TRAVEL FOUNDATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2011-2012 - The Travel ...

TRAVEL FOUNDATIONANNUAL REVIEW 2011-2012Working with the UK travel industryto make tourism more sustainable

About the Travel Foundation 4Welcome from our Chief Executive 5Report from the Chair of Trustees 6Our programmesPeople and livelihoods 8-13Environment 14-19Industry practice 20-25Treasurer’s report 26-27Staff and trustees 28Thank you to our supporters 30-31Cover image: Bluefields Bay marineprotected area, Jamaica.

Founded in 2003, the Travel Foundation worksclosely with the UK travel industry to make tourismmore sustainable.We do this in two main ways:– Running destination projects to testout best practice on the groundand using the results to developresources for the tourism industry;– Raising awareness about whatcompanies can do, helping themto implement change and providinga wide range of free resources tofacilitate this.Our overseas projects aim toimprove the impact of mainstreamtourism by:– Creating economic opportunitiesfor local communities;– Protecting the environment;– Promoting local culture.2,000+THE NUMBER OF LOCAL PEOPLEWHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN SKILLSTO BOOST TOURISM AND IMPROVECUSTOMER EXPERIENCE.BY MAY 2012 AN ESTIMATED 41,000TOURISTS HAVE TAKEN ONE OF OUR‘SUSTAINABLE EXCURSIONS’.4

WELCOME FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVESUE HURDLECHIEF EXECUTIVEDespite being one of the toughestyears for the industry in recent memory,2011 saw the Travel Foundation receiveits highest ever level of donations – atestament to the hard work and visionof our team and supporters (pages 28-31). Our sincere thanks go to them all.The Travel Foundation was createdto help support change in tourism,through testing out approaches toimproving sustainability in destination,and sharing what we learn so the restof the industry may benefit.Over the past twelve months, we haveput renewed focus onto communicatingthese lessons to the trade through: thepromotion of practical industry tools;a PR and marketing campaign; eventsand direct engagement with industrystaff through project activities; training;and volunteer programmes.It has been encouraging to see thatas those working in tourism learn howsustainable principles can be appliedto their daily work, they are becomingmore actively involved in developingand championing their own initiatives.As an example, an overseas managerin Mexico who witnessed how localprocurement and excursions could beappealing to customers, encouragedher staff to promote more local projectsand excursion offerings. The work wasrewarded with some of the company’shighest ever ‘environmental awareness’scores in customer surveys.This ‘multiplier effect’ is at the veryessence of what the Travel Foundationaims to achieve. As we approach our10th anniversary in 2013, we hope toreach out to even more managers,staff and customers, educating andinspiring them with the message thata sustainable approach is not onlybest, but is also highly achievable.We hope you enjoy reading this annualreview – a snapshot of our work overthe past year. Whether you havebeen involved in contributing to thesesuccesses or not, we would like to takethis opportunity to thank you for yourinterest in sustainable tourism, andencourage you to share what you learnto spread this message even further.5

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEESNOEL JOSEPHIDESTRAVEL FOUNDATION CHAIRMANThere’s no doubt about it – the industryis facing unprecedented challenges.Popular destinations, such as those inNorth Africa have, for times, become‘no go’ areas, Brits have cut holidayspending in the face of recession andthe rise in air passenger duty hasincreased the cost of a family break.However, where there is threat thereis opportunity, and this unique set ofcircumstances means the case forsustainability has never been stronger.Last year, the Travel Foundationidentified six areas where companiesstand to benefit from looking at andaddressing their practices – thebusiness case for sustainability.What we recognise, from the TravelFoundation’s own projects, frompartners and in lessons from otherindustries, is that those who makeinvestments in these areas not onlystand to save money in the long term,but can improve efficiency, reduce risk,attract and retain better staff, improvethe customer’s experience and buildstronger brand equity.To help businesses address theseissues strategically and support thoseresponsible for sustainability in sellingthe benefits up and down the chain,the Travel Foundation has worked withForum for the Future to develop a whitepaper, entitled Survival of the Fittest.Over the next 12 months and beyond,we hope this white paper, togetherwith the tools and expertise built upby the Travel Foundation over the pastnine years, will support even more ofthe travel industry in its next phase ofevolution, and ensure holidays of thefuture are ones where people andplaces are put first.I would like to take this opportunity tothank outgoing trustees and welcomenew ones, and to thank all of oursupporters for your ongoing supportof the Travel Foundation and its work.We are on the cusp of exciting, ifchallenging, times and I believe theTravel Foundation is ideally placedto provide much-needed guidance.I wish you all the best for theyear ahead.6

Sustainable excursions, like the Rootstour in the Gambia, help local peopleto earn a decent living from tourism.7

PEOPLE ANDLIVELIHOODSTourism has the power to improve lives, through the creationof employment and income opportunities for local people indestinations, and through improvements in infrastructure.It can also help to protect local culture and the environment,but only if managed sustainably.Many of the Travel Foundation’s projects seek to understandhow tourism can bring the greatest possible benefit to localcommunities in popular tourism destinations. The projects’results are used to help inform the development of toolsand resources made available to the whole UK outboundtourism industry.8

More than 2,000 local people have been trained in a rangeof tourism-related skills – from craft-making to boost souvenirsales to visitors, to community guiding practices and professionalsales practices to reduce tourist ‘hassle’ on beaches.The results of these projects are being shared with the industry,with the aim of encouraging companies to consider opportunitiesto improve their contribution to the local economy in otherpopular destinations.9

A FOCUS ON SUPPLY CHAINSPEOPLE AND LIVELIHOODSThe hotel supply chain is an area that can have a hugeimpact on the sustainability of a holiday. Local producersfrom around the Fethiye region in Turkey are beingsupported in selling their goods to local hotels throughan education, training and agricultural programme.It is funded by the Travel Foundation and supported bytour operators Thomas Cook and TUI UK & Ireland,and by travel agent Co-operative Travel.The Taste of Fethiye project seeks todevelop links between farmers andexisting hotel supply chains. The Tasteof Fethiye brands allows all fruits andvegetables grown within the scheme tobe easily identified as locally-producedand grown to highly-monitoredstandards.During 2012, the Taste of Fethiye projectexpects to supply 150 tonnes of freshfruit and vegetables to five hotels, witha view towards diversifying produceand increasing the number of hotelssupplied to in the future. Customerevents will also be held, allowing hotelguests to get a true taste of Turkey andhelping the hotel differentiate itself fromcompetitors. The results of this projectwill be shared with tour operators,hotels and NGOs to encourage themto investigate and implement similarschemes with their local suppliers.THE TASTE OF FETHIYE PROJECTIN 2012 AIMS TO SUPPLY 150TONNES OF FRESH FRUIT ANDVEGETABLES TO FIVE HOTELS.10

In Turkey, we’re working with the hotel supplychain and farming communities to developlocal-sourcing opportunities in Fethiye.11

THE HIGHLIGHTSPEOPLE AND LIVELIHOODSChanging policyUnregulated whale shark tours inMexico led to poor customer experienceand concern for the welfare of thisendangered species. In 2008, inpartnership with local and specialistNGOs, we piloted a training projectwith local guides to address the issue.In 2011, as recognition of its value,the training course was adopted bylocal government as a mandatoryrequirement for all those wishing torenew tourist guide licences. This isexcellent evidence of how TravelFoundation projects have the potentialto bring about all-important long-termchange in tourism policy.Something fishyIn Jamaica, the degradation of coralreefs, low fish stocks and high levelsof rural unemployment are beingaddressed through a project supportedby Virgin Holidays which has involvedteaming up with Caribsave andlocal organisations to work with TheBluefields Bay Fishermen’s Society inprotecting and raising awareness ofthe largest marine protected areain Jamaica.Marker buoys have been installed todemarcate the protected area, whilelocal fishermen pursue alternativelivelihoods as wardens to enforce ano-fishing zone. An educational filmhelps local Jamaicans understand theimportance of marine protected areasto the long-term viability of fishing inJamaica, encouraging them to lendtheir support to the initiative. Mostimportantly, a project model has beendeveloped and used to secure funds fora larger scale DFID project to be rolledout across the Caribbean, with a viewto developing a model for self-fundingin the long term.THE FOUR-PART WHALE SHARKGUIDE TRAINING PROGRAMME,PILOTED IN MEXICO, IS AVAILABLEONLINE IN BOTH ENGLISHAND SPANISH.12

In Jamaica, we’re supportingthe local community tomanage a marine sanctuarymore sustainably.13

ENVIRONMENTThe Travel Foundation supports tourism businesses to reducetheir impact on the environments they so depend on, as well asreducing operational costs through resource efficiency.To date 695 hotels across 19 countries have been engaged in pilotprojects to reduce the consumption of energy and water and thegeneration of solid waste. The training of staff and installation ofpermanent technologies to reduce consumption were an integralpart of these projects.14

Assuming hotels have continued to implement measures insubsequent years, these projects have delivered savings of almost£3 million for participating businesses, as well as saving anestimated 903,000m 3 in water, equivalent to more than 3 billioncups of tea, and approximately 14,000MWh of energy – enoughto power over 4,000 UK homes for a year.15

GREENING HOTELSENVIRONMENTSwitch Off Save Big, a project across the Caribbean tohelp hotels reduce their water and energy consumption,expanded in 2011 to include waste minimisation andmanagement through the assistance of partial grantfunding by the EU’s CDE fund. So far, over 100 hotels haveengaged with the project and more than 1,100 hotelemployees have been trained in sustainability practices.To date, the project has achievedan average 10% reduction in waterconsumption per guest night and a4% reduction in energy use. Estimatedcumulative savings since inception arealmost US$1m.Many of the methods and approachesadvocated by the project involve no orvery low levels of investment which,in many cases, ensures immediatepayback in financial terms. Lessonslearned have been incorporated intothe Travel Foundation’s guidance forhotels and are shared regularly withhoteliers and tour operators throughevents and communications activities.The Greening Sri Lanka Hotels projectaims to engage hoteliers in this fastgrowingdestination with water, energyand waste reduction measures. Almost300 hotels have attended workshopsand just over 200 signed-up forsupport, with detailed audits alreadyconducted at more than 100 hotels.THE ESTIMATED SAVING IN WATERTHE PROJECTS HAVE DELIVERED,EQUIVALENT TO 3 BILLIONS CUPSOF TEA.16

We’re working with hotels to reducethe amount of water and energy theyuse, and the waste they produce.17

THE HIGHLIGHTSENVIRONMENTA lot of bottleA plastic-reduction project supportedby Thomas Cook and involving 26hotels in Cyprus has eliminated almost800,000 plastic bottles and over450,000 plastic bags from the wastestream, ultimately reducing tourismgeneratedwaste to landfill onthe island.A customer survey of 641 hotel guestsconducted during the project found98% of holidaymakers thought theproject was a good idea and 93%wanted to see it rolled out in otherdestinations.In addition, 56% said the project madethem feel more positive about theirtour operator.Take me to the riverThe Travel Foundation has beenworking to address the environmentalimpact of the river cruise sector, througha project with The Travel CorporationConservation Foundation and Uniworld.Following an environmental audit withfloating hotels on the Nile in 2010,the project moved into Europe in 2011.Five of Uniworld’s ships on the Danube,Rhine and Seine rivers have beenaudited against water and energyusage and against waste productioncriteria.Recommendations have since beendeveloped to help achieve measurablereductions. The project will supportthe development of a SustainableRiver Cruising Pack that will be madeavailable in the future, alongside therest of the Travel Foundation’s rangeof free sustainability resources.THE PERCENTAGE OF HOLIDAY-MAKERS WHO BELIEVE OURPLASTIC-REDUCTION PROJECTSTO BE A GOOD IDEA.ALMOST 800,000 PLASTIC BOTTLESAND 450,000 PLASTIC BAGS HAVEBEEN ELIMINATED FROM THE WASTESTREAM IN CYPRUS.Survey of over 600 hotel guests18

A re-designed website has also made the existing range of TravelFoundation tools, case studies and training far more accessible,through an improved user experience. Since the websitere-launch, unique visitors to the online tools area has increasedby 400% year-on-year.Three new tools are currently in development:Greener retail – containing advice on topics from selling sustainableproducts to energy-efficiency in the workplace;Greener excursions – supporting tour operators and ground agentsto audit existing excursions and develop new sustainable ones;Greener snowsports – helping tour operators, accommodationproviders and associated services in the wintersports industry tobenefit from greener practices.21

GETTING FACE-TO-FACEINDUSTRY PRACTICEThe Travel Foundation team has continued to provideface-to-face training to the industry – from overseasstaff to retail staff. More than 15,000 industry employeeshave now taken the Make Travel Greener quiz, andthree major companies have now integrated the quizinto their Learning Management Systems (LMS).Our volunteer programme, knownas Project Discovery within TUI UK& Ireland, has sent 55 volunteers to13 visitor destinations to support 23separate projects since 2006.In Morocco, volunteers developed twonew sustainable excursions, using theTravel Foundation’s Greener Excursionstool, proving that local communities andbusinesses can benefit, that customerdemand for sustainable excursionsexists and that sustainable excursionsdo not have to cost more.Most importantly, the project volunteershave taken this experience back intotheir everyday jobs and are looking athow they can incorporate and integratethese lessons into their day-to-dayactivities. Evidence again of how TravelFoundation projects can be utilisedto support industry change in thelong term.We’re also working with ABTA todevelop case studies of businesseswhich have benefited from using ourGreener Tour Operators tool.OVER 15,000 TOURISM EMPLOYEESHAVE COMPLETED OUR ONLINEMAKE TRAVEL GREENER QUIZ.22

Our industry programmes team deliversface-to-face training and develops toolsto support industry change.23

THE HIGHLIGHTSINDUSTRY PRACTICETeaming upThe Travel Foundation is now in thethird year of a five-year destinationpartnership with the Cyprus TourismOrganisation (CTO) and the CyprusSustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI).The partnership is exploring howminimum sustainability standards canbe incorporated into everyday tourismpractice for Cypriot hotels in thelong term.A pilot initiative also collaborates withlocal communities and businesses inthe ‘greening’ of the island’s beaches.A communications campaign isunderway in Cyprus to engagehotels with the business benefits ofsustainability and to highlight the rangeof tools and support available from theTravel Foundation – the first overseasproject of its kind for the organisation.Raising awarenessThe Travel Foundation’s nationalconsumer awareness campaign, MakeHolidays Greener Week, returned for itssecond outing, bringing together travelcompanies in a call for holidaymakersto ‘make a difference’ while on holiday.This year, it takes the form of a monthlongcampaign, in which the wholetravel industry is invited to get involved.Watch out for Make Holidays GreenerMonth throughout July 2012.A new website has been launched tosupport the campaign, hosting a rangeof information and materials, includingeye-catching posters and destinationguides to help holidaymakers makethe most of their travels.24

Communicating expertiseTwo new films were made aboutprojects: one on Jamaica’s marineprotectedarea and one on the GambiaRoots excursion and GuaranteedGambia project. Both are availableon our YouTube channel.www.youtube.com/TravelFoundation1The Travel Foundation jointly hosteda roundtable debate with TravelTrade Gazette during the ABTA TravelConvention 2011. The lively debatebrought together leading industryfigures to discuss the business case forsustainability, which remains the keytheme for the Travel Foundation’s 2012communications campaign.2011 saw the Travel Foundation exhibitat World Travel Market for the first timein its nine-year history. A sculpturemade out of plastic bottles, to highlightthe success of the Thomas Cooksupportedplastic-reduction project inCyprus, created a real talking pointaround the exhibit and secured bothpress and trade interest in the TravelFoundation’s activities.JULY2012MAKE HOLIDAYS GREENER MONTH(JULY 2012) IS AN INDUSTRY-WIDECAMPAIGN THAT DEMONSTRATESTHE DIFFERENCE WE CAN MAKE.25

TREASURER’S REPORTThe Travel Foundation had anothersuccessful year in 2011, with incomeincreasing once again – a significantachievement in a tough economicclimate. The charity continues tomake significant strides in pursuitof our charitable objectives.The development of a newprogrammes strategy in 2011 will helpto underpin future growth. A significantsurplus has been maintained, and thiscontributes to a strong balance sheetthat will set the Foundation in goodstead for the years ahead.IncomeI am pleased to report 2011 saw theFoundation achieve its highest incometo date, passing £1.5m for the firsttime. A total of £1.536m was reached;an increase of 9% on 2010 figures.Of particular note was strong growthin both customer donations andin-kind support.ExpenditureTotal expenditure for the year was£1.307m, down 2% on 2010, as aresult of prudent spending measuresimplemented by the Board in 2011.The Foundation continues its efficiencydrive and careful use of resources andwe have seen charitable administrativecosts falling from 10.7% of income in2010 to 10% in 2011, while governancecosts have fallen from 0.4% to 0.3%.Fundraising costs were also reducedfrom 4.6% of expenditure in 2010 to4.5% in 2011.OutlookThe Foundation is forecasting a smalldecrease in income for 2012 as a resultof the merger of two significant fundingpartners and the effect of the economicdownturn on donations, but plans todraw on its healthy reserves to increaseits expenditure, and to develop itsportfolio of programmes through travelindustry and international partnerships.Plans are also in place to diversifyfunding streams with a wider appealacross different industry sectors,partnerships with internationalorganisations and applications togrant-making bodies. Careful financialmanagement will be maintained, toensure that the Foundation hassufficient funds in hand to comply withits reserves and cashflow policy,ensuring distribution of funds isunderpinned by a strong financialbase.Ian AillesTreasurer26

EXTRACT FROM THE AUDITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIESYEARS TO 31 DECEMBER (£000) 2010 2011TOTAL INCOME 1,416 1,536Charitable administration (support) costs 147 149Governance costs 5 5TOTAL ADMINISTRATION (SUPPORT) COSTS 152 154Fundraising costs 62 59Charitable activities (not included above) 1,119 1,094TOTAL EXPENDITURE 1,333 1,307Net movement of funds 82 229TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 671 900Governance costs as % of total income 0.4% 0.3%Administration (support) costs as % of total income 10.7% 10.0%BREAKDOWN OF EXPENDITUREINCOME AND CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE0.44.5£000 2010 2011Total income 1,416 1,536Total charitableexpenditure 1,266 1,24395.1CHARITABLE ACTIVITIESGOVERNANCE COSTSFUNDRAISING COSTS1,6001,4001,2001,00080060040020002010 201127

STAFF AND TRUSTEESOUR BOARD OF TRUSTEESJAN 2011-MAY 2012Noel Josephides ChairmanIan Ailles TreasurerMike Greenacre Vice ChairmanSteve AllenRodney AndersonAndrew CooperChristian CullPeter DavisStephanie DraperGuyonne JamesFiona JefferyJonathan MitchellPeter ShanksMark TanzerJohn de VialJimmy Skinner FounderOUR UK TEAMSue Hurdle Chief ExecutiveProgrammesSalli Felton Head of ProgrammesRachel James Programmes OfficerJulie Middleton Programmes ManagerWendy Moore Programmes ManagerJenny Morgan Programmes OfficerSuzannah NewhamProgrammes OfficerBeth Wilson Programmes OfficerStuart Woodham Environment ManagerAdministration and fundraisingDavid Cowell Head of CorporatePartnershipsTess Forgan Business ManagerFaith Hammond Admin OfficerDavid Weston Company SecretaryCommunicationsJane Coles Communications ManagerLouise Ganfield Communications OfficerGina Davies / Graeme JacksonPR Manager28

Many of our projectshelp to keep traditionsalive, like the DickwellaLace Centre in Sri Lanka.29

THANK YOUTHANK YOU TO OUR DONORS AND FUNDRAISING PARTNERSABTAAfrica & BeyondAL ChallisArchers ToursAvis Europe PlcBridge & WickersCarnival UKCo-operative TravelCosmos HolidaysCosmos ToursDEFRAEcotourism IrelandEU (Ceylon Chamberof Commerce)Explore!Freedom TravelFuture TravelGullivers TravelAssociationHall Of Fame Dinner(Kingley Events)Hayes & Jarvis (TUI Travel)HF HolidaysHidden GreeceHoliday ExtrasHoliday TaxisInstitute of Travel &TourismJourney Latin AmericaKerala ToursMalta Tourism AuthorityMidcounties Co-operativeMidlands Co-op TravelMinistry for GozoMorocco NationalTourist OfficeOxfam GBSee The WorldSunvil HolidaysThe Travel CorporationConservation FoundationThomas Cook GroupTitan ToursTourism AuthorityThailandTUI UK & IrelandVirgin AtlanticVirgin HolidaysVirgin Money Giving30

THANK YOU TO THOSE ORGANISATIONS WHICH PROVIDED ‘IN- KIND’ SUPPORT15 Hatfields3 Media CreativeABTAASB LawAtlantica Hotels & ResortsBedruthan Steps Hotel,CornwallBristol Evening PostColumbus Aparthotel,TenerifeCyprotel Cypria Bay,CyprusCyprus TourismOrganisationExecutive TransferForum for the FutureFour BGBGreen Travel GuidesHoliday Village, RhodesHilton Hotel, CyprusHugh ShimK&L GatesMelrose Road,South AfricaMitsis Rodos MarisResort & Spa, RhodesNissi Beach Hotel, CyprusOnisillios Hotel, CyprusOverseas DevelopmentInstitutePlexus Law (part ofParabis Law LLP)Posedonia Hotel, CyprusReed Travel ExhibitionsResponsible PartnershipExhibitionRoyiatiko Hotel, CyprusSandals Inn, JamaicaSandele Hotel,the GambiaSunset Beach Hotel,the GambiaSunwing Resort & Spa,RhodesTangalle Bay Hotel,Sri LankaTenerife Tourist BoardThree Trees Hotel,South AfricaThomas Cook GroupTotem TourismTravel UniTravel Trade Gazette (TTG)TUI UK & IrelandUnited Business MediaUniworldVirgin HolidaysWinchester Mansions,South Africa31

Visit www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk to find out how to:– Access our free-to-use green business tools– Join our Forum – a gateway to sustainable tourism information– Support the work of the Travel Foundation– Get involved in our destination projects– Take part in our Make Holidays Greener consumer campaignThe Travel FoundationCREATE Centre Smeaton RoadBRISTOL BS1 6XNRegistered Charity No 1065924. Registered in England No 3425954Printed on Greencoat 100 Offset which is made from 100% recovered fibre, certified in accordance with theFSC (Forest Stewardship Council). It is manufactured to the ISO 14001 international standard, minimisingnegative impacts on the environment.32