MONTREAL, June 7, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Transat A.T. Inc. has risen to 8th place on the annual list of the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada, established by the research firm Corporate Knights. The ranking recognizes organizations with outstanding records in social engagement, environmental management, and governance. For the third year in a row, Transat is the only tour operator to make the list.

"This year, we rank among the 10 leading Canadian organizations when it comes to sustainability. The credit for this prestigious distinction goes to all of Transat's personnel, who have been supporting the organization's efforts in this area for almost 10 years now," said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and CEO, Transat. "We also share this recognition with our tourism partners, who continue to work hard with us to deliver the kinds of responsible products that are increasingly sought after by travellers," he added.

Transat committed to a structured corporate responsibility process in 2007. Basing its actions on a sustainable tourism policy, the vertically integrated tour operator has implemented a variety of programs to improve its social and environmental track record.

In pursuing its social engagement, Transat works, among other things, to protect children around the world, through its partnerships with SOS Children's Villages and Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada. It also supports heritage preservation efforts. Moreover, the company raises customer awareness of sustainable tourism and encourages its employees to take part in community outreach activities. In 2015, Transat personnel dedicated 1,600 hours to volunteer work with local groups, and another 450 hours to international development projects through its Leave for Change program.

When it comes to environmental stewardship, Air Transat has taken several frontline actions to improve the energy efficiency of its fleet as well as its buildings. The company has continued to strengthen its fuel management program, one of the most ambitious in the industry. German NGO atmosfair has named Air Transat Most Climate-Efficient North American Net Carrier each year since 2011, cementing its place in the select club of top-performing airlines when it comes to fuel savings and greenhouse-gas reductions.

In 2015, Transat joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the world standard for sustainable tourism. In May 2016, Transat became the first tour operator in North America to earn Travelife Partner status, a key step on the way to securing full Travelife certification. This respected international standard recognizes best practices in sustainable development by tourism industry players. In addition, in its promotional materials, Transat singles out hotelier partners that have obtained certification compliant with GSTC criteria. Lastly, since 2011, the company has reported on its social and environmental performance on its corporate responsibility microsite, resp.transat.com.

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, accommodation, destination services and distribution. Transat's firm commitment to sustainable tourism development is reflected in its multiple corporate responsibility initiatives. (TSX: TRZ).

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.