Poor labour conditions ‘hit eco push’ Ian Taylor


Poor labour conditions are impeding sustainability efforts in in travel and tourism, damaging recruitment and heightening risks for businesses. That is according to a report isued


this week on social sustainability, labour and human rights in the industry, entitled ‘Why the S in ESG Matters’. Lead author Dr Anke


Winchenbach of the University of Surrey explained: “Tourism is a global driver for employment, but poor labour conditions are impeding the workforce and travel and tourism’s social sustainability.” Speaking at the report’s launch,


Winchenbach noted: “A chronic labour shortage is currently one of


the industry’s main concerns. We need to change something to tackle that, [and] environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulations make it even more important.” She highlighted “a big gap


between good intentions and what the industry is doing” and said: “Our research confirms there is a lack of data [and] limited reporting on social sustainability.” The report, based on interviews


with industry representatives, trade unions, investors and consultants, includes assessments of social sustainability frameworks, case studies and recommended actions. Winchenbach said: “We outline a


range of social risks on employment conditions. The lack of accountability up and down the supply chain is


EasyJet holidays plans to run second race-style fam trip


Juliet Dennis


EasyJet holidays is planning another ‘Unpacked Fam’ after the recent success of its first ‘race across the Balearics’ themed trip. The unusual educational tasked


30 agents, separated into five groups, with finding their own way to hotels and excursions in Majorca and Ibiza using clues in a specially designed app. Agents had limited knowledge of


exactly where they were going, similar to the TV show Race Across The World. Head of trade distribution


Natasha Marson said: “We wanted to break the mould of a traditional fam


6 26 SEPTEMBER 2024


trip, to create interest and intrigue. “We didn’t reveal everything in


one go, so the excitement would build during the trip. We wanted to ensure all agents had a memorable experience that would come to life when selling the destination to their customers.” Plans for another fam come as


the operator celebrates four years of selling through the trade. Agents were entered into a draw


to attend after booking holidays during the operator’s 2024 peaks sales campaign. They were flown from Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and Gatwick to Majorca for the five-night trip accompanied


by 12 easyJet holidays trade, social media and partnerships staff. The twin-centre trip featured


surprise elements such as full group excursions to the Pirates Reloaded show in Magaluf, a cocktail party, a sunset cruise and a night at Ushuaia Ibiza with DJ David Guetta. In total, agents stayed at more than


25 hotels and visited more than 60 properties, with each group staying and visiting 12 to 14 hotels, from five- star luxury to independent ‘design’ properties and family favourites. The groups competed against


each other and were awarded points in a ‘race’ on public transport,


The lack of


accountability up and down the supply chain is a big issue


a big issue. Equality, diversity and inclusion is a big topic, and there is a fragile environment for migrant workers, youth and women workers.” She noted: “There is a lack


of harmonisation between ESG frameworks. People feel they don’t have the training and knowledge to implement social sustainability. There are limited studies of good examples, and a lack of rigour in auditing.” Winchenbach said: “We make a


strong business case because investors scrutinise organisations’ sustainability


credentials, and businesses need to attract talent. Increasingly customers are also more aware of issues, including in the supply chain, and there is legal compliance and risk.” But Winchenbach noted: “This


is work that no individual business can do alone. Only collective and collaborative action will get results.” The report was commissioned by


the International Transport Workers’ Federation, whose assistant general secretary Rob Johnston said: “We understand the industry needs to be profitable, but we also believe the industry can be in jeopardy


unless it tackles these issues.” O ‘Why the S in ESG Matters’ is available to download free from itfglobal.org/en/resources. i Business, page 55


Thirty agents took part in easyJet holidays’ first Unpacked Fam


including a ferry to Ibiza, on foot and by private transfers, to reach hotels and excursions, with a leaderboard in the app keeping score. A prizegiving ceremony took


place at the Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa where awards for engagement, creativity, kindness and support of the trip were handed out. The overall agent winner received a £1,000 easyJet holidays voucher. “We’ve already had bookings from


agents and we are already planning the next Unpacked Fam,” said Marson, adding: “Everyone said they had never experienced a fam trip like it. We want to do another with a similar theme.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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