Tourism and passenger air transport: a Horizon 2050 paper

Purpose Tourism is integral to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and is closely linked to air transport. This paper aims to explore their relationship, emphasising impacts on accessibility, connectivity and collaborative efforts between airlines, destination management organisations and stakeholders. Improved air transport contributes to tourism-led growth, economic development, job creation and cultural exchange. However, environmental challenges prompt innovation with cleaner technologies and sustainable aviation fuels. Design/methodology/approach Opinion piece. Findings Linking aviation and tourism to the UN SDGs, the paper showcases contributions done to date to environmental, social and economic aspects. The paper suggests a focused strategy for aviation to align more closely with the UN SDGs. Actions such as exploring alternative fuels, prioritising energy-efficient aircraft, addressing local impacts and fostering global collaboration are crucial in addressing gender disparities for a more inclusive future. Originality/value This piece examines air transport developments from 1946 to 2020, revealing transformative periods marked by regulatory agreements, technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. The paper also addresses COVID-19 impacts, highlighting vulnerabilities, resilience and lessons for adaptability and sustainability.