Amadeus introduces Travel4Impact in India

Amadeus, a technology provider for the travel industry worldwide, has launched its Travel4Impact initiative in India – a social innovation network for the tourism industry.

The Travel4Impact network aims to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Indian travel and tourism sectors by providing them with a platform to create and develop sustainable solutions together. The initiative seeks to promote digitalisation and sustainability in tourism operations while promoting economic growth.

Travel4Impact is an initiative run by Amadeus alongside IE University, recognised as one of the first carbon neutral universities in Europe. The programme is designed to improve the competitiveness and social and environmental impact of SMEs in the travel sector. This is done through the creation of a network to support enterprises that see digitalisation, collaboration, and sustainability as key elements of their value proposition.

Shalini Nair, Head of People and Culture, India, and APAC at Amadeus Labs, said: “Introducing Amadeus’ Travel4Impact initiative in India is part of Amadeus’ global commitment to supporting SMEs in the travel and tourism sectors to collaborate, innovate and develop sustainable solutions in India.”

The programme is open to SMEs with more than two years of activity within the tourism ecosystem and two or more full-time employees. Entrants must have a proven interest in sustainability and digitalisation and be actively looking to maximise the positive impact of their work. Central to this is demonstrating that the SME has a business footprint in its specific market or region (EMEA or APAC).

Concepción Galdón, Director of IE Center for Social Innovation & Sustainability, IE University, said: “Travel4Impact is a network of SMEs in the travel and tourism industry that spearhead travel’s immense value for environmental and social value creation.

“They understand and exchange best practices to generate the kind of transformational experiences that only great and responsible travel provides.”

Successful applications will receive support in the development of their digital strategies, the social and environmental impact of their value proposition and the sustainability of their business. There are opportunities to take part in an innovation community, co-create, share knowledge and experiences, access training as well as collaborate with other participants.

As travellers care about travelling sustainably, it is important that the industry looks within itself to be more climate-friendly.