Tuesday, December 17, 2024
A current financial influence research carried out by PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) highlights how the initiatives pushed by the US Tour Operators Affiliation (USTOA) are influencing the broader journey and tourism sector. The research reveals that 71% of tour operator members really feel reasonably to extremely assured that their organizations are taking enough measures to deal with sustainability challenges—an 8% improve from the final survey carried out in 2022.
The 2024 report underscores that almost all USTOA Lively Members have carried out sustainability methods, whether or not formal or casual. Notably, 19% of respondents reported that sustainability is absolutely built-in into their organizational operations, whereas solely 8% said they lack a proper sustainability technique—down from 14% in 2022. Among the many key motivations for adopting sustainability methods, 85% of members cited “corporate values and culture” as the first driver. Compliance with rules surged in significance, shifting to 3rd place (39%) from sixth in 2022, whereas 52% recognized “responding positively to global crises” as a big issue, holding its place because the second most typical purpose.
When requested about their sustainability priorities for the approaching 12 months, 75% of Lively Members indicated a deal with aligning sustainability goals with their provide chains and companions, whereas 73% prioritized itinerary planning to profit native communities. Each areas skilled a notable rise of over 10 proportion factors because the earlier survey.
“It has long been our practice to bolster our advocacy efforts by commissioning PwC to quantify our industry’s vital economic contributions,” says Terry Dale, president & CEO of USTOA. “More recently, we’ve been passionate about measuring our progress in the areas of not only sustainability but diversity, equity and inclusion,” he says, including, “These are the true barometers of the health of our industry, and by examining where our members are in their efforts, we’re better able to guide them toward policies and practices that ensure widespread, long-term access to travel employment and experiences.”
Sustainability Commitments
USTOA members additionally outlined areas the place their organizations have made tangible commitments:
Over half (58%) have pledged to assist gender equality and demographic range.
Carbon-neutral and net-zero commitments stay much less frequent, with solely 19% of members reporting such initiatives. Nonetheless, 25% have adopted independently audited ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting—a big improve from 16% in 2022.
Progress on DEI Insurance policies
Lively Members have made strides in formalizing insurance policies that promote range, fairness, and inclusion (DEI). At present, 83% have documented insurance policies addressing gender, race, and ethnicity, up from 75% two years in the past. Equally, 75% have established insurance policies for LGBTQ+ inclusion, and 71% have tips associated to age and disabilities (each seen and invisible). Positive aspects have been additionally famous in areas reminiscent of religion and faith, with 64% now implementing associated practices.
Members overwhelmingly view the journey and tourism trade as one which values particular person variations, with 90% agreeing with this sentiment. Furthermore, 89% imagine the trade can play a significant function in addressing broader social points associated to range, fairness, inclusion, and justice.
Accessible Journey Initiatives
For the primary time, the 2024 survey explored how tour operators cater to vacationers with disabilities or restricted mobility. The outcomes confirmed that 69% of Lively Members present accessible lodging, 56% supply accessible transportation choices, and 46% customise tour itineraries primarily based on various capacity ranges.
“Our members’ commitment to DEI initiatives has strengthened,” Dale affirms. “USTOA continues to educate members about best and emerging practices, and we share their belief that we have a leadership role to play in ensuring travel employment and enjoyment is accessible for all,” he says.
Annual Convention Insights
PwC’s findings have been unveiled throughout USTOA’s Annual Convention & Market, held on the JW Marriott Marco Island Seashore Resort in Marco Island, Florida, from December 9–13, 2024. The survey, carried out between July 18 and October 11, 2024, achieved a formidable 96% response charge.
Future Plans
Throughout the convention, USTOA introduced the fourth version of the Sustainability is Accountability (SIR) Summit, scheduled to happen in Valencia, Spain, from April 27 to 30, 2025. Organized in collaboration with Turespaña and the Area of Valencia, the summit goals to foster partnerships and encourage a sustainability-driven mindset by sharing greatest practices, in the end contributing to the safety of the planet and the way forward for journey.
Dale added, “This summit represents a significant opportunity for our members to collaborate participate in cross-sector learning, and collectively set the path for a more sustainable future for the travel industry. Together with our partners at Turespaña and the Region of Valencia, we are committed to fostering a culture of sustainability that benefits our industry and preserves the environments of the destinations we serve.”
