Internova Travel Group and its luxury division, Global Travel Collection (GTC), will put the focus on sustainability by hosting an Earth Day celebration with airline and hotel partners on Thursday, April 20, in New York City.
The event, at Internova’s Manhattan headquarters, will include a progress report for participating employees and travel advisors on the company’s sustainable travel journey, as well as remarks by experts from airlines and hotel chains on the steps they’re taking to help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
Ka-Wai Siu, Internova’s vice president of compliance and ESG, will discuss the growing call for action on climate change among travelers and the company’s response. Internova says it is committed to using its size and reach to make a positive impact on society, including promoting a healthier environment and protecting the world’s natural and cultural resources. “We must take an active role to bring awareness of how climate change affects us all,” she said.
Internova is on the path to becoming carbon-neutral by the end of 2023 and has introduced two new initiatives to help GTC clients reduce their travel emissions—a Climate Action Program for Leisure Travelers and a Climate Positive Program for Corporate and Event Customers. Internova is also providing travel advisors with training on sustainability and offering workshops with travel suppliers on building sustainable itineraries. Through a partnership with Sustainable Travel International, Internova is committed to initiatives that focus on how it does business, serves its customers, treats others and helps preserve the planet.
The program will continue with a luncheon hosted by Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Virgin Atlantic and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Representatives from Delta Air Lines and Hilton Hotels & Resorts will discuss their sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives and how they benefit travelers. Later in the day, 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotel will host a cocktail reception featuring representatives from properties in New York City, Nashville and Toronto. Representatives from 1 Hotels will talk about how the brand is dedicated to ensuring an environmentally friendly stay for its guests.
The new sustainability programs are just part of Global Travel Collection’s efforts to empower its luxury travel advisors. GTC recently unveiled The Path Forward plan, a series of organizational changes, including the creation of Advisor Success teams, designed to help increase engagement, retention and portfolio growth.
The issue of sustainability has been growing in importance for both leisure and corporate clients. Eighty-eight percent of the business travel sector views climate change as its number-one priority and 69 percent of travelers overall are committed to reducing or offsetting the carbon footprint of their trip.
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