Expedia launches new global sustainability strategy

February 10, 2018 - Bellevue, WA, USA: An Expedia sign can be seen on top of a building on a sunny day

Expedia Group today announced its new global social impact and sustainability strategy.

The Open World social impact and sustainability strategy is focused on three priorities – increasing access for underserved travellers, democratising the travel economy, and innovating sustainable solutions for the future of travel.

Earlier this year, the company announced its Open World technology platform – created for partners of all sizes to leverage and configure products and services needed to succeed in the
travel ecosystem. Aligned with this development the next iteration of Open World extends to the traveller experience, community engagement, and environmental impact.

“Travel is transformative. It broadens horizons, strengthens connections and changes perspectives. With our new Open World social impact and sustainability forward-looking plans, we will further our mission to power travel for everyone, everywhere,” said Peter Kern, vice chairman and CEO of Expedia Group.

“Travel needs to lighten its footprint on the planet, and everyone should be able to experience it and receive the associated benefits. Now is the time to innovate the existing model. We have a responsibility to enable a stronger, more sustainable industry.”

The Open World social impact and sustainability strategy will tackle inequities in travel, accelerate meaningful change for the mosaic of travellers and communities that power the global industry, and ensure a healthy planet.

Expedia Group’s social impact and sustainability strategic framework include:

  • Inclusive pathways for underserved travellers.
  • Economic advancement for communities underrepresented in travel.
  • Prosperous planet for generations to come.

Alongside this news, Expedia Group is currently developing a long-term climate action plan and associated roadmap for greening its own operations while driving industry-wide change.

A new program being developed in partnership with The Travel Foundation will offer training and guidance to destination marketing organisations (DMOs), enabling them to lead the way on climate action in tourism and catalyse change at a local level.

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