American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has joined the World Economic Forum (WEF) to represent the travel industry in a range of sustainability initiatives.
WEF is an independent, not-for-profit organisation committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Amex GBT is the only travel management company to be a member and it will work with the WEF’s Mobility Platform to develop sustainability projects.
The Mobility Platform brings together the world’s key mobility companies, policymakers and stakeholders to develop safe, clean and inclusive travel and transport.
Paul Abbott, Amex GBT chief executive, said: “Travel is a force for good. It is the engine room of the global economy, driving trade and growth. It drives social progress by bringing people together – connecting communities, helping to bring down barriers and build respect and understanding.
“For the world to continue enjoying these benefits, we must address the impact of travel-related carbon emissions on the environment.
“Governments and companies must therefore work together to tackle this challenge head on. The World Economic Forum can bring the right people to the table.
“My commitment to customers, colleagues and partners is to represent the voice of our industry and to help drive meaningful change for all stakeholders and the planet.”
Amex GBT will take part in several initiatives with the Forum, including Clean Skies for Tomorrow, which aims to achieve net-zero 2050 goals by accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
It is also working with the First Movers Coalition (FMC), driving demand for new technologies and innovation to reduce emissions, and Target True Zero, which is working towards “true-zero emissions aviation” using hydrogen and electric technologies.
The agency is also working with Champions for Responsible Travel and Tourism (Chart), a global community of industry leaders who are supporting businesses, staff, destinations and supplier ecosystems to be resilient and sustainable.