A collective of travel companies in the UK with B Corp certification aims to support the trade become more sustainable as the industry emerges from the pandemic.
The Travel by B Corp group will create and share best practice among members and the wider industry on the path towards a sustainable recovery.
Founding members of the group are Intrepid Travel, Sawday’s, Joro Experiences, Pura Aventura and Flooglebinder, with sustainable design firm MaCher as a founding advisor.
B Corps are firms that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance and have a legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
Companies must satisfy a rigorous set of standards to achieve certification.
Intrepid Travel became the first global travel company to become a B Corp in 2018.
There are now five UK travel B Corps, with others working towards certification.
The group plans a free online event to mark Earth Day on April 22 when a panel of experts will discuss what it means to travel sustainably and share ideas on how people can become more responsible travellers. They will also talk about what it means to become a B Corp.
Speakers include:
- Rory Boland, Which? Travel editor
- Juliet Kinsman, sustainability editor, Conde Nast Traveller and Founder of Bouteco
- Zina Bencheikh, managing director EMEA, Intrepid Travel
- Thomas Power, founder and chief executive, Pura Aventura
- Rochelle Turner, head of research and insight, MaCher
Bencheikh said: “As we come out of the pandemic, there is a lot of talk about building back better but it’s time for fewer words and more action. The best way to act on climate change is for the industry to work together.”
Group co-chair Power added: “The Travel by B Corp group aims to create and share best practice among members and the wider industry.
“It will amplify our voices on issues which matter, such as environmental impact and improving diversity.
“UK companies looking to start the journey to becoming B Corp, please get in touch. The more of us there are, the better the world of travel for visitors, hosts and the planet.”