In the ever-evolving world of corporate travel, there’s a buzzword that’s been making the rounds lately: sustainability. It seems like every other company is proudly waving their green flag, with a whopping 71% of businesses boasting sustainability policies as reported by ESG News. And it’s not just the companies; travellers themselves are hopping on the bandwagon, with 74% saying it’s high time their travels tread lightly on the planet.
But here’s the thing: while everyone’s talking the green talk, walking the green walk is a whole other story. It’s like we’re all geared up for a marathon but stuck at the starting line, trying to figure out how to run without tripping over our shoelaces.
The heart of the matter? Balancing our green goals with the hard realities of keeping the business wheels turning smoothly and efficiently, especially here in the APAC region where the sustainability script is still being written.
In this article, we'll take a look at:
It turns out, there’s a bit of a plot twist. Despite all the chatter about sustainability, it barely makes the top three priorities for most businesses, as we see from insights we’ve gathered throughout the course of 2023.
We’re caught in this limbo where everyone nods to sustainability, but when it’s time to put money where the mouth is, things get a tad hazy. We’ve got to move past the feel-good posts on Earth Day and start setting real, tangible goals for green travel. Yes, it might mean starting small, but hey, every journey begins with a single step, right?
The journey from acknowledging the need for sustainable travel to actualizing it involves more than just setting policies; it requires a paradigm shift in how companies view their travel impact.
Innovative solutions are at the forefront of this transition. Measures such as utilizing public transportation, combining trips to reduce travel frequency, and prioritizing alternatives to air travel are gaining traction. These strategies not only contribute to reducing environmental impact but also align with long-term growth and cost-efficiency goals.
The APAC region presents a unique case in the sustainability narrative. Notably, sustainability seems less ingrained in the business travel ethos in APAC, particularly in Southeast Asia.
This observation is partly attributed to the region’s lower average carbon footprint compared to Western counterparts and a less pronounced linkage between environmental and economic outcomes. However, this scenario is rapidly changing, as exemplified by Singapore’s evolving approach to sustainability.
Once deprioritized, sustainability is recognized for its economic advantages, signalling a broader regional shift towards embracing sustainable practices as both an environmental necessity and a competitive edge.
Governments and technology play pivotal roles in steering the corporate travel market towards sustainability. Singapore’s government, for instance, has emerged as a frontrunner in linking sustainability with economic benefits, setting a precedent for other APAC nations.
On the technological front, innovations in travel booking tools, such as TruTrip, are set to revolutionize how travellers engage with sustainability. By offering features that highlight CO2 impacts and facilitate carbon offsetting, these tools are making sustainable travel choices more accessible and actionable for business travellers.
The path to integrating sustainability into the APAC business travel market is fraught with challenges but also ripe with opportunities. As awareness grows and priorities shift, businesses, governments, and technology providers must collaborate to forge a sustainable future for corporate travel.
By embracing innovative solutions and making a genuine commitment to sustainable practices, the corporate travel sector can contribute significantly to the global effort against climate change, ensuring a greener, more responsible business travel landscape for generations to come.
Discover how you can integrate eco-friendly practices into your corporate travel policies, paving the way for a greener future without compromising on efficiency or goals. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your existing initiatives, this is your chance to learn, engage, and take meaningful steps towards sustainability in the APAC business travel market. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a real impact. Connect with us now and embark on your sustainable travel transformation with TruTrip.
TruTrip streamlines booking, management, and reporting for hassle-free business trips.