Reducing Single-use Plastics in Tourism Businesses
Turning Commitment into Action
Welcome to the third article in our series. If this is your first visit, here’s a brief recap:
Our first article introduced the global plastic pollution crisis and its strong link to climate change, highlighting the urgent threat this poses to the tourism industry that depends on pristine natural environments. The second article zoomed in on the Asia Pacific region, revealing how tourism activities – from island resorts to peak-season surges – significantly contribute to plastic waste, and outlined the growing policy and industry efforts underway to tackle this challenge and protect the future of sustainable tourism.
Tourism generates vast amounts of single-use plastics (SUPs) – from water bottles and food packaging to disposable toiletries and plastic bags. Globally, an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into oceans each year, much of it originating from tourism hotspots, especially coastal and island destinations. Without urgent action, the natural treasures tourism depends on risk irreversible damage, threatening both biodiversity and local economies.
In this article, we will share the actionable strategies tourism businesses can take to reduce single-use plastics (SUPs), supported by real tools and global frameworks such as the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI).
Sector-specific Solutions: Strategies for Reducing SUPs
Hospitality
Hotels are among the most visible sources of single-use plastics (SUPs) in tourism. From plastic water bottles to individually wrapped toiletries, the potential for reduction is both significant and straightforward. Simple changes include installing water refill stations, replacing plastic bottles with glass or filtered alternatives, and using bulk dispensers for bathroom toiletries instead of mini bottles. Plastic-wrapped items such as slippers, cutlery, and laundry bags can also be phased out or replaced with compostable or reusable materials.
Implementing these changes requires coordination across multiple departments, from procurement and housekeeping to front-of-house teams. Staff must be trained, and low-plastic policies need to be embedded across operations to ensure long-term adoption. Fortunately, with rising traveller interest in sustainability, guests are increasingly receptive to these measures – especially when clearly communicated – often resulting in a stronger brand reputation.
Many of these actions align with the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) focus areas: eliminating problematic plastics, shifting to reusable alternatives, and engaging the value chain.
Tour Operators
Tour operators can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution by integrating low-waste principles into their experiences and supply chains. One of the most effective steps is eliminating single-use plastic water bottles. Operators can encourage guests to bring their own reusable bottles and provide water refill stations on vehicles and during excursions. Many destinations now offer public refill points that can be incorporated into itineraries.
Digitalisation offers another simple solution. Instead of printed itineraries, laminated maps, or plastic folders, operators can provide digital versions accessible via mobile devices, minimising both waste and cost.
Collaborating with suppliers is equally important. Operators can prioritise local partners who already avoid SUPs or are open to alternatives, such as using reusable containers or compostable packaging for meals on day tours.
There is also a growing trend of tour operators supporting local environmental initiatives, involving both staff and guests in clean-ups or education campaigns. By raising awareness about plastic pollution and offering practical steps for tourists to reduce their impact, operators can foster more responsible travel behaviour and create meaningful connections with the destination.
Aviation and Airports
The aviation sector is a major consumer of single-use plastics (SUPs), from in-flight cutlery and food packaging to plastic-wrapped cargo and retail items sold at airports. While strict hygiene and safety standards pose challenges, there are growing opportunities for meaningful reductions.
Airlines can start by replacing plastic cutlery, containers, and cups with compostable or reusable alternatives. Some carriers have introduced “opt-in” amenity kits to avoid unnecessary packaging, while others are shifting to paper-based wrapping or bioplastics to reduce waste.
Airports themselves also play a role. Installing water refill stations throughout terminals – and promoting them through signage or staff reminders – can significantly reduce the demand for bottled water. Many improvements, especially at airports, are operational rather than regulatory and can be implemented without major legal barriers.
PATA Capacity Building: Empowering Businesses to Act
PATA has been actively supporting tourism businesses in their transition towards eliminating single-use plastics (SUPs) through a range of practical tools, guidelines, and training resources developed in collaboration with international partners.
In 2020, with support from the EU-Switch Asia Programme, PATA launched the Plastic Free Toolkit for Tour Operators, available in English and Thai. While designed primarily for tour operators, the toolkit is relevant for other tourism businesses as well. It helps organisations assess their plastic use, explore alternative solutions, and make informed decisions to reduce their plastic footprint. The toolkit includes practical tools, real-world case studies, and resources for continued learning.
Building on this, in 2022, PATA published the Food and Plastic Waste Reduction Standards, under the Tourlink project (also supported by the EU-Switch Asia Programme). These standards serve as a step-by-step checklist for reducing waste throughout the lifecycle of food and plastic products – from sourcing and usage to final disposal. They also provide insights into the common challenges faced by tourism businesses and showcase best practices, tools, and case studies to support implementation.The standards are available in English and Thai.
That same year, in partnership with UNESCO and Expedia Group, PATA launched Targeting Zero Plastics in Tourism Businesses, a free, self-paced online course available in English and Thai. This open-access training guides tourism and hospitality professionals through the process of developing a plastic reduction strategy, implementing concrete actions, and tapping into local knowledge and products to reduce plastic waste across operations.
Aligning with the GTPI
In addition to leveraging the available resources, PATA encourages all tourism organisations to join the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI). As a proud signatory, PATA recognises the importance of aligning with GTPI’s global sustainability goals to lead by example. The GTPI supports its members through structured commitments, shared knowledge, and transparent annual reporting, helping stakeholders address the root causes of plastic pollution in tourism.
Reducing single-use plastics in tourism is no longer just a sustainability target, it is a necessity for the long-term health of our destinations, communities, and the industry itself. Every stakeholder has a role to play: from airlines and operators to hotel chains and local suppliers. By adopting proven strategies, tapping into resources such as PATA’s toolkits, standards, and online courses, and aligning with global frameworks like the GTPI, businesses can take meaningful, measurable steps forward – and lead the way for others.
Sustainability is ultimately about collaboration and community. It requires us to work together, share knowledge, and act with purpose to protect our planet for current and future generations.
The next article in this series will explore the role of travellers themselves, highlighting practical actions tourists can take to reduce their plastic footprint and support more sustainable tourism experiences.
This article is part three of our series exploring the pressing issue of plastics. Read the first and second articles here.
For any questions or further information, feel free to get in touch with us at pm@pata.org.
This article is guest-authored by Sojal Yadav, Q2 2025 PATA Sustainability Research Centre - Sustainability Intern.
