Preferred Travel to launch companywide climate action plan in December

PREFERRED TRAVEL GROUP, a global independent hotel operator, and the UK-based sustainable tourism organization Travel Foundation will launch a comprehensive climate action plan in December. This initiative builds on the organization’s commitment to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and aims to outline objectives and key actions to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero before 2050.

The CAP is supported by an internal cross-departmental implementation strategy with planned activities for 2025 and beyond, Preferred Travel said in a statement.

“At Preferred Travel, we are dedicated to harnessing the power of travel as a force for positive change,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, Preferred Travel’s CEO. “Building on our core 'Believe in Travel' ideology, we are reinforcing our commitment by investing in climate action leadership. By prioritizing climate action, Preferred Travel supports efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient industry. Our commitment helps protect our planet's natural and cultural heritage for future generations while empowering local communities to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world."

The California-based Preferred Travel launched the initiative after partnering with ecollective, a UK-based carbon consultancy, to establish a baseline for its carbon emissions through a companywide measurement process, the statement said. This baseline guides the development of the CAP, which outlines strategies to reduce emissions, achieve ambitious targets, and enhance accountability and transparency within the organization.

“We've seen very few organizations across travel and tourism make such an extensive and integrated commitment to climate action as Preferred Travel Group and want to highlight the example they are setting,” said Jeremy Sampson, Travel Foundation’s CEO. “We're proud to partner with them in this effort and pleased to see how climate action is being meaningfully resourced, engaging all employees across the organization, regardless of their team or leadership level. We look forward to continuing our collaboration as PTG prioritizes meaningful actions and expands its influence to drive change in destinations and through its growing network of high-quality boutique hotels."

Preferred Travel Group, the parent company of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, PTG Consulting and Beyond Green Travel, established an executive Climate Steering Committee and a Climate Action Task Force of associate volunteers to prioritize actions for the plan, the statement said. Additionally, all-associate climate action training sessions will launch soon to build climate literacy and share best practices.

The Hospitality Show 2024, produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association in San Antonio, Texas, from Oct. 28 to 30, highlights sustainability programming, including the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Autumn Summit, which focuses on net positive hospitality, best practices, innovation opportunities and new collaborations.