Sustainability within corporate travel programmes is once again a hot topic.
But we already know that topics, trends and initiatives often have to ‘hang around’ and resurface many, many times before they get the attention they deserve.
Internationally, since the late 90s, companies have been taking responsibility for the part their corporate travel plays in damaging the environment, with massive strides being made globally within the corporate travel sector. The burning question is – Why is South Africa not there yet?
We have seen some local companies doing a great job with sustainability measures, asking the right questions and putting together policies and benchmarks to start offsetting their carbon footprints – and getting involved in broader initiatives to counteract environmental damage. However, most of these initiatives are spearheaded by global corporates. What about local South African companies? Many say sustainability is important to them but do they mean it?
In a recent Travel News poll, South African travel agents were asked if their clients were placing more importance on offsetting their carbon footprint in 2022 than they did in 2019. 53% said no, 19 % said yes, and 28% were unsure. This is just one piece of research, but it reflects an alarming trend.
South Africans are good at surviving and making the most of change, but when it comes to actually driving it… well, that’s another story altogether. Looking back to when the concept of BEE first made its appearance in 2003, there was a general sense of apathy. Many companies were happy to ‘wait and see’ what everyone else was doing, only getting on board when there was literally no longer a choice. I believe we are in the same situation with sustainability.
What we need are business leaders who truly understand the importance of taking responsibility for the part their companies play in damaging the environment. Yes, there are many necessary evils in the business world, but measures can be taken to minimise the impact on the planet. We need more business leaders who understand the importance of sustainable corporate travel programmes and who commit themselves to this goal.
Where should this role sit in an organisation? And how do corporates and their travel suppliers get on the same page?
At the moment, we see travel managers starting to take more and more interest. Procurement and supply chain managers are also getting involved. But for these initiatives to take hold, we believe that the C-Suite executives have to step up and give sustainability the support and backing it needs.
Education is a massive component but there are many organisations that are spreading the word and trying to draw as much attention as they can to sustainable business travel. There is more than enough information available for companies who are ready to take a serious look at their sustainability initiatives. We are reaching a tipping point where wilful ignorance is no longer going to cut it.
ABTA will host a webinar on this topic for corporate travel buyers on November 11. To register, go here.
