Hilton makes huge new commitment to sustainable travel

closeup of a young caucasian man with a world globe in his hands forming a heart against the blue sky, in front of the sea

By Alexandra Coulton

Hilton has promised to cut its environmental footprint in half and double its social impact investment by 2030.

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The company has also made a commitment to doubling the amount it spends with local and minority-owned suppliers and double its investment in programs to help women and youth around the world.

These new initiatives are a part of the hotel giant’s Travel with Purpose corporate responsibility strategy, in line with the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

According to a release from Hilton, these new goals align with their guest’s values.

A survey of 72,000 Hilton guests, social, environmental and ethical considerations are central to their buying preferences, particularly those younger than 25, with 33 per cent actively seeking out information of this type before booking.

Of those surveyed, female travellers (39 per cent) are more likely to seek information about ethical practices before booking than male travellers (29 per cent).

Guests staying in Central or South America (46 per cent), the Middle East and Africa (45 per cent), Asia Pacific (41 per cent) and mainland Europe (35 per cent) are also more likely to seek info on sustainable travel policy before booking.

Hilton’s new 2030 Goals include the following environmental and social targets:

Cut Environmental Impact in Half to Help Protect the Planet

Reduce carbon emissions intensity by 61 per cent, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Reduce water consumption and produced waste by 50 per cent
Remove plastic straws from managed properties
Sustainably source meat, poultry, produce, seafood and cotton
Expand existing soap recycling program to all hotels and send zero soap to landfill

Double Social Investment and Drive Positive Change in Communities

Double the amount spent with local, small and minority-owned suppliers
Double investment in opportunity programs for women and youth, including partnering with local organizations and schools
Contribute 10 million volunteer hours through Team Member initiatives
Double monetary support for natural disaster relief efforts
Advance Human Rights capabilities in Hilton’s value chain to eradicate forced labor and trafficking

Here’s a handy infographic that lays out the company’s new goals:

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