MONTREAL, May 9, 2023
/CNW/ - For the third edition of the Journey for Change
program, Transat has partnered with Iberostar Hotels &
Resorts and the University of
Guelph's School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management
for an international field study program that provides 12 students
with a unique experience in the Dominican
Republic. The goal of this initiative is to offer a unique
hands-on experience for tomorrow's leaders in sustainable
travel.
"Sustainable travel is at the heart of Transat's corporate
responsibility strategy, and I'm pleased to see that the next
generation is already sensitive to these issues," said Chrystal Healy, Vice President, Corporate
Responsibility at Transat. "In addition, I'm particularly proud to
partner with Iberostar this year, a brand who's known for its
concrete efforts in sustainable development. We believe in the
power of numbers and hope that students will return from their stay
with a renewed desire to get involved in social and environmental
issues, both at home and abroad."
The program includes a rich variety of topics and workshops,
including responsible sourcing, food waste prevention and
composting, coral reef rehabilitation, mangrove planting, beach
clean-ups, and community centre visits.
"The strength of Journey for Change is that the destination is
the classroom. Students learn about sustainable tourism while
experiencing being a tourist themselves. They see first-hand the
challenges that Transat and Iberostar are tackling. And together,
we can find solutions to advance responsible travel," adds Dr.
Statia Elliot, professor at the
School of Hospitality, Food & Tourism Management – University of Guelph.
"At Iberostar, we view sustainability as a core principle that
drives and guides our business. We are committed to transforming
the way people perceive travel and are constantly innovating to
inspire our guests to join us in creating a better future. We are
delighted to welcome students from Journey for Change, as they can
learn about our responsible tourism practices and discover that
there are always solutions to be found. During their visit to the
Coral Lab, they will gain insight into how coral studies can aid in
overcoming the challenges that climate change poses to
reefs," says Gabriel Martorell, Sustainability Director
for the Americas at Iberostar.
The first Journey for Change trip took place in spring 2019 in
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Both previous editions
have provided an opportunity to meet local communities and tourism
service providers, and to learn about the complex issues inherent
in sustainable tourism at the destination.
About Transat
Founded in Montreal 35 years
ago, Transat has achieved worldwide recognition as a provider of
holiday travel particularly as an airline under the Air Transat
brand. Voted World's Best Leisure Airline in North America by passengers at the 2022
Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international, U.S. and
Canadian destinations. By renewing its fleet with the most
energy-efficient aircraft in their category, it is committed to a
healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its
operations and the destinations it serves. Transat has been
Travelife-certified since 2018. (TSX: TRZ) www.transat.com
About the Iberostar
Group
The Iberostar Group is a 100% family-owned multinational Spanish
company with over 65 years of experience in the tourism industry,
as well as entrepreneurial roots dating back to 1877. Its main line
of business is Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, whose portfolio
includes over 100 four- and five-star hotels in 16 countries. The
Group has become an international leader, as it promotes a
responsible tourism business model that revolves around caring for
both people and the environment. Its pioneering Wave of Change
movement reflects the company's specific commitment to the
environment and the oceans, as well as its efforts to share it with
society as a whole. With sustainability acting as a driving
force for business, the Iberostar Group places the circular economy
at the heart of its strategy and is working towards its own 2030
Agenda. This involves becoming waste-free by 2025, carbon neutral
by 2030, and 100% responsible in its seafood supply chain by 2025,
as well as improving the health of the ecosystems that surround its
hotels, among other goals. iberostar.com
SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.