Hotelplan UK – the parent of Inghams, Explore Worldwide, Inntravel and Santa’s Lapland – will continue to tackle its carbon footprint this year as part of its “purpose-led” business plan.
Its second annual Planet & People Report, covering the group’s 2023-2024 financial year, shows the group has reduced the carbon footprint of its trips on a per person, per night basis for a second year running.
However, decarbonising international transportation is a key challenge acknowledged in the report, as the group’s absolute footprint has increased for a second year running, albeit at a slower rate.
The 2024 audit shows an increase of 5% year-on-year, following a 42% increase in 2023.
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Director of sustainability Prue Stone said: “We’re starting to build a picture of the carbon emissions that were avoided through switching passengers from planes to trains last year, but flight-free travel is not practical for every destination or every passenger.
“Flight emissions account for more than three quarters of our total footprint and this will remain a prime focus for 2025.”
Joe Ponte, group chief executive of Hotelplan UK, said: “I’m really proud of how we’re transforming into a purpose-led business that prioritises planet and people alongside turning a profit.
“We’ve set a clear plan to enhance company culture, implement carbon reduction pathways and deliver genuine value to the communities that support us – all whilst continuing to deliver products and experiences that exceed customer expectations.
“We’re far from perfect, but it’s exciting to see how our strategic initiatives are beginning to turn the dial in these areas.”
Other achievements between November 2023 and October 2024 include achieving B Corp certification for Explore Worldwide and donating £98,601 to charitable projects.
The group has invested £1.2 million in carbon removal and biodiversity restoration and removed more than 20,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere via active carbon removal projects.
Hotelplan UK introduced a match-funding scheme for employee fundraising and enables teams to volunteer in local communities.
A new partnership was signed with Working with Cancer; new recruitment sites were designed with inclusivity in mind; and a new learning and development platform, Learn and Maximise your Potential, offers learning and skills development with sustainability as a core focus.