International Award 2023
Europamundo Vacaciones: a social commitment through real actions
"Without peace, sustainability is not possible. Tourism helps to generate tolerance and respect, knowledge and understanding between peoples."
- Luz Tribaldos, assistant to the Corporate Social Responsibility department of Europamundo Vacaciones.
The first thing to know about the Europamundo Foundation is that it is a private non-profit organization, promoted by Europamundo Vacaciones (EMV), whose mission is to carry out social action and cooperation activities for the development of particularly vulnerable areas and sectors of the population, mainly in Europe and Latin America, in addition to promoting sustainable human development.
Precisely for this work, the Europamundo Foundation was awarded the International Prize during the 2023 edition of the Traveling for Happiness Awards. This recognition, designed to honor those who excel in social, economic and environmental commitment worldwide through their social activities, crowns the Foundation's tireless work for a positive impact on a global scale.
In defense of a more tolerant and diverse world
The promotion of coexistence and understanding between cultures is one of EMV's fundamental pillars. Beyond its commendable social work, the company does not lose sight of the importance of promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. This commitment represents a fundamental development strategy, as well as acting as a catalyst for building a more tolerant and diverse world.
EMV 's vision seeks to enrich the cultural heritage of humanity and foster tourism awareness as an essential means of strengthening ties among the peoples of the world. The distinction in the Traveling for Happiness Awards places the Europamundo Foundation at the top of the global benchmarks in the promotion of social and environmental well-being through tourism and international cooperation.
In the words of the director of the Corporate Social Responsibility department and head of Europamundo Vacaciones, Justo Palma, "our travel circuits are like spider webs. You start one and at a certain point you can join another". In these same circuits, they try to be as sustainable as possible, with measures such as the use of the most efficient buses available today, the Euro-6. This commitment is reflected not only in the choice of means of transport, but also in concrete actions, such as the elimination of printed catalogs or the implementation of training workshops for their customers, providing them with practical knowledge on sustainability measures.
Since its creation in 2011, the Europamundo Foundation has supported more than 270 projects that have benefited 260,000 people in 30 countries, channeling its efforts through 60 NGOs and a total of 44 emergency interventions. The Foundation's commitment translates into concrete actions, where respect for the sociocultural authenticity of the host communities is a priority. On the other hand, its commitment to long-term viable economic activities is focused on guaranteeing socio-economic benefits equitably distributed among all the agents involved.
A capture of the 'Words for Peace' event held in a small church in Jordan in 2019. Photo: Europamundo Vacaciones S.L.U.
Social conscience as a guiding light
In addition to contributing to the implementation of projects, the Foundation actively seeks to contribute to poverty reduction by being aware of sectors that are particularly vulnerable or at risk of social exclusion. Through this social awareness, the Foundation works to improve living conditions in disadvantaged communities and promote a more equitable development.
According to Luz Tribaldos, the Corporate Social Responsibility deputy, "without peace, sustainability is not possible. Tourism helps to generate tolerance and respect, knowledge and understanding between peoples. She herself recalls that the Foundation holds an annual convention every year with its clients in a different country where EMV has circuits. In 2019, this event took place in Jordan, with an event entitled 'Words for Peace', held in a small church where each company made a speech in its own language. In addition, the proximity to Israel and Palestine added value to an event designed to promote peace and coexistence between peoples, cultures and religions.
The Europamundo Foundation is determined to continue helping people, largely thanks to the donations it receives. One of the challenges they will face in the coming months is the development of an innovative project focused on mental health, in collaboration with various entities. Its founder, Luis García Codrón, intends to launch a contest that will allow people who have experienced mental disorders to present artistic pieces in various formats, with the aim of highlighting and recognizing their experiences.
García Codrón has been a leading advocate of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as he has expressed at various international conferences. Although he is currently dedicated to the development of new travel routes in EMV, Codrón has also actively participated in events such as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), backed by one of the most influential organizations in the global travel industry. Its participation in these platforms reflects a continued commitment to promoting sustainable practices and its role as an agent of change in the global tourism arena.
Justo Palma, director of the Corporate Social Responsibility department and head of Europamundo Vacaciones, together with Luz Tribaldos, assistant to the company's Corporate Social Responsibility department. Photo: Europamundo Vacaciones S.L.U.