Eventually, tour operators will charge between 1 to 17 euros per passenger to finance projects to absorb greenhouse gas emissions. A project that was born under the impetus of Seto.
“We started from the observation of the IPCC , in particular on the trajectories in terms of global warming”, explains Hervé Tilmont, secretary general of the Syndicate of tour-operating companies (Seto).
While tourism is singled out for its carbon footprint, the Syndicate of tour-operating companies (Seto) is committed. How ? By creating an endowment fund, with a collection of money that will be directed towards CO2 compensation/absorption programs. The project is based in particular on the experience of Voyageurs du Monde in this area, but with a progressive, step-by-step method. A concept presented to tour operators on March 31, during the Seto Forum organized in Mandelieu-La Napoule.
At the start, in 2023, a contribution of 1 euro will be charged for a medium-haul or long-haul flight, corresponding to a carbon offset of 20% and 6% respectively. Then, in order to meet the objectives of the IPCC and carbon neutrality in 2050, the amount will increase. It is about 5 euros for a medium-haul and 17 euros for a long-haul (see screenshot below).
Collection should start at the end of 2022 for departures in 2023. The money collected will feed the endowment fund created by the fall, which will then make it possible to finance absorption/compensation projects.
On the model of Voyageurs du Monde
But in fact, what is called absorption? Gérard Feldzer, engineer, airline pilot and founder of the Tree for you association, explained this during a round table at the forum that he shared yesterday with Jean-François Rial, CEO of Voyageurs du Monde.
“Each passenger emits approximately 90 kg of CO2 per hour of flight,” underlined Gérard Feldzer. A tree absorbs in good conditions between 10 and 30 kg per year. By planting a tree, you can compensate after three years for your emission compared to the theft of one hour. What critics of compensation call a “licence to pollute”…
“I find this expression silly, reacted Jean-François Rial. We must of course use absorption when we have exhausted the other solutions. We must first reduce and engage in the energy transition. »
Air France offers, with A Tree for you, compensation when purchasing a plane ticket. With what results? “We receive 50,000 to 60,000 euros per month for planting, it’s not a lot, says Gérard Feldzer. Less than 5% of passengers contribute. »
For its part, the Voyageurs du Monde group absorbs all of its CO2 emissions , for around 5 euros per tonne.
For Jean-François Rial, it is also a question of employer promise, at a time when travel players are struggling to recruit. “The strongest pressure is that of the employees. We receive a lot of very high-level candidates, who come to work with us cheaper than elsewhere, because we are a committed company. Young graduates no longer want to work for companies that do not make sense. »
