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It is indisputable for businesses to adopt sustainable ways with the world going through a major climate crisis. Business travel plays a significant role in global emissions. According to a report by the World Resources Institute, business travel accounts for 15–20% of global air travel emissions. In the United States alone, it makes up around 4% of all travel.
At the moment, the business travel sector is valued at $1.4 trillion and it’s only going to grow in the coming years.
With such scale comes the responsibility to drive meaningful change. This is particularly relevant for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the travel management sector. Often operating with leaner budgets and limited resources, SMEs face the challenge of reducing travel costs while meeting growing expectations around environmental responsibility.
At Together in Travel, we believe that sustainable travel and tourism should be both achievable and impactful for businesses of all sizes. With the right strategies in place, SME travel management service providers can reduce their carbon footprint, improve travel efficiency, and cut costs. All of this without compromising the quality or purpose of their journeys.
In this blog post, we will explain why SMEs should prioritize sustainable travel and tourism and take a look at some of the best practices of travel management with sustainability in mind.
Why SMEs Should Care About Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel solutions offer real, measurable benefits for SMEs:
- Lower travel costs through smarter route planning and virtual meeting adoption. According to SAP Concur, companies that implemented sustainable travel policies reported cost savings of up to 15% by replacing unnecessary flights with digital collaboration tools.
- Enhanced brand reputation, especially with environmentally conscious clients. A 2023 Deloitte survey revealed that 57% of consumers are more likely to support brands that are actively addressing climate change.
- Greater employee satisfaction. A 2022 IBM study reveals that 71% of employees and job seekers find environmentally sustainable companies more attractive due to their more ethical travel choices.
So, you see, sustainability isn’t just good for the planet – it’s also good for business.
Best Practices for SME Travel Management
- Create a Sustainable Travel Policy
Include guidelines around preferred airlines with carbon offset programs, eco-friendly accommodations, and the use of public or shared transport where feasible.
- Leverage Technology
Use digital tools to manage travel bookings, analyze patterns, and optimize future trips. Together in Travel offers intelligent travel planning solutions that help SMEs book smart and reduce emissions while also keeping budgets in check.
- Encourage Virtual Meetings
While face-to-face interactions are important, not every meeting requires a plane ticket. Encourage the use of video conferencing for routine discussions to limit unnecessary travel. This also allows for better time management across teams.
- Choose Green Partners
Partnering with airlines, hotels, and travel providers who prioritize sustainability can amplify your impact. Look for certifications like Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED when selecting travel services.
- Track and Offset Emissions
There are tools like TR2AIL, ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator (ICEC), etc., to track travel-related emissions and offer carbon offset options. Integrating these into your travel strategy reflects responsibility and transparency.
How Together in Travel Supports Sustainable SME Travel
At Together in Travel, our mission is to empower businesses of all sizes to travel smarter, cleaner, and more consciously. We offer a range of services tailored for SMEs, including:
- Personalized travel management solutions
- Access to a global network of sustainable travel providers
- Tools to monitor, report, and offset travel emissions
Our platform bridges the gap between sustainability goals and real-world travel needs. We make it easier for SMEs to do the right thing without breaking the bank.
Responsible Tourism Starts with Small Steps
Every choice we make contributes to the kind of world we want to build. SMEs are in a powerful position to lead by example and set new standards for sustainable travel and tourism.
Together, we can transform the way business travel works to create smarter, more responsible journeys that benefit people and the planet.
