Sustainable Leadership Award 2024
Europamundo Vacaciones: a sustainable management model that inspires the industry
"We have more than 30 nationalities on our team. People from all five continents get on our buses every day."
- Luz Tribaldos, Secretary of the Europamundo Vacations Foundation
Its commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is part of a business vision that seeks to inspire others in the sector, demonstrating that sustainability can be achievable and profitable. We are talking about Europamundo Vacaciones, who thanks to their Sustainable Management System (SGS) have won the Traveling for Happiness 2024 award in the Sustainable Leadership category, a recognition of a comprehensive strategy created to improve the company's environmental, social and economic performance.
A comprehensive approach for long-term success
Europamundo has turned its management system into a benchmark in the global tourism sector, focusing on a balance that encompasses social, economic and environmental sustainability. According to the Director of the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Department, Justo Palma, the success of this model lies in the fact that it goes beyond legal requirements, adopting voluntary commitments that reinforce the company's purpose. "Our Sustainable Management System is effective because it integrates a real commitment to responsible tourism," Palma explains, noting that this system acts as a fundamental pillar of the corporate culture.
In addition to improving the company's impact on the environment, the system seeks to foster a positive impact on communities and individuals. Europamundo actively collaborates in carbon offsetting and emission neutrality projects, as well as in inclusion and diversity initiatives within its team. These commitments, aligned with the principles of sustainable development, make the SGS a replicable model.
In addition to leading by example, Europamundo strives to make its travelers aware of the importance of sustainability. The company has developed a responsible traveler's guide, which invites tourists to respect the environment and value local culture. The company's tours are designed to minimize the impact on destinations, favoring off-season routes and supporting less saturated and culturally interesting sites. This philosophy helps mitigate tourismphobia and reinforces the company's commitment to a tourism model that promotes respect and harmony in host communities.
"We try to dampen tourism-phobia by designing tours that respect the local culture and environment," says Palma. This education has a positive effect on local communities and influences the behavior of travelers, who increasingly value sustainable practices and show respect for the customs and traditions of the places they visit.
Collage with some of the most special moments of the last months for the company. Photo: Europamundo Vacaciones
Alliances that reinforce sustainable commitment
For Europamundo, partnerships with like-minded organizations and companies have been key to the success of its sustainable model. The company collaborates with various international organizations, such as UN Tourism and the Global Compact, and adheres to multiple initiatives such as the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and the Glasgow Declaration Climate Action Tourism. These partnerships strengthen its commitment to the SDGs and enable it to expand its positive impact.
"Our sustainability model is both internal and external, and alliances with organizations such as UNHCR and the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations (ECTAA) have been fundamental," highlights the Director of Europamundo's Sustainability and Social Responsibility Department. In addition to these collaborations, the company has implemented quality and sustainability standards, reflected in certifications such as the Q for Tourism Quality and its Statement of Non-Financial Information (EINF), consolidating its commitment to transparency.
Europamundo Vacaciones has demonstrated that a sustainable approach can be profitable and viable for any company in the sector. According to Palma, the key is to seek a balance between economic profit and social, environmental and governance factors. "Making a company sustainable is not complicated; it's about looking internally for what makes us feel good and applying practices such as environmental footprint neutrality, energy efficiency and inclusion," he says.
This commitment has enabled Europamundo to build a business model that contributes to sustainable development while strengthening its competitiveness in the market. Its approach, focused on achieving the SDGs, promotes a business culture that values sustainability through concrete actions, from reducing waste to creating opportunities for inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Europamundo has established a path to follow for other companies in the sector seeking to incorporate sustainability into their DNA. With more than 10 years of experience in its SGS and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development, Europamundo has demonstrated that profitability and sustainability can coexist and reinforce each other.
In addition to improving the company's impact on the environment, the SGS seeks to foster a positive impact on communities and individuals. Photo: Europamundo Vacaciones