As a global leader in the tourism services segment, Trip.com Group recently published its latest Sustainability Report, highlighting significant progress in implementing strategies focused on environmental awareness, social responsibility, and corporate governance. The report details the company's efforts in promoting a more sustainable and inclusive future of travel, driven by innovation, collaboration, and responsible growth.

Trip.com Group's focus is on the "Friendly Four" – a concept encompassing a friendly relationship with stakeholders, the community, family, and the environment. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the company's commitment to a holistic view of sustainability, recognizing that success is inseparable from the well-being of the planet and society.

Innovations in reducing the carbon footprint of travel

One of the key aspects of this year's report is the introduction of an innovative feature that allows users to view quantified carbon emission data for all major types of transportation. This functionality covers flights, car rentals, airport transfers, and rail transport, including European railways, providing travelers with transparent insight into the environmental impact of their journeys.

In collaboration with the Association of Car Rental Industry System Standards (ACRISS), Trip.com platform users can now view CO₂ emission data for rental vehicles, enabling them to compare emissions of electric, hybrid, and traditional vehicles. A similar informational function for airport transfers further empowers travelers to make informed decisions about greener mobility options at every step of their journey.

In addition, Trip.com Group's broader environmental efforts continue to expand. During 2024, the group encouraged travelers to order more than 100 million more sustainable travel products. Investment in renewable energy is also significant; the installation of solar panels at the group's headquarters and rural resorts produced 457 MWh of clean electricity, offsetting more than 245 tons of CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, Trip.com Group has increased the use of green electricity in leased data centers to 42.6%, underlining their commitment to long-term decarbonization and the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. For the first time, the group's report includes all categories of Scope 3 carbon emissions, covering sources such as leased data centers and business travel, to enable more comprehensive monitoring and goal setting in line with the 2050 carbon neutrality target.

Rural resort program and contribution to local development

Trip.com Group continues to significantly contribute to rural development and public safety through tourism. Their flagship Rural Resort Program has expanded to 34 locations, generating more than 40,000 indirect jobs. Interestingly, more than 80% of employees in these resorts are local residents, and participating villages recorded an average per capita income increase of 5,500 USD. This program continues its expansion, planning to cover even more global destinations in the coming years.

Through this initiative, Trip.com Group not only provides unique experiences for travelers but also stimulates economic growth in rural areas, creating new opportunities for local residents. Accommodation in such locations often offers an authentic experience and direct support for the local community.

The development of tourism in these areas not only contributes to the economy but also to the preservation of local culture and traditions. Examples of successful projects show how tourism can be used as a tool for sustainable development, taking into account the specifics of each area.

Family priority and gender equality

Trip.com Group has established itself as one of the leading family-oriented companies. Women make up 57.1% of the global workforce, with a share of 32.7% in senior and 43% in middle management positions, while their share in entry-level positions exceeds 61.2%. The hybrid work model, introduced in 2022, has been utilized by employees over 630,000 times, estimated to have saved 1.25 million hours of commuting time, which significantly improved flexibility in balancing work and private life.

To support families, the company has also introduced an additional three days of parental leave since April of this year to help employee parents better balance personal and professional obligations. In addition, benefits for female employees seeking assisted reproductive medical services have been improved. In addition to egg freezing, eligible female employees can receive a higher subsidy amount of up to 20,900 USD for in vitro fertilization. The childcare subsidy program, launched in 2023, has provided cash bonuses for more than 900 children, with over 468,000 USD distributed in 2024 alone. These initiatives reflect Trip.com Group's deep commitment to the well-being of its employees and to creating an inclusive work environment.

High standards of corporate governance

Trip.com Group continues to raise the bar in corporate governance, as confirmed by an A rating from MSCI ESG. Globally, the Group hosted two partner summits and deepened cooperation with more than 230 destination promotion organizations, with the aim of fostering inclusive tourism development.

Ms. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, highlighted the importance of sustainability in future competitiveness: "The ability to operate and grow sustainably will be among the most critical factors for future competitiveness. We believe that sustainable development is a long-term journey that requires deep and lasting commitment. Together with our users, partners, and employees, we are working to build a future where every journey brings us closer – to each other and to the perfect journey for a better world."

Trip.com Group, with its platforms such as Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar, helps travelers worldwide make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services. The Group also enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources and an advanced transactional platform that includes apps, websites, and 24/7 customer support centers.

Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003, and on HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the most recognized travel groups in the world, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world." The goal is to create not only a profitable business but also positive changes in the world through responsible operations and innovative initiatives.

In addition to the aforementioned cities, Trip.com Group is actively working on developing tourism in less known, but equally attractive destinations across Croatia. For example, Istria and its interior offer wonderful rural tourism, while on islands like Vis or Lastovo, peace and untouched nature can be found.

Trip.com Group's efforts in sustainable tourism also include encouraging environmentally friendly travel habits, as well as supporting local economies through the promotion of small entrepreneurs and crafts. This not only reduces the negative impact of tourism on the environment but also creates long-term value for local communities.