Tailormade tour operator Audley Travel has announced its B Corporation certification, having met “rigorous” social and environmental standards.
Nick Longman, chief executive at Audley Travel, said: “B Corp Certification is incredibly well-respected and reflects our long-term commitment to ensuring our entire business operates ethically and with the preservation and restoration of the communities our clients visit at its core.
“Responsible travel has always been part of Audley’s DNA, therefore we haven’t had to alter our business or strategy to achieve B Corp Certification – instead our journey has led us here naturally.”
He added: “In 2007, we began carbon offsetting all staff flights, with clients having the option to offset from 2009.
“In 2019 we formalised our commitment to further improving Audley’s social and environmental performance with the appointment of our responsible travel and sustainability manager.
“Our inaugural sustainability report followed in 2020, and in 2021 we launched the Audley Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Framework and appointed a chief sustainability officer to drive this forward.
“Our ongoing efforts were rewarded first in 2020 with our status as a Travelife Partner before focusing on the global, multi-industry B Corp Certification.”
Audley met the B Corp criteria by demonstrating activities in different areas, such as its Insight initiative which supports young people exploring career opportunities in the travel industry.
Its Travel for Good Fund allows clients and employees to make donations to Audley-backed charities that support the destinations clients visit.
There are now 6,900 businesses globally who have certified as B Corps, with more than 1,400 of them in the UK. Audley joins 16 other travel businesses with the status.
Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK – the not-for-profit behind the B Corp – added: “Audley is going to be a fantastic addition, bringing with it many years of commitment to operating a business striving to be a force for good.”