Why, how and at what price did Horizons du Monde win the Lucie label? Its general manager gives some answers.
Horizons du Monde, specialist in school and linguistic trips, becomes the first French travel agency fully labeled CSR by Lucie26000, explains a press release.
A net investment of less than 6000 euros
The Lucie26000 CSR label is based on the ISO26000 international standard.
Horizons du Monde obtained it after work carried out by eight employees, from April 2021 to April 2022. This 12-month period, in the midst of a health crisis, made it possible to carry out several actions: the training of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) teams, collective assessment of company practices, an external audit conducted by Rseval. Until the labeling granted by the independent committee of Lucie26000.
For what total cost? 15,670 euros over three years, replies Caroline Texier, the general manager. Approximately 10,000 euros will be supported by various aid systems. Opco and New Aquitaine Regional Council in the lead.
A three-year action plan
In its three-year action plan provided for by the label, Horizons du Monde identifies 62 “improvement” commitments. Examples ? Educate travelers about more sustainable tourism, improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of stays. Help employees achieve a better work-life balance, promote volunteering during stays.
“In this way, we want to affirm to our travellers, our partners and all our stakeholders our commitment to do our part so that society goes in the right direction”, affirms Caroline Texier, also CSR co-coordinator of Horizons du Monde. . “We hope that our labeling will encourage other travel and tourism players to move in this direction. »
Tomorrow, B Corp?
Lucie is a French label based on an international standard. Why did the agency not opt for B Corp CSR certification, preferred by Evaneos and HomeExchange?
“We chose the Lucie label because it seemed to us to be the most demanding – including an external audit – and has the advantage of being geared towards VSEs/SMEs, replies Caroline Texier. B Corp relies for its part on a self-assessment. It is nevertheless a benchmark and global certification that the tour operator hopes to obtain. “B Corp has the advantage of being better known internationally, which interests us in terms of outreach. We even take Mexicans to Japan! »
Horizons du Monde has been organizing tailor-made school trips and educational and linguistic stays since 1995. The company is a member of the Collective for the Defense of Travel Trades (CDMV) and Travel Companies (EdV).
