SUPPORTING RESPONSIBILITY

Transat A.T. Inc continues its sustainable tourism awareness efforts, highlighting the environmentally responsible practices of its hotelier partners. Web sites and brochures published by Transat Holidays in Canada and Vacances Transat in France, as well as by Nolitours, Look Voyages, Jonview Canada and Canadian Affair, identify establishments holding one of the six certifications recognized by Transat — Green Key, Travelife, Green Globe, Biosphere, ISO 14001 and Blue Flag — so that travellers can make informed consumer choices when it comes to accommodations. “Since 2007, Transat has been committed to more sustainable tourism, and supports development of products that respect the environment and communities,” said Jean-Marc Eustache, president and CEO, Transat, adding: “To that end, we encourage employees, customers and suppliers alike to adopt responsible behaviours. In addition, bringing our hotel industry partners on board in our efforts to market products that take into account our customers growing sensitivity to environmental and social issues is perfectly in keeping with our approach.” And a few years ago Transat launched a program dubbed “Working Together,” whereby its hotelier partners voluntarily implement sustainable management practices, or pursue efforts already begun. The program, which will be administered for the third time in 2014, highlights 55 exemplary hotel management practices divided into eight areas of action. Transat applauds the commitment of the hotel chains involved and the efforts of the 162 establishments in 15 countries that are currently signed on. The number of participants is increasing from one edition of the program to the next. Some of the practices most widely implemented among Transat’s hotel partners include: re-use of sheets and towels; implementation of a fair employment policy; guest satisfaction measurement; treatment of hazardous materials; repairs to appliances containing liquids harmful to the ozone layer; collection of all recyclables; donation of used items in good condition to non-profit organizations and schools; appropriate wastewater treatment; bulk purchasing; and installation of recycling bins in guest rooms and public areas. In 2012 Transat also tightened requirements in its supplier contracts to ensure that hotelier partners apply responsible economic, social and environmental measures. Go to http://www.transat.com for more.