The association is looking for industry volunteers to take part in the “Big Holiday Beach Clean 2016” scheme taking place next month, as part of its wider initiative to raise awareness of sustainable holidaying.

According to Abta more than 40 companies have so far pledged their support for the drive - aiming to tackle pollution and littering at UK costal hotspots.

To do their bit, firms can sign up for a beach clean between now and the end of July.

In addition, volunteers can make use of the campaign’s website, www.makeholidaysgreener.org.uk, which features a range of free resources and tips on environmentally-friendly tourism as well as share stories and pictures of their work on social media using #MHG2016.

Abta has partnered together with sustainable tourism organisation, Travelife and industry charity, The Travel Foundation to promote the scheme, which managed 108 clean ups worldwide last year involving more than a thousand volunteers.

Abta’s director of destinations and sustainability, Nikki White said: “Cleaner, greener beaches are good for tourism and our industry is uniquely placed to make a difference to coastal regions and beaches globally. We are encouraging as many travel businesses as possible to sign up and support ‘Make Holidays Greener’ month and do their bit to keep beaches clean.

“We’re delighted with the response we’ve had so far but we’re really keen for more hotels and travel companies to get involved. It’s a great way to show their customers and staff that they really care about their environment. Cleaner beaches are good for wildlife, for people and for business, so it’s important that holidaymakers and the industry work together to take care of destinations and protect the marine environment.”