Network of travel Leaders convenes for bi-annual meeting, announces new sustainability transparency tool.
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – The Sustainable Travel Leadership Network (STLN) will host an interactive discussion on TravelWell, an exciting new initiative designed to transform decision-making in the travel industry, at an event next week in Jamaica.
The event, co-hosted by Conde Nast Traveler, Virgin Holidays, and global NGO Sustainable Travel International, is invitation only, and will take place at Secrets Wild Orchid Resort in Montego Bay the morning of May 15.
The STLN comprises leading companies from every sector of the travel industry, including some of the most prominent airlines, cruise lines, travel aggregators, hotel companies, and tour operators in the world. The STLN, which is convened by Sustainable Travel International, is the only travel organization that works exclusively on sustainability issues across all sectors of the industry.
TravelWell is a tool being designed by the STLN to promote good tourism that improves lives. Once completed, the tool will be the first to provide travel companies around the world with a transparent means to evaluate suppliers and encourage sustainability at the destination level. It will also help governments to assess their policies and practices, providing specific guidelines for sustainable destination management. With the potential addition of a consumer application, the tool could dramatically increase the demand for sustainable travel products, changing the way consumers think about and book travel.
“We think the travel industry really needs an approach like TravelWell,” said Dorinda Elliott, Global Affairs Editor at Conde Nast Traveler, a founding partner of the STLN. “It will help travel companies and destinations to demonstrate and communicate theirsustainability initiatives and good practices, and ultimately, be recognized and rewarded for them. We hope this project will help empower travelers to make smart decisions when they travel, too.”
The breakfast event will bring approximately 40-50 tourism leaders together with the STLN to better understand and provide input on TravelWell. Conde Nast Traveler ‘s Elliott will host a conversation with industry leaders, including STLN representatives and local entrepreneurs, on TravelWell and increasing the benefits of tourism. Panel participants include: Aram Zerunian of Half Moon; Marc Melville of Chuka Caribbean Adventures; Rich Pruitt of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.; Jason Patterson, Branson Centre Entrepreneur; and Seleni Matus of Sustainable Travel International.
Businesses participating in the event include: Abercrombie & Kent, Carnival Corporation & plc, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Finnair Group, Globus Family of Brands, Loews Hotels, Micato Safaris, Pacific Beachcomber, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and host Virgin Holidays.
