Thomas Cook's Sustainability Policy
More than 160 years ago, a former Baptist preacher and temperance supporter, Thomas Cook, created the first package holiday out of a sense of social responsibility. In keeping with the values of Victorian society, he believed that by offering alternative, more virtuous and educational leisure activities, the lives of working people would be greatly improved and that everyone could become better educated through travel. Today the Thomas Cook name remains one of the world's best known and respected brands in travel and we are proud that our business, as part of the global tourism industry, can be an economic driver for the destinations we visit – providing commercial benefit and financial impetus, as well as a positive cultural exchange.
We recognise the importance of tourism for economies and communities, whilst also being aware of the potential impact on the environments, communities and cultures of the places to which we operate. As a result, we seek to ensure that business operations are conducted in a responsible way. We define Corporate Responsibility as 'operating responsibly to minimise negative and enhance positive environmental, social and economic impact: ensuring the long term sustainability of our business and of the resources on which we depend.'
Thomas Cook's mission is to go further to make dreams come true
As part of this mission, the company is committed to working towards developing, operating and marketing our business in a sustainable manner. We will continue to lead in developing a sustainable approach to tourism development and endeavour to predict and prevent negative economic, environmental, social and cultural impacts. We will strive towards integrating responsible practices into business decision making and we believe that effective management of our social, environmental and economic responsibilities enhances the value of our business and reputation of our brand.
This policy was originally developed in 2004, was revised in 2007 and updated in 2010 to reflect our continued work to improve our development and management processes.
Regulatory compliance is treated as a minimum standard and the Board and Executive Management team seek to operate beyond this. We endeavour to comply with, and respect, local, national and international laws, regulations and rules applicable to our business and to recognise (and contribute to the development of good and best practice.
Our PLC Board Health, Safety and Environmental Committee, chaired by a non-executive director, oversees and monitors the activities of the operating companies within the Group, signalling the fundamental importance of sustainability.
Looking after the Environment
We recognise that it is important for the long term success of our operations to consider our environmental impact. It is essential that we do as much as we can, within our sphere of influence, to protect the resources the future of our business, and that of the local communities, depend upon.
We will continue to develop our waste management policy, incorporating the three principles of reducing, reusing and recycling and we will strive to improve our environmental performance by expanding the range of current environmental initiatives.
For example, by increasing:
- Fuel efficiency
- Recycling
- The purchase of locally sourced goods, where possible
And by reducing:
- Airline emissions
- Noise pollution Energy consumption
- Water consumption
- Solid waste production
- Paper consumption
- The impact of our supply chain
In addition, we recognise that we must work to preserve and protect the natural environment, its resources and its wildlife. We will encourage our customers to respect the environment and to avoid activities which exploit it.
Looking after Customers
Our three key priorities for our customers are enjoyment, safety and wellbeing.
We acknowledge our responsibilities in relation to each of these priorities, as well as our customers' duty to look after themselves, their families and their travelling companions. We will assist our customers in doing this through the provision of information, where this would raise awareness. For example, through promoting access to Foreign Office Travel Advice and health information. We seek continuous feedback from our customers on their overall enjoyment of the holiday experience and we use this information to gather opinions, measure performance and to improve future holidays. Our overseas representatives receive regular training to ensure our customers have an enjoyable holiday which matches their expectations.
If our customers, or employees, highlight any questions or concerns, we have the procedures in place to ensure these are resolved. The products and services that we offer must meet appropriate local health and safety criteria. We continue to promote good practice through the use of a specialised health and safety team who focus on minimising risk to customers, through the implementation of guidance to suppliers promoted by the Federation of Tour Operators. We recognise our responsibility to contract with reputable suppliers and to take steps to provide services which meet an appropriate level of safety, having regard to each destination’s local standards.
Looking after Employees
We recognise that our ability to deliver our business objectives is dependant on the effective leadership of our people in the workplace. We believe that people are the ultimate drivers of our business success and of our need to develop sustainably. We want our employees to be proud to work for The Thomas Cook Group and we promote fair and safe working conditions, equal opportunity and diversity throughout our businesses.
We place considerable value on the involvement of our employees and continue to keep them informed of matters affecting them and of the various factors affecting the performance of the group. We recognise the right of employees to be involved in trade unions.
Looking after Communities and Heritage
We believe ‘quality of life’ is a basic right of the people of the communities in the places where we operate. Where possible, we will work together with local communities to ensure they benefit as much as possible from the visits of our customers and we will promote fair working conditions throughout our supply chain.
We respect the natural and cultural heritage of all communities and understand that we must play our part in sustaining these. We aim to conserve cultural and national heritage, respecting the integrity of local cultures and avoiding negative impacts on social structures. We will encourage our customers to respect the tradition and integrity of local cultures and will promote behaviour compatible with the principles of sustainable development. Where practical, we aim to promote the purchase of local produce.
We will not tolerate any illegal, abusive or exploitative forms of tourism.
Looking after our Products
We strive for our products to be of the highest quality and will therefore encourage good practice within all our operations and comply with all relevant legislation surrounding the business. We continually monitor and assess our product offering so that it appeals to a range of existing and new customers. By assessing and working with existing suppliers, we aim to improve the quality of our products from a social, environmental and economic perspective.
Raising Awareness
We aim to ensure that we and all our stakeholders become better educated through the experience of travel, in keeping with the values of our founder. We recognise that raising awareness and understanding amongst our employees, customers and suppliers is fundamental to gain their commitment.
We will endeavour to highlight the benefits of addressing these issues and will encourage all stakeholders to adopt these principles.
Working Together
We are committed to working with customers, employees, investors, suppliers, local communities, industry, government and other regulatory bodies and non governmental organisations in order to deliver sustainable development. In particular, we actively support and engage in the work of the Travel Foundation and of the Federation of Tour Operators.
Summary
Together with the support and guidance of multi-stakeholder groups, we aim to build a tourism industry which brings education and pleasure to those who travel with it, a sustainable future to the places and the people who provide it as well as a fair profit to all those who are involved in supplying it.
Sustainability Report