Travelport Reviews ECO-Friendly Initiatives
Jeff Clarke, CEO and President, Outlines Company's Commitment to the Environment During Live Virtual Press Conference
NEW YORK 05-08-2007 - Travelport Limited, the parent company of the Travelport group of companies, announced today its commitment to the environment during a virtual press conference via live webcast hosted by CEO and President Jeff Clarke. Clarke was joined by Gordon Wilson, CEO of Travelport's GDS business, Galileo; Steve Barnhart, CEO of Orbitz Worldwide; and Randy Wagner, chief marketing officer for Orbitz.
The virtual press conference outlined a series of eco-friendly initiatives, beginning with the company's sponsorship of the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) program to offset the carbon emissions of all 600 people attending the organization's global summit in Lisbon later this week. By partnering with Sustainable Travel International (STI) and MyClimate, the WTTC's carbon offset program was developed with the correct protocols in place to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects globally.
"One of our greatest priorities at Travelport is to develop innovative technologies that optimize the potential of mass travel, especially in emerging markets. We agree with organizations such as the International Institute for Peace through Tourism, that travel is essential for creating a more tolerant and peaceful world," Clarke said. "While we continue to help the travel sector expand globally, we are also passionate about our responsibility to the environment. As a provider of travel services worldwide, we are cognizant of the issues and are committed to do our part to preserve the environment."
"At the core of all "carbon considerate" initiatives is the management of carbon emissions; a difficult task that requires accurate data gathering, calculation and reporting solutions," Clarke added. "Air travel, although currently less than 5% of all CO2 emissions, is one of the fastest growing contributors to the release of harmful greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Galileo, our GDS business, processes some 800,000 air transactions per day and is well-suited to help the industry measure its carbon footprint."
Galileo is currently working toward the introduction of a new customer tool-for suppliers and travel agents-that will accurately measure carbon emissions.
A carbon emissions measurement tool and the sponsorship of the WTTC carbon offset program compliment last month's announcement of Orbitz's partnership with Carbonfund.org, a not-for-profit organization, which offsets travelers' carbon emissions by supporting renewable energy development, re-forestation projects and other important initiatives to stop and reverse the climate damage caused by GHG. Orbitz also underscored its commitment from the "inside out" by providing company-sponsored "voluntourism" vacations for its employees and recently introduced a new eco-focused micro site that features, among other things, environmentally friendly hotels.
"Our approach is driven in large part by employee passion for the environment and dedication to internal recycling and energy-saving efforts at Orbitz, Galileo and our other businesses," said Clarke. "As a global company, Travelport has a growing company-wide ecological focus on RE-using, RE-ducing, RE-cycling and RE-covering. We have nearly eliminated paper-based employee communications and employ the Web and other digital means to reach our more than 8,000 associates working in 130 countries around the world. Travelport companies are using energy-saving lighting systems and will continue adding eco-friendly alternatives to everyday routines."
A replay of the conference call will be available May 8, 2007 at 3:00 pm (EDT), through May 15, 2007. To access the replay, dial 888-286-8010 in the United States and 617-801-6888 for international callers. The passcode is 77547571.
About Travelport
Travelport is one of the world's largest travel conglomerates. It operates 20 leading brands including Galileo, a global distribution
system (GDS); Orbitz Worldwide, an on-line travel agency; and Gullivers Travel Associates, a wholesaler of travel content. With 2006
revenues of $2.6 billion, the Company has 8,000 employees and operates in 130 countries.
Media Contacts:
Elliot Bloom
Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer
Travelport
212-915-9110
Elliot.bloom@travelport.com
Brian Hoyt
Senior Director, Public Relations
Orbitz Worldwide - Americas
312-894-6890 office
312-752-5436 mobile
bhoyt@orbitz.com
Julian Cacchioli
Director, Communications (UK)
Galileo
t +44 (0)1753 288620
julian.cacchioli@travelport.com
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Source: Travelport Archives
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