3 spheres of sustainable development
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations can generally be integrated across three “buckets” - the economy, society, and the biosphere. Let’s take a look at what that means, and how business travel can have a positive impact on each realm.SDG 8: Decent work & economic growth
The travel industry that encompasses business travel and tourism promotes job creation. Research indicates that 1 in every 10 jobs before the coronavirus pandemic was based on travel. Business travel accounts for 20% of the global travel sector (WTTC).SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
Travel and tourism have long been at the forefront of innovation and digitization (World Tourism Organization), since the boom of dotcoms and OTAs in the 90s. In fact, 80% of the sector is actually comprised of SMEs (WTTC) and the sector will continue to support entrepreneurship.SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
Business travel from wealthier countries to emerging markets encourages sustainable economic growth. The benefits of these exchanges are most visible when business travelers from countries with industry expertise travel to other countries and share that knowledge (Mastercard). This applies to companies operating within both the public and private sectors.SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
Business travelers are growing more environmentally conscious. Small adjustments in travel routines can go a long way towards the efficient use of water and pollution control. The sustainable use of water like limiting how often we change hotel amenities, such as towels and bedsheets, can have a great impact. Companies should implement policies to do with green travel straight into their business travel management processes.SDG 7: Affordable & clean energy
Travel is an energy-heavy sector. As such, it can play an important role in the shift towards the prevalence of responsible consumption and production, and renewable and clean energies. Travel management companies, hotels, and airlines are working towards a more sustainable consumption of energy.SDG 3: Good health & wellbeing
Foreign earnings and income from business travel contribute to healthcare investments on a national level. Companies also have a duty of care to ensure the health and well-being of their employees, through financial support, health insurance options, mental wellness initiatives, and more.?w=48&){kind=small}
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