TUI Group has published the 2016 progress report for its sustainability strategy Better Holidays, Better World.

The data in the report suggests that 2016 was the year that sustainable tourism became mainstream.

TUI customers booked 6.3 million ‘greener and fairer’ holidays in 1,170 hotels certified to a sustainability standard.

Furthermore, holidaymakers participated in 846,000 TUI Collection excursions which focus on sustainability and benefits to local communities.

A total of €6.6 million was raised for research, charity and sustainability projects in holiday destinations, particularly via the realigned TUI Care Foundation.

“For many people in the world tourism is the key to a more prosperous life.

“As the leading tourism group worldwide it is our responsibility to strengthen the positive effects of tourism.

“Our sustainability strategy ‘Better Holidays, Better World’ underlines this requirement.

“The results in the current progress report are very encouraging and show that the strategy is lived and promoted on all levels of the company,” said Fritz Joussen, chief executive, TUI Group.

Sustainability is increasingly important to TUI customers as is shown in a recent study conducted by TUI Group with over 3,000 participants in Europe.

The research shows that sustainability can be a deciding factor in holiday choices and that customers want more information and more choice when it comes to booking.

“TUI has worked hard over many years to develop more sustainable holiday offerings. Recent customer research shows that our customers are developing growing awareness for sustainability.

“They value more sustainable travel as it enhances the authenticity of their holiday experiences and at the same time improves the benefit to host communities,” said Jane Ashton, director sustainable development at TUI Group.