Amadeus has introduced its Travel4Impact initiative in India – a social innovation network for the tourism industry. The Travel4Impact network aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the travel and tourism sectors in India by providing them with a platform to collaborate, innovate and develop sustainable solutions. The initiative seeks to promote digitalization and sustainability in tourism operations while fostering economic growth.

Travel4Impact is an initiative run by Amadeus alongside IE University, a leading international higher education institution, recognized as one of the first carbon neutral universities in Europe. The program is designed to improve the competitiveness and social and environmental impact of SMEs in the travel sector. This is done through the creation of a network to support enterprises that see digitalization, collaboration, and sustainability as key elements of their value proposition.

“Introducing Amadeus’ Travel4Impact initiative in India is part of Amadeus’ global commitment to supporting SMEs in the travel and tourism sectors to collaborate, innovate and develop sustainable solutions in India.” said Shalini Nair, Head of People and Culture, India, and APAC at Amadeus Labs. “At Amadeus, we are constantly looking for ways to collaborate with stakeholders to promote sustainability in the travel industry. Our collaboration with IE University to extend the Travel4Impact initiative in the APAC regions is our commitment towards consistently making a positive impact on the world through responsible tourism.”

Travel4Impact Network first launched in Spain and then expanded to Europe over the first two iterations. This year, it will have a more global scope, welcoming organizations from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Applications for the third edition opened on March 1st with more than 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expected to participate in 2023.

The program is open to SMEs with more than two years of activity within the tourism ecosystem and two or more full-time employees. Entrants must have a proven interest in sustainability and digitalization and be actively looking to maximize the positive impact of their work. Central to this is demonstrating that the SME has a business footprint in its specific market or region (EMEA or APAC).

Concepción Galdón, Director of IE Center for Social Innovation & Sustainability, IE University, said, “Travel4Impact is a network of SMEs in the travel and tourism industry that spearhead travel’s immense value for environmental and social value creation. They understand and exchange best practices to generate the kind of transformational experiences that only great and responsible travel provides.”

Successful applications will receive support in the development of their digital strategies, the social and environmental impact of their value proposition and the sustainability of their business. There are opportunities to take part in an innovation community, co-create, share knowledge and experiences, access training as well as collaborate with other participants.

The initiative has already been launched in several other countries, including Spain, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and has been well-received by SMEs in those markets. This year, it has broadened its reach to include organizations from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific for the first time. Applications for the third edition opened on March 1st with more than 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expected to participate in 2023.

Travel4Impact is funded by Amadeus and IE University and is wholly subsidized for SMEs.