Inside Travel Group has achieved B Corp certification – reaching a threshold that recognises ethical businesses which “combine profit with purpose”.

The parent company of InsideJapan Tours and InsideAsia Tours said the certification followed a “rigorous process” in which the group produced evidence of its socially and environmentally responsible practices.

Inside Travel Group passed the 80-point threshold required by certification body B Lab, with a final score of 80.3.

Co-founder Simon King (pictured) said: “This is a great day for Inside Travel Group. The full process has taken us almost two years to complete, but it is only the start of a longer journey of being a better business for our suppliers, customers, partners, and staff, as well as the communities and environment we work in.

“As a long-haul tour operator, we can’t and won’t shy away from the climate impact that travel has.

“We believe that travel can be a force for good, and our B Corp certification will set us on a path of continual improvement which ultimately will be better for our destinations and all whom we work with.”

Rob Moran, global sustainability manager, added: “With our international offices, staff, and partners across the globe, the certification process has been a complex one, but it really is testament to the company’s commitment to being a better business which should also offer all our trade partners the reassurance that they are working with a great travel company.”

There are 6,800 B Corp companies in 89 countries across 159 industries – including 31 certified travel companies in the tour operator sector.

Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, welcomed Inside Travel Group to the B Corp community, saying: “This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good.”

The announcement came as the company also received its CarbonNeutral certification.