The social innovation network supporting sustainable SMEs in travel and tourism expands, launching in the Americas for the first time
The 4th edition of Travel4Impact is now open to applications worldwide
Travel4Impact, the innovation program & network run by Amadeus and IE University to support small sustainable enterprises (SMEs) in the travel and tourism sector, is welcoming applications worldwide for the first time. With its expansion to the Americas, the program is adopting a global scope to reinforce its commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible travel and tourism industry. The fourth edition will be open for applications from March to April 2024. Around 40 small and medium-sized companies will be selected to join the new launchpad phase set to start in September 2024.
Designed together with IE University, a top international academic institution, the program has already supported more than 60 SMEs to amplify their positive impact and accelerate their digitalization since it was first launched in 2021. The first and second edition program satisfaction survey has shown that Travel4Impact helped 72% of participants improve their expectations about the future of their business.
During the launchpad phase, Travel4Impact provides leaders (C-level executives and founders) from small companies with a fully funded online 6-month training and tutoring program taught by IE University professors. As part of the program, SMEs take part in work sessions to further develop their digital strategies and incorporate new sustainable practices into their business model. More than 87% of the participants reported that the educational support and training sessions helped them better understand how to integrate sustainability into their business strategy. After the launchpad, participants are invited to join the network comprising members from previous editions. It’s a community that brings together like-minded professionals to foster collaboration, mutual support, and exchange of best practices.
“Our journey with Travel4Impact has been both transformative and eye-opening. It's been incredibly inspiring to learn from others in the industry and see the tangible impacts of small changes. It’s been great to see and take inspiration from others who are also implementing eco-friendly practices across all operations, from reducing water and energy consumption to promoting local cultures,” says Patricia Plesner, CEO ofEcoHotels.com and participant of the 2ndedition of Travel4Impact.
The program reevaluates its content and offerings every year to remain as relevant as possible to its members. With this in mind, Travel4Impact will pilot this year a new format called the Co-Lab Sprints to collaboratively produce publications on a range of sustainable travel topics. The program will also initiate a new consulting initiative to help Travel4Impact participants solve some of their main business challenges with the support of an Amadeus expert.
Esther Villena, Global Head of Social Impact, Amadeus, highlights: “Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of our industry as they account for over 80% of all global businesses in travel and tourism. At Amadeus, we recognize our unique position at the heart of the travel ecosystem, and we want to work together to make a positive social impact. To foster the inclusion of players of all sizes in this ecosystem, we are working with IE University on Travel4Impact to empower small businesses, and especially those who have sustainability at the heart of their business strategy, to collaboratively build a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible travel and tourism sector that capitalizes on digitalization.”
Concepción Galdón, Director of IE Center for Social Innovation & Sustainability, IE University, states: “Travel4Impact gathers businesses who believe in the profound impact that travel can have on society and the environment. Each session of the training program serves as a dynamic forum for joint learning and sharing, and the collective evolution of the group accelerates the transformation of a shared passion into impactful business realities.”
Travel4Impact will be accepting applications until April 30th. The program welcomes leaders from small and medium-sized travel agencies, tour operators, and accommodation services to destination experiences who want to make the world a better place while traveling and enhancing the positive impact of travel and tourism. Successful applicants will be notified by IE University between June and July 2024.
Travel4Impact is funded by Amadeus and delivered in collaboration with IE University. It is fully funded for SMEs. Interested participants can findmore information here and apply by filling out thisform .
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