We are proud to share that Travel Connect has successfully renewed its Travelife Certified award for the first time, reaffirming our lasting commitment to sustainability.
Achieving certification once is already a proud moment, but renewing it makes us even prouder as it demonstrates a long-term dedication to doing things the right way, time and again.
This milestone reflects the continuous efforts of our teams to improve sustainability practices across every aspect of our operations. From supporting local communities to reducing environmental impact, we believe responsible tourism isn't a box to tick. It's a commitment that grows stronger each year.
To hold Travelife Certified status, a company must comply with more than 200 criteria covering office management, product range, international business partners, and customer information. The Travelife standard reflects the ISO 26000 themes of Corporate Social Responsibility, including environment, biodiversity, human rights, and labour relations, and is in full compliance with the UN.
A Word from Travelife
Naut Kusters, manager of Travelife for Tour Operators, shared his thoughts on the renewal:
"I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operators' sector is achieving momentum. The renewal of Travel Connect's Travelife Certified status sets an inspiring example for other companies in Iceland to follow the same path."
A Big Step Forward Since 2023
The audit took place across three days. Two days on site at our Reykjavík office, and one day remotely with our team in Edinburgh, gave the auditor the opportunity to speak with management, staff, suppliers, and stakeholders across both locations.
Compared with our first audit in 2023, the auditor noted a significant step forward. Travel Connect initially qualified for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and as part of that work we carried out a double materiality assessment. This gave us a sharper understanding of where our impact lies and where we can keep improving. The auditor observed that sustainability now sits at the very centre of who we are as a company.
People at the Heart of It
The audit highlighted our commitment to the people who make Travel Connect what it is. Our teams enjoy benefits that go beyond what's legally required, including free lunches, support for bike repairs, and our seven for eight policy, where staff work seven hours and are paid for a full eight.
Earlier this year our Iceland team moved into a fully renovated building. As the sole occupants, we had a real say in the layout and amenities, including great changing facilities and a generous bicycle storage for the cyclists among us.
Working in Partnership
Conversations with suppliers and stakeholders in Iceland and Scotland confirmed something we already felt to be true: our sustainability expectations are clear, and we're genuinely willing to support partners who are still finding their way on their own sustainability journey. Many suppliers described their relationship with Travel Connect as a partnership rather than a transaction, and spoke warmly about the mutual respect that runs through it. That's something we're proud of, and want to keep building on.
The Road Ahead
The renewal also gives us an honest look at where we can do better. One area we're focused on is making sure our offshore offices keep pace with the sustainability progress made at headquarters, so that our standards travel with us wherever we operate.
Thanks also to our teams, our suppliers, and the wider Travel Connect community.
About Travelife
Travelife is a leading international sustainability certification for the travel sector. More than 35 national travel associations promote the scheme to their members, including 20 European travel associations. Since 2012, more than 1,500 tour operators have been trained in CSR and more than 500 have been certified.
Travelife Certified is a recognition of our excellence towards social and environmental sustainability. We comply with more than 200 criteria related to sustainability management, office operations, working with suppliers, and customer communication.
Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents: (1) Travelife Engaged; (2) Travelife Partner; and (3) Travelife Certified. We are at the final stage, Travelife Certified.
For more information about Travel Connect's sustainability work, contact Kristín Halldórsdóttir at kristin@travelconnect.com.