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The US Travel Association (USTA) announced in July the launch of its new Sustainable Travel Coalition, which aims to align the travel, transportation, and technology sectors in developing and advancing strategies to enable a more sustainable future for North American travel. This comes on the heels of President Joe Biden’s push for industry alternatives to fossil fuels, which included an investment in climate change policies as well as moving the country toward electric vehicle options.
The Sustainable Travel Coalition, with its nearly 60 member organizations, will serve as an advisory body on sustainability issues, opportunities, and concerns within member organizations and destinations. A dedicated Policy Committee will help drive the broader coalition’s efforts to enable regular progress and collaboration.
“Seeing the world and saving the world should not be mutually exclusive,” said USTA Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes. “As technology advances and consumers demand more sustainable travel options, the work of this coalition will ensure that the US travel industry can meet the needs of an evolving market while also protecting our planet’s natural resources.”
To accelerate investment in sustainable travel, more than 100 travel industry organizations—including groups within and outside the Sustainable Travel Coalition—called on the federal government to advance the following near-term priorities:
- A tax credit for the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), such as those proposed in the Sustainable Skies Act (H.R. 3440/S. 2263).
- An enhanced tax credit to increase the availability of electric vehicle charging stations.
- An enhanced tax deduction to increase energy efficiency upgrades to commercial buildings.
- Federal investments to protect and restore natural attractions, including recreational waterways, shorelines, and National Parks.
- Other clean energy incentives for investment in renewable energy deployment, green hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, direct air capture and other innovative technologies to lower the carbon intensity of transportation fuels and the power grid.
In addition to the priorities detailed in the letter, the coalition will identify and advocate for other priorities in the coming months.
“This is clearly an issue that spans well beyond the travel industry itself to practically all other sectors of the US economy,” said Barnes. “By bringing together stakeholders across related industries, we are aligning leaders in travel, transportation and technology on the critical issues that will affect their businesses for decades to come.”
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
[08.30.22]
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Washington, D.C.-based ING Chauffeured Transportation just reached a new milestone and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the company recently debuted its newly revamped website and added new late-model vehicles to its growing fleet, which is currently 42. According to Owner Ivana Ciric, ING added eight new 2022 Cadillac Escalades and 12 new 2022 Lincoln Aviators to its fleet this year, which includes sedans, SUVs, limousines, vans, minibuses, and motorcoaches.
ING is a full-service luxury ground transportation company that performs a wide variety of transportation needs, including airport, corporate, city tours, wedding shuttles, proms, wine tours, bachelor/bachelorette transportation, and much more.
The newly updated website now includes options for a quick quote request as well as an online chat. They also started incorporating text automation into their business to allow them a quicker response time on quote requests and questions from their clients.
Visit inglimo.com for more information.
[08.30.22]
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- Category: Industry News
Family-owned bus company Thrasher Brothers Trailways recently attracted attention at the World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, with their Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium bus. The motorcoach, painted in metallic black, was used exclusively to transport selected top athletes to the various competition sites around Birmingham during the 10-day event.
According to Daimler Truck, the Tourrider, a new 45-foot, three-axle motorcoach with chrome-plated center star, sets the standard for design, comfort, technology, and individuality. It was specially designed for the North American market. You can read more about its release that was published by Chauffeur Driven last year.
Thrasher Brothers Owner Alan Thrasher says he was more than proud of this high-profile order: "There was no better time for us to showcase the exceptional Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium motorcoach than this superlative event. All athletes immediately felt at home on board. The vehicle is equipped with 56 travel seats and completely provides all the things you'd expect in a Mercedes-Benz, making a strong impression on all those involved."
A total of 3,600 athletes from all over the world took part at the World Games, which took place in the US for the second time since 1981. 110 nations fought for medals in 38 non-Olympic sports, including powerlifting, billiards, and tug-of-war.
“The drivers and athletes were highly impressed with the coach’s comfort and ride,” said Thrasher Brothers Owner & Secretary/Treasurer Alyce Davidson. “The time on the coach allowed drivers to share a bit of the southern hospitality and charm with the athletes.”
Visit daimlertruck.com for more information.
[08.29.22]