A panel of experts at the Connected Travel Marketplace conference emphasises the necessity of adopting a ‘people-first’ approach to sustainability in the travel industry, with discussions revealing a focus on the role of ESG.
- Jessica Matthias of Sabre Group shared insights on launching a sustainability framework that prioritises people, planet and prosperity, highlighting that the foundation of any sustainable initiative begins with human engagement.
- Rebecca Brett from Bedsonline elaborated on how volunteering through sustainable tourism can create significant positive impacts, using their efforts in Mexico as a key example.
- Anne Lotter highlighted the importance of maintaining strong community ties and the role of education and internships in driving sustainable development globally.
- Mary Harris presented data on growing consumer demand for sustainable travel options, revealing an existing gap between supply and demand, pointing to industry opportunities.
In an enlightening session at the Connected Travel Marketplace conference, hosted by Mary Harris, a director from Bird Global Advisory, the discussion revolved around embedding sustainability in travel through a ‘people-first’ lens. The dialogue underscored the integral role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in shaping the future of travel businesses.
Jessica Matthias, serving as the global director of sustainability at Sabre Group, introduced the audience to ‘Travel Positive’, a pioneering sustainability framework within her company. She articulated how human resources are pivotal to this framework, which ranks people, planet, and prosperity in its strategic priorities. According to Matthias, forming an R&D team initially was imperative for engaging individuals essential for achieving the outlined sustainable goals.
Further emphasizing the human factor, Rebecca Brett, retail director for Bedsonline, discussed the effectiveness of a structured volunteering policy. She cited the establishment of a micro-destination development hub in Mexico as an instance of their approach, with plans for future expansions into Brazil, Morocco, and India. Brett stressed volunteering as a catalyst for positive change, capable of initiating larger impacts once set into motion.
Anne Lotter, executive director of GTTP, centred her discussion on sustaining community relationships and underscoring the educational aspect in tourism. The efforts of GTTP to educate approximately 650,000 people globally each year reflect a commitment to empowering youth, women, and marginalised groups, thereby embedding them within sustainable tourism models.
Mary Harris conveyed an observable shift towards sustainable travel, indicating a significant rise in consumer interest. Citing statistical evidence, she noted a 61% increase in searches for sustainable travel options and highlighted that a large portion of travellers are ready to invest more for such initiatives. However, Harris remarked on a significant supply gap, posing a notable opportunity for the industry to expand its sustainable offerings.
The ‘people-first’ strategy in sustainability not only underpins travel initiatives but also aligns with increasing consumer demand, presenting an expansive opportunity for forward-thinking businesses.
