Climate Crisis, Tourism and Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A Case Study of Queenstown, New Zealand

Abstract

The global travel industry is a significant contributor to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, with air travel accounting for a substantial share. As climate change intensifies, the need for sustainable solutions in tourism becomes increasingly urgent. This thesis investigates the potential effects of using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an alternative jet fuel that was developed to mitigate carbon emissions, focusing on its implications for Queenstown, New Zealand, a premier tourist destination with one of the busiest regional airports in the country. Queenstown’s reliance on air connectivity for its tourism economy renders it an illuminating case for exploring decarbonization strategies within the travel industry.

The research is grounded in the global sustainability agenda, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the net-zero 2050 carbon emissions framework. It addresses a notable gap in the literature: while SAF has been extensively studied in engineering contexts, its application and impact within tourism remain underexplored, especially in New Zealand. This study aims to bridge the gap by examining how the use of SAF could influence the Queenstown travel industry and by capturing the perspectives of key stakeholders involved in its use across the air travel sector.

Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the research is framed within an interpretivist paradigm, supported by a relativist ontology and constructivist epistemology. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the Queenstown travel industry, alongside document analysis of relevant policy papers, industry reports, and academic literature. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns, insights, and key stakeholders’ perspectives, resulting in five major themes and twelve sub-themes that reflect the multifaceted nature of SAF adoption.

Findings reveal that SAF holds promise for reducing aviation-related emissions and aligning Queenstown’s travel practices with global sustainability goals. Some findings highlighted that the use of SAF can be a potential way to achieve net-zero emissions and enhance Queenstown’s environmental credibility as a destination. However, some key stakeholders who participated in the semi-structured interview mentioned significant barriers to implementation, including high production costs, limited supply chains, and the absence of robust policy frameworks to support widespread adoption. These challenges underscore the need for coordinated efforts among government bodies, airlines, fuel suppliers, and tourism operators to create enabling conditions for SAF integration.

The study concludes that while SAF is not a panacea, it represents a pivotal step toward sustainable air travel. Its successful deployment in Queenstown could serve as a model for other tourism-dependent regions in New Zealand seeking to mitigate their carbon footprint. The research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism by offering practical insights into the role of alternative fuels in climate action. It also emphasises the importance of stakeholder collaboration, policy innovation, and public awareness in driving the transition to low-carbon air travel. Ultimately, this thesis advances the understanding of SAF within a tourism context and provides a foundation for future research and policy development. By situating SAF within the framework of climate crisis response and sustainable tourism, it highlights the urgency and complexity of decarbonising the air travel industry in a rapidly evolving global landscape.