Emirates has been honoured with the Sustainable Travel Company of the Year award at the 2026 Irish Travel Industry Awards, sharing the spotlight in a newly introduced category that reflects growing priorities in responsible tourism.
The accolade, presented at the gala ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House and organised by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) in association with MSC Cruises, saw Emirates recognised alongside finalists Bookabed/TBO, G Adventures, Iberostar, and Intrepid Travel. This win celebrates the airline’s proactive sustainability initiatives and their effective promotion within Ireland’s travel trade, where Emirates continues to lead long-haul connectivity while advancing environmental responsibility.
Since launching its daily Dublin–Dubai service in 2012—now expanded to three daily frequencies—Emirates has carried over 453,000 passengers to and from Ireland in 2025 alone, with strong growth in leisure and business travel. The airline’s sustainability efforts are integral to its Irish market strategy, communicated through dedicated trade engagement, marketing campaigns, and educational resources tailored to agents and consumers.
Central to Emirates’ approach is a multi-pronged commitment to reducing emissions. The airline actively supports the deployment of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), collaborating with partners like Neste to supply blended SAF for flights from key hubs, achieving lifecycle carbon reductions of up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. While SAF uptake in Dublin operations is emerging, Emirates promotes these advancements to Irish agents, highlighting fleet modernisation—including retrofits introducing Premium Economy—and investments in fuel-efficient aircraft as part of broader decarbonisation goals.
Emirates participates in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), committing to stabilise international emissions at 2019 levels through offsets and low-carbon fuel incentives. In Ireland, this is woven into agent training sessions and familiarisation trips, where teams experience onboard efficiencies and learn about corporate targets for responsible consumption, wildlife preservation, and habitat protection.
Trade activities emphasise sustainability messaging. At events like the 15-year anniversary celebration in Ballymagarvey Village, County Meath, in January 2026, Emirates executives—including Country Manager Anita Thomas—showcased how the airline integrates eco-friendly practices, such as sourcing Irish products like Keogh’s Crisps and VOYA skincare for onboard use, reducing supply-chain impacts while supporting local economies. Agents receive co-branded materials promoting “greener” long-haul options, including carbon offset programmes available at booking, and details on operational measures like optimised routing and waste reduction.
Marketing to Irish travellers highlights Dubai as a sustainable gateway, with stopover packages encouraging extended stays that incorporate eco-conscious experiences in the UAE. Campaigns align with Irish preferences for responsible travel, spotlighting Emirates’ role in connecting passengers to biodiversity-rich destinations while minimising environmental footprints through innovation.
The airline’s Irish team provides agents with resources on sustainability trends, including webinars and one-to-one support, helping them advise clients on lower-impact choices. This builds confidence in selling Emirates as a forward-thinking partner, particularly as demand rises for ethical long-haul options post-pandemic.
Emirates’ award success stems from blending superior service with tangible environmental action. As Ireland’s travel sector increasingly values sustainability—amid bilateral UAE-Ireland discussions on green energy and tourism—the airline’s initiatives position it as a leader, enabling agents to offer holidays that balance adventure with responsibility.
In a competitive landscape, Emirates demonstrates that long-haul excellence and planetary stewardship can coexist, inspiring Irish travellers and the trade alike to embrace more sustainable journeys.
