Expedia Group partners with Travel Foundation for Destination Climate Champions initiative
Expedia Group partners with Travel Foundation for Destination Climate Champions initiative
Expedia Group has announced a first-of-its kind educational program for DMOs called Destination Climate Champions, launched in partnership with the Travel Foundation.
The online training course and peer learning network equips DMO staff with the knowledge and skills to serve as climate champions and incorporate a climate lens into their day-to-day work, while also creating a destination specific Climate Action Plan. The program further enables DMOs to communicate credibly with travelers about sustainable tourism in their destination and promote more eco-conscious travel.
Recognizing that many DMOs may lack the resources needed to create a tourism-specific Climate Action Plan, the course will help destinations better meet traveler expectations while building community and industry resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The Destination Climate Champions program is being piloted with 30 destinations and three geographic cohorts across Europe, New Zealand, and the Northwest of the U.S. and Canada. The pilot cohorts began the training in February 2024 and the course will be available globally to additional DMOs later this year. There is no cost to participate; interested DMOs can register here.
The Destination Climate Champions program was announced by Expedia Group alongside its the launch of its Destination Giveback Initiative, through which it makes donations to local causes identified together with its DMO partner on behalf of both parties, and provides support to local communities where they need it most while driving tourism growth.
Both initiatives are designed to support DMOs in becoming better environmental stewards and helping ensure travel is truly a force for good in their local communities. The new programs are aligned with Expedia Group’s Open World™ social impact and sustainability strategy and its commitment to building resilient prosperity for destinations across the world.
Sustainability is a key value of travelers today. According to Expedia Group Media Solutions research, 90% of consumers already look for sustainable options when booking. And half of consumers would be willing to pay more for a trip if the travel options were more sustainable, meaning destination communities that offer more responsible tourism choices stand to enjoy economic benefits as well.
