Travel + Leisure Co. International made significant strides in 2024 with its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, positively impacting local communities and supporting charity and conservation organisations.
Travel + Leisure Co., through Wishes by Wyndham, has raised more than AU$700,000 for various children’s charities for over 15 years. In 2024, the program continued to build on this legacy, supporting one children’s charity every six months, fostering a culture of giving among staff and Club Wyndham South Pacific owners. During the year, Wishes partnered with Dolly’s Dream, and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
Dolly’s Dream, which raises awareness about bullying, was a charity supported by Travel + Leisure Co. International in the first two quarters of 2024. Travel + Leisure Co. International staff and club owners participated in the annual “Do It For Dolly” Day, organising fundraising activities and dressing in blue. A major raffle and a company donation matching donations up to AU$5,000 raised over AU$35,000 for this important cause.
Later in the year, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation became the focus of Wishes’ efforts. Planned activities included an end-of-year raffle and a nationwide “egg and spoon race” across corporate offices and resorts, which was also attended by Australian Olympic Medallist Sally Pearson.
A highlight of the company’s annual CSR calendar is the Club Wyndham Corporate Surf Challenge, held on the Gold Coast, Australia. It is an annual surfing competition that combines fun, teamwork, and philanthropy, specifically aimed at raising awareness and funds for the FSHD Global Research Foundation. This event is part of a broader initiative to support research into Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD), a genetic muscle disorder affecting many individuals. In 2024, the event raised over AU$32,000 for the FSHD Global Research Foundation.
Travel + Leisure Co. International also took a proactive approach in addressing period poverty in 2024. Through its Women in Travel resource group, a campaign was launched to raise awareness of this pressing social issue. The committee organised fundraising and donation drives across offices in Asia Pacific. Menstrual hygiene products were collected and distributed to shelters and organisations in Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Women in Travel is a key initiative within Travel + Leisure Co. The group focuses on providing a platform for women within the organisation to connect, share experiences, and mentor one another. This support network is essential for fostering professional growth and development.
The company’s Pride International Diversity Resource Group (DRG) fosters an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies. It drives impactful initiatives like the “Voices Unheard” webinar series, amplifying diverse perspectives from LGBTQIA+ celebrities, and the Leadership Series, inspiring employees with insights from diverse business leaders. Pride Pathways encourages personal storytelling to enhance understanding. The DRG’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is evident in ESG events like the IDAHOBIT webinar on inclusive tourism and championing Pride marches in Australia, the Philippines, and South Africa.
Travel + Leisure Co. also created its First Nations Working Group, dedicated to promoting the perspectives and contributions of First Nations peoples in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The group aims to enhance understanding of First Nations cultures among employees and stakeholders. This includes organising educational activities, cultural events, and workshops that celebrate Indigenous heritage and history.
A key partnership with National Indigenous Training Academy offered practical training for First Nations students. Through this partnership, Travel + Leisure Co. offers placement opportunities at various properties, including the Ramada by Wyndham Port Douglas in Australia. This initiative provides students with hands-on experience in different hospitality roles, such as food and beverage service, housekeeping, and front office operations.
On the environmental front, the company’s Travel Green committee led sustainability initiatives in 2024. The committee organised beach cleanups at Flynns Beach and Kirra Beach in Australia, Wailoaloa Beach in Fiji, and Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand. These efforts involved staff, guests, and local communities working together to protect coastal environments.
The committee also spearheaded mangrove planting projects, with notable efforts in Hua Hin and Phuket in Thailand, and Denarau Island in Fiji, where the resort team planted 5,000 mangroves. In the Philippines, Travel + Leisure Co. International partnered with a local conservation organisation to release over 270 endangered Olive Ridley turtles into the sea, demonstrating the company’s commitment to marine biodiversity.
In 2024, Travel + Leisure Co. International’s CSR program exemplified a deep commitment to empowering communities, protecting the environment, and addressing critical social issues. By mobilising staff, owners, and guests, the company has made a meaningful difference in the world, fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility. Its dedication to making a positive impact on society and the environment is evident in every aspect of its CSR strategy, setting a leading example in the hospitality industry.
