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Some might think that luxury group travel to far-flung destinations goes against efforts to be more sustainable, however there are many ways to still use incentive travel to reward employees whilst remaining environmentally conscious.
Flight rejection
Yes, air travel is a contributor to your carbon footprint. And yes, the aim is to reduce first, then offset. However, sustainability is also about looking at things from a wider perspective and weighing up all factors and considerations.
Firstly, flight decisions can be made with a responsible mindset. You can choose destinations with direct connections, avoid flying people in Business Class or even choose to opt for train travel where possible.
However, if you are flying further but take a utilitarian approach to the entire trip then the right balance may be achieved. For example, if every other decision is focused on giving back or is net-zero, then if you’re only having to offset your flights there is an argument that you’re still generating the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Economic injection
Too often sustainability is associated entirely with carbon emissions and being ‘green’, however there is so much more to consider. In particular, Corporate Social Responsibility and the impact groups can have on local communities. Not only does incentive travel mean a cash injection to a potentially poorer economy - helping to sustain jobs - but also it can mean a group of able-bodied individuals who are more than willing to help on projects that need manpower.
This doesn’t necessarily just mean painting a school that’s been painted a thousand times before by ‘do good’ tourists, but actually creating a meaningful legacy. This does require a level of expertise and research to ensure that the actions have purpose, but also are rewarding enough for the incentive winners.
Venue inspection
In addition to what you do and where you do it, one of the key sustainable decisions to make is around venues and accommodation. Choosing a hotel partner that truly embraces sustainability by employing locals, sourcing food nearby, using green energy and giving back to the community can make a huge difference.
Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions and so if this is being managed effectively to reduce or feed the hungry then you can also rest assured that your incentive travel trip is giving back and not taking away.
We at Black Book recognise that everyone in the events industry is on a journey, it will take time for events and incentive travel trips to be fully deemed as ‘net-zero’, however we can support this journey and help you to make informed and impactful decisions that will make a difference.
Using our extensive knowledge of global destinations, venues and hotels as well as a vast international network of partners that can help on-the-ground, we are confident we can help you to continue to reward your employees with once-in-a-lifetime trips around the world that also have a positive impact on the environment.
Get in touch if you’d like to find out more.