Thomas Cook Group plc (http://www.thomascookgroup.com/),has today published its all-new Sustainability Report, and infographic (http://www.chapelproductions.com/clients/ThomasCook/Thomas_Cook_2013_Infographic.pdf), demonstrating the Group’s strong commitment to the positive improvements of its economic, environmental and social impact in 2013, a year in which the Company defined a new strategy, aimed at delivering sustainable and profitable growth as part of its ongoing transformation. As a multinational organisation, with a global reach, the Transforming for a Better Future report focuses on the impact that Thomas Cook has to enhance the communities and environments in which the company operates. The report also identifies key priorities and targets for the coming year, as Thomas Cook continues to embed further sustainability principles across its entire Group of businesses, both internally and externally, as part of its high tech, high touch strategy, aimed at placing customers at the very heart of the business.

The Thomas Cook Group was recently awarded ‘Achievement in Sustainability’ by the PLC awards, clearly demonstrating how it is constantly raising the bar of performance and delivery on its sustainability targets. This recognition is reflected in the report, which sets out how the Group manages its environmental and social impacts; including aviation emissions, child protection, energy use and illustrates the work being undertaken internally and externally to achieve its sustainability goals.

“As we focus on our transformation, and continue to build our business in an innovative, high tech, high touch manner, we must understand and embrace the necessity of a sustainable future, for both the short and long term, adding value to our customers, employees, shareholders and supplier partners alike,” said Harriet Green (http://www.thomascookgroup.com/harriet-green-obe-group-chief-executive-officer/) , Group Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Cook Group plc. “It is vital that we embrace opportunities and operate in a socially responsible way – giving back to the businesses and communities in which we live, work and play. I am delighted that we have increased our strong commitment to environmental and social sustainability, it is fundamental to the success of our business, and is deeply embedded at each stage of our customers’ journey, from planning their holiday, booking, traveling and sharing their experience with friends, sustainability plays a vital role in everything we do.”

Report highlights include, how Thomas Cook introducing tablets for pilots on its planes reducing the amount of printed manuals while increasing the amount of information available. In Northern Europe alone, the project is expected to save 150 tonnes of fuel and one million pieces of paper, equating to 400 tonnes of CO2 . Thomas Cook has been working with the Travel Foundation since 2011 to create business opportunities for talented craft producers in The Gambia. The project has dramatically changed the lives of many producers, with one now able to build a two-room house and send one of his nephews to school. We also recognise that there is an ever-increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability amongst the younger generation. As such, we have placed increasing emphasis on our sustainability agenda in the activities undertaken by children, both in our Children’s Clubs, and in the play and educational materials provided both in-flight and in their holiday destinations.

Report includes:

-  92% of customers rating Thomas Cook Group’s sustainability performance as either good or excellent
-  6% increase in contracted hotels holding a Travelife sustainability award
-  25 destinations achieving a Bronze Destinations of Excellence Award
-  Sustainable aviation – the Group’s airlines are among the world’s most efficient due to high load factors, with the business continuing to invest in fuel efficiency
-  Reduced our office and retail electricity consumption by 31% over the last 3 years
-  2 million less brochures were printed in the UK in 2013 – and our Northern European operations no longer produce printed brochures
-  Child safety and protection is a key priority, with all overseas staff working with children receiving training on child protection, and all accommodation contracts (10,000+) containing a clause placing the onus on suppliers to address these issues also
-  Promoting local culture and enhancing customer enjoyment – Local Label excursion programme launched, providing 40 authentic and traditional experiences in 23 destinations
-  Charitable giving – Thomas Cook Children’s Charity has raised over £4million since 2009
-  Employees and organisation – 90% of employees have been trained on the Group Code of Conduct, part of the Group’s major initiative to build a more effective organisation and be a trusted business partner