Hotelplan UK – the parent company of Inghams, Explore Worldwide, Inntravel and Santa’s Lapland – has published its second annual Planet & People Report.
The report outlines the progress and successes from the group’s 2023/2024 financial year, while also addressing challenges faced in their efforts to promote sustainability.
The group report follows the publication of Explore Worldwide’s second Purpose Paper in December 2024. Additionally, Inghams and Santa’s Lapland are expected to release their own Impact Reports later this winter.
Joe Ponte, Group CEO of Hotelplan UK, commented:
“I’m really proud of how we’re transforming into a purpose-led business that prioritises planet and people alongside turning a profit. We’ve set a clear plan to enhance company culture, implement carbon reduction pathways, and deliver genuine value to the communities that support us – all whilst continuing to deliver products and experiences that exceed customer expectations. We’re far from perfect, but it’s exciting to see how our strategic initiatives are beginning to turn the dial in these areas.”
Key achievements between November 2023 and October 2024 include:
- B Corp certification for Explore Worldwide
- A 10% reduction in the carbon footprint of trips on a per person, per night basis since the baseline
- £1.2 million investment in carbon removal and biodiversity restoration
- Removal of over 20,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere through active projects
- £98,601 donated to charitable projects
- Launch of new recruitment websites with inclusivity in mind
- Extensive carbon and biodiversity training for their team via a new learning platform
Challenges:
The report highlights decarbonising international transportation as a key challenge. Prue Stone, Director of Sustainability, remarked:
“We’re starting to build a picture of the carbon emissions that were avoided through switching passengers from planes to trains last year, but flight-free travel is not practical for every destination or every passenger. Flight emissions account for more than three quarters of our total footprint and this will remain a prime focus for 2025.”
Despite a 10% reduction in the intensity of carbon emissions, the overall carbon footprint has increased over the past year, reflecting a complex challenge ahead for the group.
Focus on People:
The report also emphasizes Hotelplan UK’s efforts to expand its people and planet strategies, which now include support for community engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and inclusivity in hiring practices. Nicky Lyle, Director of HR, stated:
“We continue to respect and value the transparent connection between our people and planet initiatives. There’s still work to do, but by regularly seeking feedback from our team on how best to support them – professionally, personally, and financially – we stay accountable as an employer for upholding a supportive and collaborative environment that offers sustainable lifestyle choices and tools to thrive.”
