Reho Travel Wins NTIA Sustainability Award

On October 26, 2024, Reho Travel proudly received the prestigious Sustainability Award for ATIA Accredited Agencies at the NTIA Awards, held at the Sydney International Convention Centre. This award spotlights Reho’s sustained commitment to creating positive change in the travel industry, leading the charge for responsible and impact-driven travel management.

A Vision for Sustainable Travel

As Australia’s first and only B Corp-certified Travel Management Company (TMC) in the Asia-Pacific, Reho Travel has made sustainability its core focus. The Melbourne-based company balances the necessity of travel with minimising environmental impact, guiding clients to make conscious choices. Through partnerships with low-emission airlines, socially responsible hotels, and community-oriented tour operators, Reho Travel offers clients an experience rooted in sustainable principles.

“We recognise that travel can be both a necessity and a privilege,” said Karsten Horne, CEO of Reho Travel. “As travel managers, it’s our responsibility to assist clients in reducing their footprint while supporting destinations in meaningful ways.”

Meaningful Initiatives and New Commitments

Reho Travel’s sustainability approach has always extended beyond carbon offsets. Since its foundation B Corp certification in 2012, Reho has spearheaded initiatives that blend environmental and social impact. One notable project includes supporting the microfinance sector in Malawi, which empowered local entrepreneurs and eventually became a community-owned bank.

In 2024, Reho deepened its commitment by partnering with Underwater Cinema in Timor Leste, an environmental project educating youth on ocean preservation through beach cleaning and snorkelling activities. The partnership connects Reho’s study tour students with the Timorese community, creating cross-cultural learning experiences and advancing marine conservation.

Driving Industry Standards

With study tours now making up over half of Reho’s business, the company has crafted Sustainable Study Tour Guidelines to standardise best practices, from environmentally conscious destinations to reduced-impact group activities. This initiative drew input from academics, industry experts, and students alike, fostering a sense of ownership among clients and the Reho team.

Reho’s guidelines have led to a valuable partnership with Intrepid, aligning Reho’s sustainability standards with Intrepid’s operations in various global destinations. Additionally, Reho has amended its corporate constitution to embed its sustainability mission into the company’s legal framework, ensuring its commitment continues to shape Reho’s work well into the future.

A Legacy of Responsible Travel

Reho Travel’s NTIA win signifies more than an industry award; it reinforces the company’s pioneering role in sustainability. As Horne emphasises, “This award affirms that responsible travel is not only possible but essential. Reho Travel is committed to setting new benchmarks and leading by example, showing that business can and should be a force for good.”

In an era of rapidly evolving travel demands, Reho Travel’s mission and accomplishments represent a vision of a responsible, globally-aware industry—one where businesses, communities, and travellers collaborate for a sustainable future.