Tourexpi
How can a company prove its ESG commitment is
serious? How important are the numbers and certification, and what role does
storytelling play? Is greenwashing always deliberate, or are companies often
just unaware of it? On Thursday afternoon at the ITB Berlin Convention, Xenia
zu Hohenlohe and Dr. Willy Legard discussed these questions with tourism
professionals and experts from various countries, who in some cases had
differing views.
Hazel McGuire of the tour operator Intrepid Travel
said her company was happy with its B Corp certification. “It was the right
certification for our company. It takes the environment into account as well as
the impact on society, the supply chain and the question as to who profits“,
McGuire said. At the same time she conceded that in many cases certification
and sustainability did not decide holidaymakers’ booking choices. However, the
tour operator also found that whenever tour guides mentioned sustainability on
a trip and gave visitors the chance to experience it, customer satisfaction
increased significantly.
For Victoria Kanauer of the GreenSign Institute in
Berlin it was important for certification to be credible and awarded in
accordance with transparency guidelines and international standards. “Consumers
want to be sure certification has not been bought, but earned by fulfilling
high standards“, Kanauer said.
Rob Holmes of GLP Films said that in his work he
focused on the power of storytelling. Whenever he shot a film about
sustainability he checked the customer’s credentials beforehand. He also
believed it was important not to talk to the managers, but with the workers who
embodied the firm’s philosophy on the ground. Holmes had found that
greenwashing was rarely deliberate. Many companies were unaware of it. In those
cases it was important not to criticise the destination or provider, but to
help them improve.
Image
Credit: © Messe Berlin GmbH
The most interesting news
Emirates begins operating with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
First SAF uplift for Emirates in the UK under London Heathrow SAF Incentive Scheme.
Over 260 applications from 60+ countries: Best Tourism Villages 2024 adventure kicks off
Over 260 villages from more than 60 countries representing the five regions of the world have put themselves forward for the 2024 edition of Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024.
Celebrity Apex Homeports In Southampton For First-Ever Season From The UK
Beginning today, guests can experience an elevated cruising experience directly from Southampton.
Emirates returns to Edinburgh with a daily A350 service
Emirates has announced it will resume flight operations to Edinburgh starting from 4 November 2024. The highly anticipated return to the Scottish capital will complement the airline’s current A380 daily flight to Glasgow and offer customers 14 week
Shanghai leads as hotspot for inbound tourism during May Day
Shanghai stood out as a premier destination for inbound tourism over the recent May Day holiday, driven by the successful launch of the "free half-day tour" initiative for those with layovers exceeding eight hours, which received international acclai
3rd International Halal Tourism Congress in Tükiye expects significant advancements by 2030
With Anadolu as global communication partner, event gathers academics, tourism experts, sector leaders to discuss various issues related to halal tourism
Lufthansa Group flies the flag for Europe and presents four ‘Yes to Europe’ aircraft in Brussels
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr speak out for a strong and free Europe.
Al Hamra Redefines Luxury Living with the Launch of Waldorf Astoria Residences Ras Al Khaimah
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Al Hamra, the premier lifestyle developer and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah, proudly announce the launch of Waldorf Astoria Residences Ras Al Khaimah, set to open in 2026.
UN Tourism Puts Spotlight on Investments and Empowerment at AIM Congress
UN Tourism returned the Annual Investment Congress (AIM) to put the focus on innovation and women’s empowerment, and investments in the Middle East.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts celebrates 75 years of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality
Exclusive offers and social media giveaways start this month.
Emirates invites UAE’s cabin crew candidates to exclusive events
Live in the UAE and dream of living the Emirates cabin crew life? If yes, Emirates has just the ticket for you.
TUI Care Foundation launches marine conservation programmes
TUI Sea the Change Bali includes the installation of a floating pontoon for coral planting and awareness workshops for visitors.
Hilton to Debut Canopy by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Brands in Nigeria
Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu underscore Hilton's growth and commitment to Nigeria and the African continent
JW Marriott, Renaissance, and Courtyard Santo Domingo Invite Travelers to this Capital City
Uncover personalized experiences, culinary delights, and an urban retreat of properties nestled in the bustling capital of Dominican Republic.
Redefining Today's Chinese Luxury Travelers
Marriott International Study Reveals Digital Journey and Experiential Luxury Crucial for Travel Choices in 2024.
Discover the Turkish Riviera by Bicycle
A never-ending journey of lush forests, historic cities and turquoise coasts.
Lufthansa Group successfully issued bond with investment grade ratings
Corporate bond of 750 million euros issued.
Holland America Line Opens Bookings for 2026 Grand World Voyage
2026 Grand Australia and New Zealand Itinerary Unvealed.
Istanbul registers best performance as congress city in 8 years
Number of congresses held in Turkish metropolis soar as it ranks 21st worldwide with 72 congresses in 2023
Focus on destination management: welcome to a parallel world
At the ITB Berlin Convention 2024 the message was that people’s desire to travel is stronger than ever. However, if destinations want a piece of the cake they must do their homework.
First Hyatt Hotel Announced In Zimbabwe with the Opening of Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles
Following extensive renovation, the five-star hotel opens in Zimbabwe in an iconic 109-year-old property located in the charming city center of Harare.