Internova Travel Group Joins GSTC

Internova Travel Group has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

 

NEW YORK (February 5, 2025) – Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world and manages leisure, business, and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.

 

Sustainability Commitment

One of Internova’s core values is “Everyone Belongs,” a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The organization believes in the power of a respectful team that is open to all people and perspectives. In 2022, Internova established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee to address gaps and implement strategies that support its diversity goals.

 

That same year, Internova partnered with Sustainable Travel International, together, they launched the Climate Action and Climate Positive Programs, which provided carbon footprint assessment and offset options for corporate, leisure, and meetings and events customers to aid in their climate mitigation efforts.

 

Internova Travel Group is also deeply committed to community support through advocacy, fundraising, donations, and volunteering. It has collaborated with over 30 organizations focused on social causes, including global relief efforts like the Ukraine Crisis, and contributed collectively over 2,000 volunteer hours. Through the Family Bonds Foundation, it provides financial assistance to individuals in the travel industry facing hardships. Additionally, Internova participates in various industry boards and advocacy groups, addressing key issues in travel and tourism while promoting more equitable communities.

 

The organization states that it places great importance on compliance and ethics. Each year, employees receive communication and training on Internova’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Policies, and applicable regulations, including Anti-Corruption, Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Prevention, Conflict of Interest, Anti-Trust and Competition, Whistleblower policies, Sanction Rules, Data Privacy Rules, Government Interaction and Responsible Marketing.

 

Internova Green Circle, an eco-luxury sustainable initiative, is promoting advocacy, education, and supporting conservation projects, through actively involving the company, its customers, advisors, and supplier partners in protecting the planet.

 

“We are committed to advancing our ESG goals and creating lasting positive change for the future,” said J.D. O’Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group. “By integrating sustainability, inclusion, and ethical practices into every aspect of our business, we’re building long-term value for our stakeholders, communities, and the planet. We are proud to be part of the GSTC Community, driving sustainability forward.”

 

GSTC welcomes Internova Travel Group

“We warmly welcome the Internova Travel Group as a new member of GSTC and value their commitment to supporting our mission. We wish them every success on their journey towards sustainability,” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.

 

For more information on Internova’s Green Circle program and sustainability efforts, please visit https://internova.com/sustainability/.

 

About Internova Travel Group

 

Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.

 

About GSTC

 

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are four sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions, and Attraction Criteria for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

 

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do.

 

GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. The GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member, a global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems.

 

Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/