TUI UK is so concerned about consumers’ increasing awareness of environmental and social issues it has appointed a manager for corporate responsibility.
Public relations manager Kimberley Kay, who has been seconded to the post for six months, says the company can act as a beacon to others in the industry.
“Thomson can play an important role. A lot of people might think if Thomson is doing it, they can do it too,” she said.
Kay was behind last week’s Green Day at the operator’s head office in Luton – which aimed to make staff aware of sustainable tourism, explain efforts to reduce travel’s impact on the environment and suggest ways for individuals to live in a more eco-friendly way.
Thomson and Thomsonfly staff were encouraged to test drive a high-mileage Honda hybrid car and sign up with a green electricity supplier.
But Kay also wants to tackle what she sees as misconceptions about the impact of travel.
“One misconception is that aviation is the biggest polluter, when it contributes 3% of man-made carbon dioxide emissions,” she said.
“Compared with scheduled airlines, charters are a lot more efficient because of their load factors.”
She expressed surprise at the enthusiasm for the initiative among staff.
“Staff are genuinely interested in what we’re doing. I get quicker e-mail responses on this than on anything else,” she said.
“People need to be conscious of what they can do. It’s easier to make small changes now than big changes in the future.”
TUI UK managing director Peter Rothwell added: “We can make lifestyle choices that reduce our impact on the planet, and each person can identify ways to increase efficiency, limit impacts and identify opportunities to support local communities and environments.”