In line with a pledge to combat the effects of climate change, Internova Travel Group is on its path to becoming carbon neutral by the end of this year. The travel agency network last year launched a partnership with Sustainable Travel International and, leveraging the organization’s advisory services, as well as key learnings from various initiatives across the industry, Internova continues to build relationships with sustainability associations.
To expand on those efforts, the company has developed two new programs for customers that will assist them in reducing their travel emissions. The “Climate Positive Program” is designed for corporate customers, to help them assess their company’s sustainability efforts, measure their emissions, develop options to offset those emissions and communicate to their stakeholders, customers and employees. The “Climate Action Program” is designed for leisure travel clients, allowing them to make a 1 percent contribution of their trip cost to partially offset emissions. Travelers will also receive tips and news on sustainability efforts in the industry.
Internova is also committed to providing its travel advisors with training on sustainability and organizing workshops with travel suppliers on how to build sustainable itineraries.
These initiatives reflect the emphasis that both business and leisure travelers alike place on sustainability—practices that meet current needs without compromising those of future generations. Such practices include taking steps to protect the environment by mitigating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
According to a 2020 study by the Environmental Protection Agency, carbon dioxide accounted for about 79 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, mainly through the use of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil for energy and transportation.
Gabe Rizzi, president of Internova Travel Group, said: “As a travel company, we believe that we have a special responsibility to become a strong advocate for the environment. We want to help protect the world’s natural and cultural resources so that people can enjoy them for generations to come. We believe Internova plays two critical roles in supporting sustainable travel globally.
“The first is spreading awareness of climate change through education and of the actions we can take today to help minimize its impacts around the world and secondly, we are on our path to becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2023. We believe we should lead by example as one of the world’s largest travel services distribution companies.”
Internova is joining a growing list of companies that have pledged to become carbon neutral by taking steps to offset the amount of carbon dioxide it emits into the atmosphere and to work with vendors who are committed to sustainable practices. Its carbon offset credits will go towards verified projects including forestry, energy and blue carbon. Many of these projects also offer better economic opportunities for local communities.
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