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Orbitz Partners with CarbonFund.org, Launches Green Vacation Microsite
Thinking "green" when you travel? A recent Orbitz survey* found that more than half of Americans feel the U.S. tourist industry is lagging when it comes to being "eco-friendly." In response, Orbitz has developed a microsite with eco-friendly travel tools and environmentally-focused content.
"Orbitz Worldwide is committed to being a vocal proponent within the travel community, working to offset the impact our industry has on the environment, so we're enthusiastic about our partnership with a highly respected organization like CarbonFund.org and the launch of Version 1.0 of our eco-microsite," said Steve Barnhart, CEO and president of Orbitz Worldwide, a division of Travelport Ltd.
The first stage of the Orbitz eco-travel microsite is a comprehensive resource for travelers who want to find everything from eco-friendly hotels to environmental volunteer opportunities. Travelers who visit the Orbitz eco-travel microsite—eco.orbitz.com—will have access to the following information and tools:
• Articles on eco-travel. It's important to understand exactly what "eco-tourism" means, how it effects local environments and communities throughout the world and how everyone can make a difference. Read articles from the experts at Away.com and Gorp.com to expand your knowledge on this important topic.
• Top eco-friendly destinations. Editors from Away.com give their top picks for destinations that are doing their part to create a sustainable environment. Learn where to go and what to expect at select eco-friendly destinations around the world.
• Top "green" hotels. Orbitz hotel experts give picks on lodging properties that operate with environmentally-friendly practices and products. From using wind and solar power as energy sources to purchasing only environmentally-friendly products such as "green" detergents for linens and soaps, these hotels are great options for the environmentally conscious traveler.
• Eco volunteer opportunities. Orbitz is linking travelers to the National Park Service volunteer website where you can find rewarding opportunities to become involved in conservation initiatives during your travels.
• Eco-travel tips. Making big contributions to the environment on your own can seem overwhelming, but there are plenty of simple things any traveler can do to make a difference when you're on the road. Whether renting a hybrid car or taking a "to-go" coffee cup with you, Orbitz gives travelers suggestions for easy things you can do on any trip.
Orbitz is also proud to be working with its partners at Carbonfund.org, a not-for-profit 501©3 organization. Carbonfund.org offsets travelers CO2 emissions by supporting viable renewable energy development, re-forestation projects and other initiatives focused on turning back the clock on global climate change.
"The travel industry has impacted the environment, and as a responsible corporate citizen, Orbitz is committing to make a difference," said Eric Carlson, executive director of CarbonFund.org. "We look forward to working with Orbitz and its customers to help offset carbon emissions and make environmental awareness a part of their standard operational procedures."
* The Orbitz poll was conducted online using MarketTool's Zommerang panel of 320 adults ages 19-65, who are regular travelers. Zommerang is a market research service, owned by MarketTool, that directly manages a nationally-representative online panel of more than 2.5 million individuals, with a global network extending to more than 8 million consumers worldwide.
About Orbitz
Orbitz is a leading online travel company that enables travelers to search for and purchase a broad array of travel products, including airline tickets, lodging, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Since launching its website www.orbitz.com to the general public in June 2001, Orbitz has become the third largest online travel site based on gross travel bookings. On Orbitz, consumers can search more than 400 airlines, more than 65,000 lodging properties worldwide and 13 car rental companies. Orbitz is a Travelport brand. Travelport (www.travelport.com) is one of the largest and most geographically diverse travel companies, dedicated to creating the exceptional travel experiences the world demands.