SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 28, 2006–To support the
growing number of customers concerned with the prospect of climate
change or simply interested in rebuilding forests, wetlands and other
elements of nature, Travelocity (NYSE: TSG) is the first major online
travel company in North America to allow customers to purchase “carbon
offsets” when they buy a vacation package.
The program called Go Zero, allows customers to effectively “zero
out” or offset the carbon emissions generated by their flight, hotel,
or car usage through a donation to The Conservation Fund, which then
plants trees that absorb carbon dioxide.
“We are very pleased to see a major travel company like
Travelocity leading the charge to regenerate forests and wetlands that
can be used by future generations, but that also helps address climate
change,” said Larry Selzer, president of The Conservation Fund.
“We have always emphasized that as customer champions we are
looking out for our customers’ interests before, during and after
their trip,” said Michelle Peluso, president and CEO of Travelocity.
“GoZero helps us serve the increasing number of consumers who want a
way to offset their carbon, while promoting planting that helps
strengthen places for recreation and wildlife.”
The carbon offsets are offered as an option that customers can add
during check-out when booking a vacation package on Travelocity. A
contribution of $10 offsets an average trip including air travel, a
one-night hotel stay, and rental car for one person; $25 negates air
travel, four-night hotel stay, and rental car for two people; and $40
equalizes the effects of air travel, four-night hotel stay, and rental
car for four people. Travelocity will give ALL proceeds to The
Conservation Fund, and is also providing a link to The Conservation
Fund web site, where donations can be made independent of any travel
purchase. Go Zero purchases are fully tax deductible. Details can be
found at www.travelocity.com/gozero.
Travelocity has also purchased carbon offsets for its own North
American employee travel with a donation to the Go Zero program. The
first grove of Travelocity trees will be planted in the Bogue Chitto
National Wildlife Refuge, which is located 45 miles north of New
Orleans, LA. These permanently protected lands provide important
wildlife habitat for migratory birds including the Prothonotary and
Swainson’s Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and White-eyed Vireo. The
Refuge is also a top destination for travelers offering extraordinary
opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, hiking, fishing and wildlife
watching. http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=43616
“We are excited about this creative partnership with Travelocity
and The Conservation Fund that will augment our terrestrial carbon
sequestration program,” said Sam D. Hamilton, Southeast Regional
Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Travelocity customers
will help address global climate change by reforesting one of the
south’s most beautiful wetlands, and will enhance Bogue Chitto
National Wildlife Refuge for future generations of outdoor
enthusiasts.”
About Go Zero
As part of its Climate Change Program, The Conservation Fund
launched Go Zero to engage people around the world — companies,
communities and individuals — in the effort to combat global warming.
Simply put, Go Zero measures the carbon dioxide emissions of virtually
any slice of life, including travel-related activities such as air and
automobile transportation and hotel rooms. The Conservation Fund then
offsets that impact on climate change by planting trees, which absorb
tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide as they grow.
These newly created forests do more than just address global
warming — they leave a lasting legacy by restoring important wildlife
habitat, enhancing outdoor recreation areas and improving air and
water quality. Through this program, the Fund has protected more than
25,000 acres and planted five million trees, which will sequester
nearly seven million tons of carbon dioxide over the next 100 years.
To learn more about The Conservation Fund’s Go Zero program, please
visit www.gocarbonzero.org.
About The Conservation Fund
Founded more than 20 years ago, The Conservation Fund is dedicated
to protecting America’s natural, cultural and historic heritage. Since
1985, the Fund has preserved more than 5.3 million acres of the
nation’s most important landscapes and waterways – ranging from
national parks and wildlife refuges to community open space and
recreation areas. For the past five years, the American Institute of
Philanthropy has recognized The Conservation Fund as the top-rated
environmental nonprofit for its unsurpassed efficiency and
effectiveness. In 2005, the Fund also received the highest “four star”
grade from Charity Navigator.
About Travelocity
Travelocity(R) is committed to being the traveler’s champion –
before, during and after the trip – and guarantees everything about a
customer’s booking will be right. If it’s not, Travelocity will work
with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven
focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful
shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel
agency in the U.S. – booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in 2005.
Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates
Travelocity Business(SM) and GetThere(R) for corporate travelers,
lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader
in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings
Corporation (NYSE: TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.
CONTACT: VOLLMER for Travelocity
Alyson Briggs, 972-488-4790
alyson@vollmerpr.com
or
Judy Haveson, 212-715-2222
judy@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity