MONTREAL, June 3, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Transat A.T. Inc. ranks in the latest annual report of the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada, published by the research firm Corporate Knights. This prestigious ranking recognizes organizations that stand out for their corporate responsibility. For a second consecutive year, Transat is the only travel company among the winners.

"Being part of the very select club of major Canadian companies recognized for their sustainable practices is of course an honour," said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. "I definitely want to share this honour with all of our employees and partners who play a key role in the success of our sustainable development initiatives. Our teams are working very hard to ensure that the organization becomes a model of responsibility in the travel business. This objective is central to our vision of promoting the development of a more responsible tourism industry."

In 2007, Transat reinforced its commitment to corporate responsibility by ensuring its approach encompasses human rights, including children's rights, protection of the environment and heritage, cultural diversity, support for host communities, service quality and transparency. As part of its sustainable tourism policy, the organization has implemented various programs to improve its environmental performance and strengthen its commitment to the community in origin and destination countries.

Among other initiatives, tour operators on both sides of the Atlantic are continuing to work with tourism providers to offer responsible products and educate customers about sustainable tourism. In the air sector, Air Transat is increasing initiatives as part of its environmental management system, including seeking among others to optimize waste management and enhance the energy efficiency of its aircraft fleet and its buildings.

In 2015, Transat joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the world reference in sustainable development in tourism. Since 2011, the company has reported on its ongoing actions on its website resp.transat.com.

Published for the 14th consecutive year, the Corporate Knights "Best 50" is based on 12 metrics that measure companies' governance and social and environmental performance.

About Transat

Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries and that distributes products in over 50 countries. A holiday travel specialist, Transat operates mainly in Canada and Europe, as well as in the Caribbean, Mexico and the Mediterranean Basin. Montreal-based Transat is also active in air transportation, destination services, accommodation and distribution. Transat's firm commitment to sustainable tourism development is reflected in its multiple corporate responsibility initiatives (TSX: TRZ.B; TRZ.A).

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.