Amadeus Expands Travel4Impact Globally; Applications Open Until 30 April

Dark/Light Mode (28/03/24)  Travel4Impact, an innovation program and network managed by Amadeus and IE University to support small sustainable enterprises in the travel and tourism sector, has opened applications worldwide for the first time.

Around 40 small and medium-sized (SME) companies will be selected from all regions of the world, including now the Americas, to join the fourth launchpad phase set to start in September 2024.

Designed together with IE University, the program has already supported more than 60 SME to amplify their positive impact and accelerate their digitalization since it was first launched in 2021.

The first and second edition program satisfaction survey has shown that Travel4Impact helped 72% of participants improve their expectations about the future of their business.

Travel4Impact by Amadeus and IE University

During the launchpad phase, Travel4Impact provides leaders (C-level executives and founders) from small companies with a fully funded online 6-month training and tutoring program taught by IE University professors.

As part of the program, SME take part in work sessions to further develop their digital strategies and incorporate new sustainable practices into their business model.

After the launchpad, participants are invited to join the network comprising members from previous editions who foster collaboration, mutual support, and exchange of best practices.

“Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of our industry as they account for over 80% of all global businesses in travel and tourism. At Amadeus, we recognize our unique position at the heart of the travel ecosystem, and we want to work together to make a positive social impact,” said Esther Villena, Global Head of Social Impact, Amadeus. “To foster the inclusion of players of all sizes in this ecosystem, we are working with IE University on Travel4Impact to empower small businesses, and especially those who have sustainability at the heart of their business strategy, to collaboratively build a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible travel and tourism sector that capitalizes on digitalization.”

The program reevaluates its content and offerings every year. A new format will be piloted this year called the Co-Lab Sprints to collaboratively produce publications on a range of sustainable travel topics.

The program will also initiate a new consulting initiative to help Travel4Impact participants solve some of their main business challenges with the support of an Amadeus expert.

“Travel4Impact gathers businesses who believe in the profound impact that travel can have on society and the environment,” said Concepción Galdón, Director of IE Center for Social Innovation & Sustainability, IE University. “Each session of the training programme serves as a dynamic forum for joint learning and sharing, and the collective evolution of the group accelerates the transformation of a shared passion into impactful business realities.”

Travel4Impact will be accepting applications until 30 April 2024. The program welcomes leaders from small and medium-sized travel agencies, tour operators, and accommodation services to destination experiences who want to make the world a better place while traveling and enhancing the positive impact of travel and tourism.

Successful applicants will be notified by IE University between June and July 2024.

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