Get unlimited access to the latest travel industry news and analysis, comment on articles and sign up to newsletters.
Register for free
Already registered? Login here or below.
Having difficulty logging in? Try these tips, or contact support@ttgmedia.com
A sustainable travel itinerary can reap rewards for clients, local communities and the planet. TTG’s Sustainable Travel Heroes share tips on creating one.
A sustainable holiday can be a force for good, and now’s the perfect time to hone your skills in crafting an itinerary to help you secure a spot as a TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador. As the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes initiative enters its second year, we’re seeking 20 passionate agents to join workshops in 2023 and receive a host of benefits. Find out more about the scheme here.
To enter, agents just need to suggest a holiday package featuring sustainable products from our TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes partners. To get you inspired, our industry champions share their top tips:
Joanna Reeve, head of business development, Intrepid
Clients may not ask for a sustainable trip, but they expect it. Inform them sustainable travel will impact their trip positively – they’ll see a more authentic side of a destination, give back to communities and have a lower carbon footprint. In Morocco, most of our top suppliers are locally owned, meaning tourism dollars go back into the local economy.
Look to see if a partner has climate initiatives, animal welfare policies and responsible business practices. Asking if they have an independent certification, like B Corp, is also a good signal that they’re working to have a positive impact on people and the planet.
Working with a small-group adventure operator like Intrepid provides you with a ready-made itinerary that has a positive impact. It gives clients peace of mind that every part of their holiday is taken care of when it comes to sustainability.
Aishling McLoughlin, business development director at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
If possible, work with suppliers who have official certification for their sustainable efforts and achievements – Iberostar resorts are certified by EarthCheck. This will assure your recommendations are genuine sustainable options.
Tell customers how they will see sustainability in action during their holiday. At Iberostar Bavaro Resort in the Dominican Republic guests can visit our Coral Lab to find out about the scientific work they are undertaking to protect the coral reefs in the Caribbean, and visit the apiary to find out more about the beehives we’re nurturing. Ask suppliers for information on their programmes to showcase how clients can enjoy a sustainable experience.
Mark Walter, head of UK sales at Hurtigruten Group
Look for operators that have made steps to make their expedition fleet more sustainable. Two of our ships (Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen) sailing in Antarctica are hybrid-powered. These state-of-the-art vessels feature new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that reduce fuel consumption.
It allows us to quietly sail through Antarctica, and not disturb the wildlife. Check whether the expeditions give guests the chance to give back to the places they’re visiting, such as beach cleans in port or Citizen Science programmes.
Check that the travel operators are using local suppliers for excursions and ask where they are sourcing food and beverages. Sourcing locally maximises the positive impact companies have in the local communities, as well as removing the need to transport from other countries, thus reducing emissions.
Sarah Weetman, sales director at G Touring (Just You and Travelsphere)
A touring holiday is the perfect way to incorporate a sustainable travel element. Speak to operators and understand their sustainability mission and values and ask for the story that surrounds a particular project, as this helps to bring it to life and gives customers a genuine reason to visit.
Sell the benefits of community tourism to help give clients the feel-good factor that their trip away will make a positive impact on the communities they visit – almost without them even realising. For example, with Travelsphere and Just You we visit the Sthree Cafe on our Sri Lanka trips, which employs women from the local community. It helps increase their income, strengthen their financial independence, and encourages them to become economically empowered.
Sophie Nelson, travel and partnerships manager at Avis Budget Group
Use inspiring content to showcase the memorable things you can see and do with a rental car on a sustainable holiday, such as travelling to unique places and meeting local communities.
We believe the passenger vehicle eco-system is heading towards electric and hybrid vehicles. Clients can choose from a wide variety of vehicles, including hybrids, electric or fuel-efficient options, at virtually all our rental locations. All vehicles are six months old or younger, meaning we have the best low-emission vehicles possible. Plus, remember to book the right size vehicle for passengers – two people with minimal luggage don’t need a huge car.
Can you propose a sustainable holiday with the wow factor? We want to see your suggestion for a holiday package that features sustainable products from at least two of our TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes partners.
It could include greener ways to travel or visits to social enterprises or community projects. Perhaps you’ll highlight initiatives clients can experience in-destination, or an enriching way in which they can make a difference.
There’s no limit to what you can include, as your suggested package can be for any destination, any duration and any price. And remember, if you’re chosen as one of the 20 TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors, you’ll receive tailored assets to promote your new title, invites to fam trips, support to run client events, discounts for your own trips and marketing spend.
Applications close at midnight 31 March, and to help inspire you, our Heroes have supplied assets for a Selling Sustainable Travel Starter Pack containing advice, guidelines and marketing assets.
Find out how you could become a TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador here
