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Learn how to build more sustainable practices into your travel policy, and which practices make the biggest impact.
Corporate travel is evolving, with business travelers eager to reduce their environmental impact. However, many companies have yet to adopt sustainable travel policies, creating a gap and an opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to lead the way. In this blog, we explore recent survey findings and highlight how companies can embrace responsible travel, creating lasting benefits for both the planet and their operations.
Corporate travel is evolving fast. According to a recent AirPlus survey of 529 European business travelers, 63% expressed a desire to reduce the environmental impact of their trips. However, despite this growing shift toward more responsible practices, only 41% of respondents reported that their companies have established guidelines for more climate-conscious travel behavior.
The contrast is striking. While employees demonstrate support for change, corporate policies often lag behind the urgency for climate action. For forward-thinking businesses, this disconnect presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Platforms like Goodwings make it simpler for organizations to not only close this gap but also position themselves as leaders in a movement that is reshaping how we think about business travel.
The Case for Climate Focus in Corporate Travel1. Employee Expectations and SupportThe AirPlus survey is clear—employees want to travel in ways that align with sustainability goals. A staggering 57% of business travelers stated that sustainability guidelines encourage them to make more environmentally conscious choices, such as opting for lower-emission modes of transport or bundling multiple meetings into one trip.
2. Changing Patterns in Business TravelCorporate sustainability is no longer just a passive commitment; it has become an integral part of business operations. The AirPlus survey revealed that 40% of participating companies have introduced strict policies to completely eliminate domestic flights. Additionally, the percentage of domestic flights in the global AirPlus travel index has decreased from 20% in 2019 to just 13% today.
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The solution is finding a TMS that helps you travel more responsibly
Sustainability isn’t just a checkbox item—it should be ingrained in corporate strategies. Goodwings simplifies the process. Our climate-focused business travel platform integrates responsible travel planning into every trip, helping organizations reduce their emissions while creating more meaningful employee experiences.
Here’s how we do it: Effortless implementation of policies in booking flow, and expansive custom policy features like allowed engines on car bookings, allowed classes for different hauls, and much more |
How to create a more Sustainable Travel Policy
Whether you’re a Corporate Travel Manager, Sustainability Officer, or a frequent Business Traveller, there are actionable steps to integrate meaningful sustainability efforts into your corporate travel today.
Step 1. Establish clear policies
Draft guidelines that outline sustainable travel expectations. These may include preferring high-speed rail over short flights, combining trips to minimize travel frequency, or staying in certified green accommodations.
Step 2. Educate employees and stakeholders
Ensure employees understand the "why" behind new travel policies. Share the environmental and business benefits, such as emission reductions and decreased operational costs resulting from more consolidated trips.
Step 3. Leverage travel-management technology
Gone are the days of spreadsheets and unlinked itineraries. Platforms like Goodwings integrate employee workflows, travel data, and emissions monitoring seamlessly, giving companies clear insight into the multiple benefits of responsible travel - without added complexity.
Step 4. Measure and communicate the impact
Quantify progress through regular emissions tracking and reduction updates. When employees see results—whether through saved emissions or successful behavior shifts—it fosters long-term alignment across departments.
Setting the Standard in Corporate Travel
The data shared in the AirPlus study is a reflection of the strong appetite for action within organizations ready to adapt to the demands of modern travel. Yet it also highlights gaps where businesses are not yet equipped to meet their employees’ expectations. At Goodwings, we bridge these worlds. We empower companies to rethink their travel operations—from flights to hotels to end-of-year reporting—all whilst keeping sustainability at the core.
Curious to find out how Goodwings can help your business meet its sustainability goals? Talk to us today and witness the difference Goodwings brings to corporate travel.