to more leisurely modes of travel, such as trains and buses, tourists can enjoy a more immersive experience of the local culture.

The concept of slow travel" encourages travelers to appreciate the journey rather than just the destination. This approach allows for a deeper connection with the surroundings, making the travel experience more enjoyable and memorable. By adopting this mindset, travelers can also contribute to reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation.

By promoting low-carbon travel options, European holidaymakers can make a positive impact on the environment while still enjoying their vacation. The toolkit offers practical advice and guidance for travelers, tour operators, and policymakers alike, providing a valuable resource in the pursuit of sustainable tourism practices.

---
Source: [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-real-opportunity-boost-carbon-european.html)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/uk-tourism-industry-seeks-low-carbon-holiday-solutions/