Independent B2B travel technology marketplace HBX Group has taken its commitment to sustainability a step further with the publication of its ESG 2024 Report.
This report, which outlines the company’s most significant environmental, social and governance (ESG) developments, reaffirms the company’s role as a key player in the sustainable transformation of the travel industry.
During the past 12 months, HBX Group has continually promoted initiatives that encourage more responsible tourism, including the expansion of the Sustainable Hotels Programme, which already has more than 40,000 certified establishments enrolled and more than 6,000 that do not utilise single-use plastic.
Through the Hub, the company has created a knowledge exchange centre to foster industry collaboration and improve the social and environmental impact of its network of customers, suppliers and partners.
Currently, the programme already has more than 300 active subscribers.
“Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of our growth and transformation strategy,” says Elena Pérez Cabello, chief HR, comms & ESG officer at HBX Group.
“With this ESG 2024 Report, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to more responsible tourism but also setting out a clear roadmap to continue driving positive change in our industry.”
These efforts have been recognised internationally, with HBX Group receiving the Climate Change Award at the A World for Travel event, in recognition of its work in promoting sustainable practices and its leadership in the fight against climate change within the tourism sector.
It also received the CSR Best Practice Award at the 15th Sustainability Week in Spain for its Think Big programme, which focuses on creating sustainable micro-destinations and empowering rural communities through corporate volunteering.
Looking ahead, HBX Group will continue to strengthen its impact on sustainable travel by increasing its portfolio of ESG-compliant services and will also continue to collaborate with its value chain to reduce environmental footprint and generate a greater positive social impact.
On the environmental front, it is developing a new decarbonisation and energy transition plan, which will include the development of an internal tool to measure and reduce Scope 3 emissions, obtaining ISO 14001 certification and creating a climate risk map to anticipate the impacts of climate change on the business.
The company also plans to expand its Think Big programme internationally, to replicate its regenerative tourism model in other regions and incorporate new cooperatives and local communities into its value chain.
HBX Group will also work on diversifying its portfolio of sustainable services, strengthening the link between innovation, social impact and profitability.
Finally, the company will continue to promote transversal training in sustainability in all areas of the company, consolidating an internal ESG culture that will accelerate the transformation of the group from within.
