Inghams and Explore parent Hotelplan has appointed its first group-wide Head of Sustainability.
The group also includes family ski specialist Esprit Ski, Flexiski, adventure travel specialist Explore, walking and cycling brand Inntravel, as well as Santa’s Lapland.
Prue Stone, who was previously Head of Sustainability for Explore, will define and implement a Hotelplan UK-wide sustainability strategy in her new role.
The group said it had already taken steps to improve sustainability at Explore and Inntravel, but it added ‘this is a significant first for summer interest, ski and Lapland specialist, Inghams, Esprit Ski and Flexiski, and family holiday provider, Santa’s Lapland’.
Ms Stone said: “2021 draws a line in the sand. It is the year our industry has begun slowly opening its doors once more and now there is an opportunity to rebuild responsibly.
“We all have a carbon footprint that must be acknowledged and addressed. The Hotelplan UK brands are at different points in this journey, with varied product offerings and customer base.
“We will be implementing place-based sustainability strategies to ensure that our plans are relevant and responsive to each brand; to the product, the staff, partners, customers and the local community.
“Only when communities are involved in the process of creating solutions will it be possible to develop sustainable, scalable and profitable approaches for the long-term. This will require company-wide collaboration and we will be looking to lead industry wide change.”
Hotelplan UK CEO Joe Ponte said: “The past year has not been easy for the travel industry, but this does not take away from our shared responsibility to ensure that we make clear plans to move towards a more sustainable future.
“Across our travel brands we all agree we need to do more, but progress is notably lower throughout the ski sector, so we’re making important plans for our ski tour operators to lead change.
“With many of our holidays focusing on spending time outdoors, and enjoying and exploring nature, appointing our new Head of Sustainability is only the first step in protecting the exceptional environments which really make our destinations.
“We all have a responsibility to rebuild our industry with a more sustainable ethos. At Hotelplan UK we will be integrating sustainability into all areas of our business thinking, allowing us to effectively invest in long-term solutions.”
