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
