Our journey to more sustainable holidays
Our sustainability strategy is centred around the 3 sustainability pillars: Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). Based on these pillars, we have chosen focus areas for our 2030 sustainability strategy:

E: Drive environmental change
S: Create social impact
G: Act responsibly

We’ve created short and long-term targets and an action plan to ensure that everyone at Sunweb Group works together to reach our entire value chain – from destinations to our stakeholders. 
Strategy pillars

Drive Environmental Change

Support our partners with sustainability certification

  • In 2030, we aim for 80% of our customers to stay in an accommodation holding a recognised sustainability certification that has been independently audited through a third-party audit.
  • In 2030, we aim for 80% of our customers to fly with airlines whose greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets have been approved or validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Decarbonisation of our offices & operations

  • In 2026, we aim to match 100% of the electricity used in our Sunweb-operated offices and hotels with renewable electricity:
    • We are working to reduce electricity consumption through efficiency measures and source the remaining electricity demand through renewable electricity contracts and recognised Guarantees of Origin.
  • In 2030, we are aiming for 100% of our Sunweb operated SDP Hotels properties holding a recognised sustainability certification that has been independently audited through a third-party audit.

Decarbonisation of our value chain

  • We are in the process of defining science-based climate targets. Based on a 2024 baseline, we are exploring:
    • A 90% absolute reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2035.
    • Developing near-term emissions intensity reduction targets for our Scope 3 emissions.
  • The exact targets, timelines and feasibility are currently being assessed and will be validated against recognised standards.
  • We are working to increase the availability of alternative transport options for customers, including bus and self-drive holidays, and local transport options at destinations, such as electric rental cars, where available. The environmental impact of transport choices depends on various factors, including vehicle type, energy source, route and occupancy.

Act responsibly

  • Advocate for sustainability in our strategy, policies, and secure ownership.
  • Establish ourselves as a recognised sustainability promotor within the tourism industry.
  • Increase transparency about the environmental and social aspects of our holidays, enabling stakeholders to make well informed decisions and supporting our sustainability ambitions.
  • Participate in industry wide projects on standards & innovation.
  • Ensure employees, partners, and customers understand the impact of holidays and how they can contribute towards becoming more sustainable.


    • Create social impact

  • Advocate to keep holidays affordable for every budget.
  • Increase the (digital) accessibility of our holidays for everyone.
  • Be an inclusive employer that values wellbeing, health, engagement and equal opportunities.
  • By 2028, aim for 30% female members in our senior management and 50% our leadership group.
  • Encourage our key partners to pay their employees a fair living wage.
  • Contribute positively to local initiatives in both our source markets and destinations.
    • Our impact

    Sunweb Group sustainability report

    You can find our sustainability strategy, progress and results in our sustainability report 2025.



    We started with ESG reporting as we believe it is an excellent accelerator that will help us create value, monitor the progress of our sustainability initiatives, and take appropriate action.

    While we are proud of the steps we are taking on the journey to more sustainable holidays, we also are very aware of the challenges ahead. As an asset-light company, we do not own an airline, accommodation or the services that we offer. Therefore, we work closely together with our partners on minimising our footprint and creating more positive impact on our destinations.

    Do you see possibilities to collaborate so we can make the tourism industry more sustainable together? Please get in touch! You can reach us at sustainability@sunwebgroup.com.

    Previous sustainability reports
    – Sustainability report 2024
    – Sustainability report 2023
    – Sustainability report 2022
    Partners

    Our partners in sustainability

    1.

    Travelife

    Sunweb Group has held the Travelife Certified recognition since 2021, a sustainability certification programme. The certification was awarded following an independent audit against the Travelife Certified standard, covering more than 200 sustainability criteria related to environmental management, human rights, local communities etc. To maintain the certification, Sunweb Group is re-certified every two years.

    Website Travelife.
    2.

    Transavia

    Our Dutch airline partner Transavia aims for a reduction in emissions intensity and published targets. To support these goals, Transavia states it is investing in measures such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), fleet renewal, fuel-efficiency improvements and innovation.

    Website Transavia
    3.

    Reis met je hart

    This Dutch foundation offers free holidays to families who don’t have the funds to get away. We have been working with them for many years to ensure that more people get that well-deserved and often much-needed break.

    Website Reis met je hart
    4.

    BeCause

    The search filters for certified sustainable accommodations on Sunweb and Eliza was here are linked to BeCause, a platform that continuously manages and updates certification data. Certifications included in our filters are issued by certification programmes that require independent third party verification or audits. Our partnership with BeCause helps ensure the certification information used in our filters remains up to date.

    Website BeCause
    5.

    Je pars, tu pars, il part

    Everyone deserves a holiday, especially children. They are a vital break to recharge, bond with family, explore new places, and simply feel like everyone else. Together with this French non-profit, we sponsor summer stays in the French Alps for families who can’t afford to go on holidays.

    Website Je pars, tu pars, il part
    6.

    Green Key

    Green Key is an internationally recognised certification programme for tourism businesses. Together, we organise online training sessions to support accommodation partners achieving sustainability certification. To obtain and maintain a Green Key certification, accommodations must undergo regular independent third party assessments against environmental, social and management criteria, including energy, water, waste and sustainable procurement practices.

    Website Green Key
    Sustainability highlights

    Sustainability filter

    The sustainability filter we offer on Sunweb and Eliza was here allows our customers to quickly and easily find accommodations that that hold a sustainability certification issued by an independent third-party certification scheme, allowing them to take recognised sustainability certifications into account when choosing their accommodation.

    The filter currently includes certifications such as Green Key and Travelife.

    Certification information is provided through a real-time connection with the BeCause platform, helping to keep certification statuses up to date. Certification criteria and audit processes are defined and assessed by the respective certification organisations.

    As part of our sustainability strategy, we aim for 80% of our customers to stay in accommodations that hold a recognised sustainability certification by 2030. More information about each certification scheme, its criteria and verification process can be found on the websites of the respective certification organisations.

    Drive environmental change

    We want to be transparent: travelling to and from your holiday destination often has the biggest CO2 impact. Especially if you fly. To reduce emissions, we focus on several key actions. We encourage our airline partners to set GHG reduction targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and we actively advocate for greater sustainability within the airline industry and have begun exploring short-term emission reduction initiatives in close cooperation with Transavia.
    We aim to reduce the environmental impact of transport to, from and within our destinations by reviewing alternative, less polluting transport options. One identified opportunity is to sell more car and bus holidays.
    Social impact highlights

    Create social impact

    Local projects

    Without our destinations there would be no travel packages. To protect our destinations for future generations, we support local community initiatives. At home and abroad. For instance, we work with our local partner on Crete (Greece) to promote career opportunities in local tourism. We support several charities that provide holidays for families that cannot usually afford to travel. And we encourage regular volunteering activities for our colleagues to improve their local environment.

    Digital accessibility

    As an online holiday provider, we want to make sure that everyone is able to use our platform and that we meet all current regulations. We actively work on improving the accessibility of our website and apps. We regularly audit our websites and apps to identify areas for improvements, and make customer communication clearer and more inclusive. And we are there when our customers need support.
    Act responsibly highlights

    Travelife

    Sunweb Group holds the Travelife Certified recognition, the highest level within the internationally recognised Travelife certification programme for tour operators and travel agencies. To obtain and maintain this certification, we undergo an independent third party audit every two years against the Travelife Certified Standard. During the audit, compliance with more than 200 criteria is assessed across topics including environmental management, climate action, biodiversity, labour conditions, human rights, local communities, supply chain management, customer communication and corporate responsibility.

    Click for more information.
    Tips

    7 sustainable tips

    1.

    The sky has a limit

    Of your entire trip, flying has the biggest impact on our climate. Try to choose more climate-friendly transportation methods, such as the bus or an electric car. Alternatively, consider flying less often, opt for longer holidays, or pick a destination closer to home!
    2.

    More sustainable accommodation choices

    Try our certified sustainable accommodation filter to choose your next stay. Once at your accommodation, try to save energy and water where you can. For example, don’t change your towels every day, take a quicker shower, and when you leave, turn off the lights, fan, air conditioning and heating.
    3.

    Plastic

    Nobody enjoys a beach or ski slope littered with plastic. You can help avoid plastic pollution by taking reusable shopping bags and water bottles, and bringing refillable toiletry containers. Just don’t forget to take them with you when you leave!
    4.

    Into the wild? Keep it wild

    Animal encounters can be exciting, but make sure you have a certified guide or visit an attraction that respects wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep your distance, don’t make loud noises, and don’t disturb the animals.
    5.

    Experience & respect the community

    Get off the beaten track! Visit local villages, explore local farms, and dine where the locals eat. You will enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, and you can have a positive impact on the community by providing income to the local economy.
    Try to travel in the low season to spread out the impact of tourism and avoid overcrowded destinations. Make sure to inform yourself about local culture and customs and adapt your behaviour accordingly.
    6.

    Shop responsibly

    When buying souvenirs, avoid objects made from endangered animals and plants, such as coral, feathers, ivory, turtle shells, fur, shark teeth or snakeskin. Many of these items are illegal. Don’t buy fake designer goods. Check your Customs’ website if you are unsure.
    Look for locally made handcrafts and objects made from recycled materials. The locals will appreciate your interest and support to their local environment!
    7.

    First things first

    Sustainable travelling starts at home. Pull the plug on appliances when you are away, and put your thermostat or heating on the lowest setting. Last but not least, try to pack light! It helps save CO2 emissions during your trip.

    Let’s talk!

    We would love to hear your wishes with regards to our sustainability efforts. You can reach us at sustainability@sunwebgroup.com.