The resource, How to be a champion of change: An agent’s guide to understanding sustainable travel, features factual information on a range of sustainability topics, as well as product case studies and a glossary. It also seeks to bust myths and jargon, and address common sustainability misconceptions.
The adventure specialist said it hoped the handbook would serve as a practical resource agents can use to build or refresh their knowledge, while becoming more confident selling more sustainable product.
Dr Susanne Etti, Intrepid’s global environmental impact manager, who wrote the handbook, said it was inspired by feedback from agents about a lack of resources "breaking down what sustainable travel actually is" and "to empower them to then explain this to their customers".
It is the latest addition to Intrepid’s range of open source sustainability guides, which includes publications on how to implement carbon labelling and calculate trip emissions. "We want to share our insights and educate our industry," said Dr Etti. "There’s no competitive advantage when it comes to sustainability."
Tips cover encouraging clients to use of public transport in-destination and helping them steer clear of overtouristed hotspots, while there is guidance on spotting false sustainability claims and greenwashing, and how to be "a champion of change".
Agent case studies include insight from founder and chief executive of London-based agency Travel Matters Karen Simmonds, who was named the Intrepid Sustainable Travel Champion of the Year at the 2023 Travel Industry Awards by TTG, and Australian agent Holly Velardo of HollyDay Travel.
Destination case studies, meanwhile, span Albania, Vietnam, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Italy.
The handbook is also punctuated with myth-busting tips and immediate action agents can enact to take their first steps, with the handbook stating six in 10 adults are more likely to book with companies that are “transparent about sustainability and carbon reduction efforts”.
"Agents truly have the power to influence their clients’ choices, and we want to help them be the best they can be and to make a difference," added Dr Etti.
