Awarded Excellence Prize and Special Prize at the 4th JATA SDGs Awards

H.I.S. Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as HIS) announced that two of its initiatives received awards at the 4th JATA SDGs Awards, hosted by the Japan Association of Travel Agents.

The JATA SDGs Awards aim to promote initiatives towards achieving the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" within the travel industry. This year, at the 4th awards ceremony, HIS received the "Excellence Prize" in the Socio-Economic sector for its "Flying Wheelchairs" project, which repairs and maintains used wheelchairs in Japan and transports them to facilities overseas that need them. Additionally, the "LeaLea Charity Run 5K," which donates to the protection and research of Hawaii's coral reefs and marine ecosystems, received the "Special Prize" in the Environmental sector.

4th JATA SDGs Awards - Award Details

Socio-Economic Sector - Excellence Prize

Recycled Wheelchairs to the World by Travelers: Sustainable Journeys Woven by the "Flying Wheelchairs" Project

https://study.his-j.com/tours/TF-SGN0005-STUDY01

Initiative Overview: This is an experiential tour where participants directly deliver and donate wheelchairs to local facilities. The project collaborates with Japanese industrial high schools to refurbish used wheelchairs from within Japan. A portion of the tour fee is donated to the disability facilities and orphanages visited. To date, 10 tours have been held to Vietnam and Nepal, donating a total of 15 wheelchairs. This summer, we plan to deliver and donate two refurbished wheelchairs each to Vietnam and Nepal.

Environmental Sector - Special Prize

Connecting Hawaii's Oceans and Future: The Fusion of Tourism and Global Environmental Conservation Through the "LeaLea Charity Run 5K" Eco-Action

https://runsignup.com/Race/HI/Honolulu/LeaLeaCharityRun5K

Initiative Overview: Started in 2011 to support reconstruction efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the event has been held since 2014 to support the local community in Hawaii and has become a locally rooted event. Beach cleanup activities are conducted after the race, and all participation fees are donated to the Waikiki Aquarium, which is dedicated to the research and conservation of Hawaii's coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

HIS believes that a society where all people can live with peace of mind and a healthy global environment are necessary by recognizing diversity and respecting human rights beyond nationality, race, culture, and religion. To realize a society of coexistence, co-prosperity, and mutual benefit, we will sincerely address social and environmental issues and aim for a future that excites the heart.