Trip.com Group’s Commitment to Sustainable Travel
As the world increasingly prioritizes environmental stewardship, Trip.com Group is stepping up to the plate with a pioneering new feature that makes sustainable travel more accessible. This initiative aims to empower travelers by providing quantified carbon emissions data across major transportation services, including flights, car rentals, airport transfers, and European trains. By enhancing transparency about the environmental impact of travel choices, Trip.com Group hopes to encourage more responsible travel behaviors among its users.
The Latest Sustainability Report
This launch is part of a broader commitment to sustainability, highlighted in Trip.com’s recent Sustainability Report. Central to this report is the “Friendly Four” framework, which emphasizes four key areas: Stakeholder-Friendly, Community-Friendly, Family-Friendly, and Environmentally Friendly. These guiding principles represent the company’s efforts to promote not only sustainability but also inclusivity and social responsibility.
Tailpipe Emissions Data for Car Rentals
As part of its new feature, Trip.com Group is collaborating with the Association of Car Rental Industry System Standards (ACRISS) to provide tailpipe CO₂ emissions data for car rental listings. Travelers can now make informed decisions by comparing the emissions of electric, hybrid, and traditional vehicles. This transparency empowers consumers to choose greener mobility options, contributing to lower carbon footprints during their travels.
Greener Mobility Choices for Airport Transfers
The commitment to sustainable travel extends to airport transfers as well, where Trip.com Group offers similar informative functionality. This initiative empowers travelers to make greener choices at every stage of their journey, enabling a holistic approach to sustainability that encompasses all forms of transport. Being informed about these options can significantly influence travelers’ decisions toward more environmentally friendly choices.
Scaling Environmental Efforts in 2024
Trip.com Group is not just stopping at informational tools. In 2024, the company has set ambitious goals, encouraging travelers to place over 100 million orders for more sustainable travel products. This initiative aims to further embed sustainability into the company’s operations while fostering a culture of eco-consciousness among its user base.
Clean Energy Initiatives
On the home front, Trip.com Group has made substantial strides in renewable energy, notably through solar panel installations at its headquarters and rural retreats that generated an impressive 457 MWh of clean electricity. This commitment to harnessing renewable energy resources illustrates how the company is integrating sustainability into its core operations.
Comprehensive Tracking of Carbon Emissions
In a significant step toward accountability, the latest report now includes all categories from Scope 3 carbon emissions. This encompasses emissions from sources such as leased data centers and business travel. By broadening its tracking scope, Trip.com is aligning itself with a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This level of transparency is essential for informing long-term sustainability goals.
Advancement in Rural Development
Trip.com Group’s efforts in rural development and public safety through tourism are equally noteworthy. Its flagship Country Retreat Programme has expanded to 34 sites, creating over 40,000 indirect job opportunities. This initiative, focused on enhancing local economies, ensures that more than 80% of employees in these retreats are local residents, contributing to the well-being of participating communities. Villages involved in the program have reported an average increase in per capita income of USD 5,500, demonstrating tangible benefits for local populations.
Family-Friendly Workplace Initiatives
The commitment to a family-friendly culture remains a cornerstone of Trip.com Group’s human resources strategy. Enhanced childcare leave days, subsidies, and policies promoting gender equity underscore the company’s dedication to fostering a supportive workplace. Notably, women now constitute 57.1% of the global workforce, with impressive representation at senior and middle management levels reaching 32.7% and 43%, respectively, further exemplifying the Group’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Leadership Vision
Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, encapsulates the company’s vision for the future, emphasizing that sustainable operations will be a crucial determinant of competitive advantage. She asserts, “We believe that sustainable development is a long-term journey requiring deep and enduring commitment.” This statement reflects a commitment not just to immediate goals, but to a sustainable future that aligns with the growing global emphasis on environmental consciousness.
Through these various initiatives, Trip.com Group is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable travel, making informed choices accessible and practical while fostering community empowerment and responsibility.