WTTC Launches Global Ad Campaign on Climate Change
April 3, 2007
WTTC Launches Global Ad Campaign on Climate Change
April 3, 2007 – The World Travel & Tourism Council has announced plans to launch an international campaign, calling for dialogue on climate change. As part of the campaign, they will run full page ads is publications such as The Daily Telegraph, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal and travel trade media. Additionally, an online forum has been created to encourage open dialogue and draw input concerning environmental good practice, working hand in hand with sustainable communities, nations and business. Industry leaders, experts, governments and other stakeholders are invited to join the dialogue and to share their views by visiting www.globaltraveltourism.com/environment.
WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten said, "The risk of an energy crisis is forcing a re-think on consumption levels, efficiency, and alternatives. Know-how is being developed and already travel and tourism leaders are working on making a real difference, not only on the carbon footprint of their activities, but also the overall impact of travel and tourism on our natural environment. Rather than demonizing any industry or activity, the task now for individuals, corporations, communities and governments, is to cut through misconceptions and to work on realizing practical solutions for a sustainable future."
Travel and tourism leaders, from the public and private sector, as well as international media will gather to reflect on the online dialogue and to discuss the issues at the 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, May 11 and 12, 2007. WTTC said that the Summit will be a carbon neutral event. The offsetting scheme is being sponsored by Travelport and supported by Sustainable Travel International. The offsets will fund renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Africa, Asia and Central America through STI and MyClimate who will reduce carbon emissions elsewhere.
"Travelport’s sponsorship of a carbon offsetting initiative at the upcoming Summit in Lisbon is reflective of the travel sector’s continued commitment to environmental responsibility," said Jeff Clarke, Travelport President and CEO. "As a leading company in the online and offline travel space, it’s our sincere hope that our industry will continue to lead developments to address environmental issues on a global scale."
STI President Brian Mullis added, "Demonstrating that unavoidable carbon impacts can be offset sends an important message to the industry and to travelers worldwide. Since the Global Travel & Tourism Summit will be the highest profile tourism-related event to become carbon neutral, we’re hoping it will catalyze a movement we’ve spearheaded in helping the Travel & Tourism industry become carbon neutral."