BCD Travel raises over US$150,000 for A21 to help end human trafficking

 

UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS – Global travel management company BCD Travel has announced that it raised over US$150,000 for A21, a nonprofit organization working to end human trafficking, through its “BCD Runs for Freedom” initiative. Nearly 100 BCD colleagues, including CEO Stephan Baars, took part in the TUI Palma Marathon on October 19, combining physical endurance with a humanitarian purpose.

The event represents BCD’s largest fundraising campaign to date, bringing together employees, clients, and partners from across the travel sector to raise awareness and funds in the fight against modern slavery.

Industry partners support global cause

Corporate supporters contributing to the fundraising total included Lufthansa Group, British Airways/Iberia, Oversee, Amadeus, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, American Airlines, WNS Global Services, MariApps, Sabre, Turkish Airlines, UBS, and the John & Marine van Vlissingen Foundation.

Participants raised funds through sponsorships, internal campaigns, and personal donations, all directed to A21, which provides prevention programs, victim support, and advocacy initiatives in over 30 countries.

Stephan Baars, CEO of BCD Travel, highlighted the importance of using corporate influence to create positive change: “Modern slavery affects over 50 million people worldwide, including 12 million children. At BCD, we believe in using our influence to drive real change. Running this marathon was more than a personal challenge – it was a statement of solidarity and hope. I’m deeply grateful to our partners and colleagues who made this possible.”

The TUI Palma Marathon, organized annually by tourism company TUI, attracts thousands of athletes from around the world. This year’s event featured BCD participants across the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K categories, all running under the banner of freedom and awareness.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of BCD’s largest fundraising campaign to date,” said Lutz Nauert, Senior Vice President, Global Client Team at BCD. “This achievement was only possible thanks to the dedication of our runners and the many colleagues behind the scenes who gave their time, and helped build broader awareness around A21’s mission. I’m already excited to share that preparations for the next run are underway.”

“We’re incredibly thankful for BCD’s unwavering commitment,” said Nick Caine, CEO at A21. “Their efforts not only raise vital funds but also amplify our message: that together, we can end human trafficking.”

A growing movement within the travel industry

For travel and hospitality professionals, BCD’s initiative demonstrates how corporate social responsibility can extend beyond sustainability to include social impact and human rights advocacy. As global travel companies increasingly align with ethical and humanitarian causes, initiatives like “BCD Runs for Freedom” set an example of how the industry can mobilize its global reach to support communities and drive awareness around critical global challenges.

Tags: Stephan Baars, BCD Travel