Expedia : Despegar joins Expedia Group in the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge

Further momentum for global initiative with a new online travel agency joining industry peers committed to making travel more responsible

SEATTLE, U.S., June 8, 2022: UNESCO and Expedia Group have announced that Despegar, the leading online travel agency in Latin America, is joining the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge (hereinafter as "The UNESCO Pledge"). The UNESCO Pledge aims to promote sustainable travel, community resilience and heritage conservation globally, with the ultimate goal of changing the nature and impact of global tourism.

Travelers are increasingly aware of the impact travel can have on local environments, economies, and individuals. A recent survey from Expedia Group™ Media Solutions revealed that although 90% of consumers look for sustainable options when booking, 70% feel overwhelmed with navigating options and making the best choices to be a more sustainable traveler.¹

The UNESCO Pledge addresses that need by providing travelers with insight into travel companies committed to sustainability by preserving culture and heritage, as well as minimizing the negative environmental effects that travel can have on destinations. Accommodation partners pledge concrete, transparent, achievable actions and share existing efforts and devise plans to support ongoing improvement in their local communities. By doing so, they signal their commitment to shape a more sustainable travel and tourism sector, and drive clarity to travelers in their choices.

Expedia Group and Despegar will work closely to support further global endorsement of the UNESCO Pledge within the accommodation sector for properties to showcase the actions they are taking that will preserve and protect the environment. This includes their commitment to reduce single use plastics, support local communities and culture, reduce waste, and conserve and improve energy and water management.

Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture said: "It is encouraging to see the UNESCO Pledge gain support among a wider range of industry stakeholders. With Despegar joining us in our efforts to transform the industry, we can encourage even more businesses and travelers to take clear actions and protect the environment. We welcome this exciting development and look forward to working with Despegar."

Aditi Mohapatra, VP, Global Social Impact & Sustainability, Expedia Group, said: "Travelers are looking for ways to minimize their environmental footprint while traveling, and to make a positive impact on the communities they visit. They are increasingly turning to the travel industry to make informed decisions. Today, we are thrilled to partner with Despegar to promote further sustainable tourism, and help more travelers make better choices for themselves and the planet.

Sebastian Mackinnon, Chief Partners Office, Despegar, said: "We are delighted to enter a partnership with UNESCO and Expedia Group to support thousands of lodgings, in Latin America and further, implement sustainable and resourceful practices to reduce the industry's overall environmental footprint. Joining The UNESCO Pledge marks a crucial step in our commitment to shaping a more sustainable travel and tourism sector."

The UNESCO Pledge is available on the Expedia Group and UNESCO global site.

¹ Expedia Group Media Solutions, Sustainable Travel Study, April 2022.

About UNESCO

UNESCO's mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect, and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO's mission and activities.

Media Contact: Clare O'Hagan, UNESCO Press Service, [email protected] [phone]

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group, Inc. companies power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. The Expedia Group family of brands includes: Expedia®, Hotels.com®, Expedia® Partner Solutions, Vrbo®, trivago®, Orbitz®, Travelocity®, Hotwire®, Wotif®, ebookers®, CheapTickets®, Expedia Group™ Media Solutions, Expedia Local Expert®, CarRentals.com™, and Expedia Cruises™.

For more information, visit www.expediagroup.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

© 2022 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. CST: 2029030-50

About Despegar

Despegar is the leading online travel company in Latin America. With over two decades of business experience and operating in 20 countries in the region, Despegar accompanies Latin American travelers from the moment they dream of taking a trip until they share their memories of that trip. Thanks to the strong commitment to technological development and customer service, Despegar offers a customized experience to more than 18 million customers. Despegar's websites and leading mobile apps, offer products from over 270 airlines, more than 690,000 accommodation options, as well as more than 1,260 car rental agencies and approximately 200 destination services suppliers with more than 7,500 activities throughout Latin America. The Company owns and operates two well-recognized brands, Despegar, its global brand, and Decolar, its Brazilian brand. Despegar is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DESP). For more information, please visit www.despegar.com.

Media Contact: Josefina Schaer, Corporate Affairs Senior Manager, [email protected]

¹ Expedia Group Media Solutions, Sustainable Travel Study, April 2022.