Prince Harry-backed Travalyst coalition urges industry collaboration to “rebuild more responsibly”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created “opportunities for positive change” and “to rebuild more responsibly to the benefit of the places we visit, the people who live there and the planet as a whole.” 

That is one of the key messages in “The Reemergence of Travel,” a new report from Travalyst, a sustainable travel coalition launched in 2019 by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, in partnership with Booking.com, Skyscanner, Trip.com Group, Tripadvisor and Visa. 

Former Skyscanner CEO Bryan Dove, who stepped down from the position in June 2020, became chair of Travalyst last fall and is now working alongside the Duke of Sussex to oversee the coalition’s global work. 

“Traveling, exploring the world and discovering new places is part of being human; it will never go away,” Dove says.

“It’s through travel that we come to understand and learn from each other, helping to bring communities together from all over the world. This is why the Travalyst mission is so fundamental. As global citizens, we have a responsibility to preserve our world for future generations to explore and enjoy. I am proud to be working alongside some of the biggest players in travel once again to help both travelers and the travel industry make more sustainable choices.”

The report identifies two critical solutions the coalition sees as priorities for the sustainable transformation of the travel industry. First is “universal transparent reporting on sustainability efforts.”

Travalyst says an early stage digital framework is being developed by the founding companies that will enable consumers to access clear information about the sustainability practices of accommodation and aviation suppliers, with eventual expansion to all aspects of travel.

The second area of focus will be “championing the success of local communities, destinations and operators.” 

This effort is intended to “direct both supplier and consumer attention towards key examples of what ‘good’ looks like.” As an initial step, Travalyst will learn how New Zealand has managed its sustainability efforts and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Created in partnership with international sustainability non-profit Forum for the Future, the report also analyzes trends that can be applied to the recovery for travel and tourism, noting that the most effective “reset” after COVID-19 will come if all stakeholders – government, business, philanthropy and civil society – engage in “transformative, not incremental, change.”