As ChatGPT continues to take the world by storm, Tripism is looking at some of the ways that AI will inform and affect the business travel industry over the next couple of years.

As part of this series, we’ve picked up on some key themes which we know are important to travel managers, business travel suppliers and travel managers alike.

The first, and possibly most important, question we asked ChatGPT was how to travel more sustainably. The answers it gave enable a useful high level overview of how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint one trip at a time. By adopting sustainable travel practices, we can help to protect the environment and support local communities while still having a productive and meaningful business travel experience. 

The following “Top 5 ways to travel more sustainably”  was written by ChatGPT

1. Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels and other types of accommodations that have environmentally-friendly practices in place, such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances, recycling programs, and water conservation measures. You can also consider staying at eco-lodges or other types of sustainable tourism initiatives that prioritize conservation and community development.
2. Use public transportation: Whenever possible, choose to use public transportation, such as buses, trains, or subways, rather than driving or flying. This helps to reduce your carbon footprint and can also be a more budget-friendly option. If you do need to fly, consider choosing airlines that have a good track record in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
3. Reduce your use of single-use plastics: Single-use plastics, such as water bottles and plastic straws, are a major contributor to pollution. Bring a reusable water bottle and carry reusable utensils, straws, and bags with you when you travel to reduce your plastic usage. You can also look for accommodations and restaurants that have policies in place to reduce plastic waste.
4. Support local businesses: Choose to stay at locally-owned accommodations and eat at locally-owned restaurants when you travel. This helps to support the local economy and can also give you a more authentic cultural experience. Look for tourism initiatives that prioritize the well-being of local communities and the conservation of natural and cultural resources.
5. Offset your carbon emissions: If you are flying, consider purchasing carbon offsets to help compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions associated with your flight. There are a number of organizations that offer carbon offset programs, which typically involve supporting renewable energy or reforestation projects. You can also offset your carbon emissions by supporting sustainable tourism initiatives that focus on conservation and community development.

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