Dave Hugo, Wayfarers World Travel (part of Mann Link Travel Limited)

“I've always been concerned about the impact of travel on destinations and their communities,as well as on the planet. I was keen to enrol in the TTG programme to learn more, and to encourage me to do more. My home island of Guernsey is itself a popular holiday destination.

The programme has been a great help, educating me not only in the environmental aspects in which I had originally been most interested, but also other considerations such as animal welfare. It's great to become part of a wider community of Sustainable Travel Ambassadors who willingly share their knowledge.

The Ambassadors programme has undoubtedly made me think more carefully when planning my own travel, and will shape how I approach customers' travel requests. I'm very much looking forward to putting what I have learnt and experienced since April into practice and to sharing this with customers.” 

Gemma Parker, Travel Counsellors

“My professional background in diversity and inclusion was a big driver towards my interest in sustainable travel. However, new into the travel industry, I wasn't confident that I knew what to look for and focus on from a sustainability perspective when planning holidays and trips for clients. I have gained detailed insight and confidence by being part of the TTG sustainability programme and taking part has inspired and strengthened my commitment to weave sustainability into every holiday I plan for clients.

The programme has reinforced my belief in the positive impact of travel, and I have learnt more about what this means in practice both for clients and local communities. I feel much more confident talking to clients about more sustainable aspects of their trip in a way that's engaging and a normal part of trip-planning. 

Lindsey Delaney-Taylor, Lindsey and Karl Not Just Travel

“I applied to TTG’s Sustainable Travel Ambassadors programme because hiking, immersive travel and really getting under the skin of a destination are already a big part of how we travel ourselves. I wanted to understand the sustainability side more deeply, so I could share that knowledge, along with our own experiences, with our clients.

The programme has helped me understand the wider impact of our travel choices, from how we get there and who we book with, to the experiences we choose and the positive impact travel can have on local communities. It’s also reinforced something we already believe, that travelling more responsibly doesn’t mean having a lesser holiday. Often, it can mean having a richer and more meaningful one.

Miranda Seymour, Travel Counsellors

“I believe travel can be a force for good – for the people who call a place home, its wildlife and its environment. My clients expect luxury, and the places that look after all three tend to look after their guests best.

I applied to the TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors programme because I wanted people, planet and purpose at the very heart of my business, and my recommendations to be based on more than claims in a brochure. It’s been hugely inspiring, and the training invaluable, teaching me the right questions to ask suppliers, how to spot greenwashing and how to market sustainability with confidence. Seeing a blue carbon project on our fam trip to Andalucia was a highlight, and it's been a joy to learn alongside such passionate advisors and suppliers!

Next, I want to champion those doing it well, and create the moments my clients remember most, from an evening round the fire with rangers to snorkelling a coral nursery with the marine biologist who tends it. Responsible travel isn't a compromise on luxury - it's what turns a good holiday into an extraordinary one. I'm proud to carry that forward as an ambassador.” 

Claire Spicer, Travel Counsellors

“I applied to TTG’s Sustainable Travel Ambassadors programme because I wanted to move beyond good intentions and really understand how to build more responsible, lower‑impact holidays into what I do every day. When I am building trips now I want to advise clients about animal welfare, carbon, supporting local communities and avoiding overtourism, and I wanted to be able to answer questions confidently and guide them towards better choices rather than just greener‑sounding marketing.

My aspiration now is to weave the practical tools I have learnt from the programme into every trip I design: from suggesting slower, more meaningful itineraries and ethical experiences, to spotlighting local businesses and measuring my own progress. I want sustainability to feel like a natural, positive part of every conversation.” 

Emma Norman, ROAM

“I applied for the TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors programme because sustainability is something I genuinely care about, but I wanted to deepen my knowledge and feel more confident making it a meaningful part of what we do at ROAM.

The programme has really broadened my understanding of responsible travel. It’s about so much more than carbon; it’s about supporting local communities, inclusivity, protecting the places we visit and being thoughtful about how, where and with whom we travel. The Intrepid and Eurostar fam brought so much of that learning to life.

Most importantly, I’m already putting it into practice. I’m having more conversations with clients about how they travel and creating more thoughtful holidays, incorporating rail where it works and carefully considering the hotels, experiences and suppliers we recommend. I want to keep building on this and show our clients that travelling more responsibly doesn’t mean compromising on an amazing holiday; often, it can make the experience even more meaningful.”

Natasha Southerland, Premier Travel

"The journey has been an eye-opener. I uncovered just how vast and multifaceted sustainability in travel truly is, I gained a far deeper appreciation for details I hadn't previously considered. From eco-conscious suppliers to community impact, the programme equipped me with practical and inspiring ideas.

Looking ahead, I strive to be a trusted guide for travellers wanting to make a difference, helping them navigate small, actionable steps toward better travel that gives back. I want to be able to offer authentic travel experiences that respect local cultures, protect destinations and wildlife, and prove that thoughtful travel can be both accessible and deeply rewarding for everyone.”

Laura Sigsworth, Travel Counsellors

“I applied to TTG’s Sustainable Travel Ambassadors programme because this is very much the direction I want to take my business, but I felt I needed more confidence to promote sustainable options and to have those conversations meaningfully with clients. I wanted to deepen my understanding, make sure I was aligned with best practice rather than greenwashing, and feel better equipped to turn my intentions into something tangible in my day‑to‑day work. 

The programme has absolutely given me that. I now feel much more confident talking to clients about what sustainable travel really means in practice, how it can enhance rather than limit their holiday experience, and how to make more responsible choices without losing sight of quality or enjoyment. Learning from others, and having a like-minded group of people working towards a common goal, was so valuable.

Kelly Baldwin, Aspire Travel

"The programme has given me a much broader understanding of carbon, responsible tourism, animal welfare, sustainable suppliers and the importance of communicating about sustainability honestly and avoiding greenwashing. I’ve particularly valued hearing from different experts and travel businesses and being able to look at these subjects from both a supplier and customer perspective.

My biggest aspiration now is to take that learning back into Aspire Travel and make it part of everyday conversations, recommendations and our own marketing. I want our team to feel confident discussing sustainable choices with customers, identifying genuinely responsible suppliers and experiences, and helping clients make choices that create a positive impact without compromising the quality of their holiday.”

Zoe Pope, EBO Travel

“I applied to be a part of this year's TTG's Sustainable Travel Ambassadors Programme to learn more about responsible and sustainable travel, after looking to move abroad myself, and learning about how many areas away from the busier tourist hotspots had become almost derelict after younger generations had left family homes and businesses to work in the tourist areas, and seeing how this had impacted local communities and businesses. 

Learning about how we can promote responsible travel, which helps local communities, land, and wildlife, has been invaluable to me, and I will continue to put this into practice when choosing which suppliers I use and promote on our website and social media, and I will consider this when selling holidays to my customers in future. 

I feel more confident when it comes to promoting more responsible travel, and I hope to be able to educate my friends, family and customers, too.” 

Claire Masse, Frangipani Holidays

"As a travel advisor specialising in family holidays, I feel we have an important role to play in helping clients make more responsible choices without compromising on the experience they want.

The programme has given me a much broader understanding of sustainable travel and, importantly, practical ideas I can actually implement. It has encouraged me to look more closely at the partners I work with, the experiences I recommend and how I communicate sustainability to my clients.

My aim now is to embed this into Frangipani Holidays: highlighting responsible options within every itinerary, showcasing hotels and suppliers doing genuinely positive work, and using my website and social channels to inspire families to travel more thoughtfully. Small choices across many holidays can collectively make a real difference."

Jessica Gardener, L&K Travel

"Travel is such a special industry to be part of – it gives people unforgettable experiences, connects cultures and opens our eyes to the world. I also believe we all have a responsibility to protect the places and communities that make travel so special.

Being part of this programme has honestly made an incredible impact on me. I went into it wanting to learn more, but I’ve come away with so much more than I expected. It has opened my eyes, challenged the way I think and made me look at sustainability not just as something we should be talking about, but something we can all actively make a difference to.

One of the biggest things I’ve taken away is that positive change doesn’t always have to start with huge actions. Small, thoughtful changes, when we all make them, can have a real impact. If every person took one small action, it would make an unbelievable difference.

I feel genuinely proud to be a Sustainable Travel Ambassador, and I don’t want what I’ve learned to end with the programme. I want to take it forward, share what I’ve learned, start conversations and inspire others to make more conscious and responsible choices from family and friends to our clients.

James Lewis, VetSetters

"I applied to the programme as I wanted to progress from being an 'enthusiastic amateur' to having a stronger understanding of industry best-practices for sustainable travel, as well as having the credibility that comes with completing a course like this. 

The programme definitely delivered on this. I have a broad, foundational understanding of the components of sustainable travel and how to better promote responsible travel to my clients. Going forward, I plan to not only directly promote sustainable travel across my business marketing, but also to drive progress within the travel industry, particularly relating to animal welfare."

Sarah Meadowcroft, Global Travel & Cruise

"As someone who specialises in luxury, bespoke and experiential travel, including expedition cruising, I believe it is important to look beyond the holiday itself and consider the impact tourism has on the environment, wildlife and local communities. 

The TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme has broadened my knowledge, challenged my thinking and given me greater insight into the work being undertaken by organisations such as Intrepid and Iberostar. I have particularly valued learning more about community-based tourism, animal welfare and the importance of making informed, responsible supplier choices. 

My priority now is to put this learning into practice across our stores. I have already delivered training to our teams to raise awareness and encourage more informed conversations with clients, with the longer-term aim of embedding responsible travel into our everyday recommendations and business practices."

Serena Edwards, Auria Travel

"I applied to TTG’s Sustainable Travel Ambassadors programme because, as someone new to the travel industry, I wanted to make responsible choices part of my everyday work. I have always cared about protecting wildlife, supporting local communities and preserving the places we visit, but wanted practical knowledge to help both my clients and me make informed decisions.

The programme has broadened my understanding of suppliers’ work and the questions I should ask. It has helped me talk about sustainability in a natural, informed way, showing that responsible travel can still offer comfort, quality and wonderful experiences.

My aim is to put this learning into practice by researching the suppliers I recommend, considering their environmental and community impact, and sharing these stories with clients. I want to encourage thoughtful choices, avoid experiences that harm animals and continue learning, so that responsible travel becomes a natural part of the holidays I design."

Kelly Cheeseman, Beverley Travel 

"I joined the programme because I wanted to know more about responsible travel and how we could put it into practice at Beverley Travel Group. We work with lots of suppliers, but I wanted to understand what they’re doing and which questions we should be asking.

My role is mainly marketing and leadership, so for me it’s about taking that learning back to our team. The examples have been particularly useful, including the Black Mambas in South Africa. They give us something specific to talk about with customers, rather than simply describing a holiday as ‘sustainable’.

I now want to build this into our training and marketing, with a supplier guide, practical customer

tips and examples colleagues can use when recommending holidays. We have six stores and a growing network of Travel Partners, so there’s plenty of opportunity to share what I’ve learnt and help customers make informed choices."

Donna Minett, Saville Row Travel

I joined the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme as I wanted to help my clients understand a more ethical way of travelling. It’s such a privilege to be able to travel and see the world – I believe we should be doing it in a way that has a positive impact on the communities and environments we visit.

The programme has been fantastic – I have made some fabulous, like-minded new friends and colleagues who will help take my learning into the future.

It has made me much more mindful about my own trips too. I’ve become really excited about finding other more sustainable ways to travel to destinations such as taking the train instead of plane when possible and using public transport when away. There are so many small ways in which we can start to make a positive impact!

Kelly Forbes, A'ARU Collective

I applied to TTG’s Sustainable Travel Ambassadors programme because, having built A’ARU Collective around sustainability from the outset, I wanted to connect with others who share the same passion for making travel a force for good. Building a business in this space can sometimes feel quite isolating, so the opportunity to find my people within the industry was a real draw.

The programme has given me the chance to share ideas, hear different perspectives and build connections with people who are approaching sustainable travel in different ways. It has reinforced the importance of collaboration if we are to make meaningful progress as an industry.

I want to put this into action by continuing to challenge the status quo, sharing what I learn and helping make sustainability more tangible for both travellers and the travel trade. Through A’ARU, I want to demonstrate that responsible travel and exceptional luxury go hand in hand and that the hotels investing in meaningful change are setting the standard for the future of luxury travel. I’d also love to continue contributing to TTG’s conversations around sustainability, bringing the perspective of a business that has been built around it from day one.

Adriana Patchton, Perfect Destinations Not Just Travel

Jill Seymour, Travel Counsellors

“I genuinely believe travel can and should be a force for good, and I want the holidays I create to support local communities, animals and protect fragile environments but still feel really special for my customers.

After taking part in the extended programme I’ve gained a lot of confidence: I feel better equipped to ask the right questions, to challenge suppliers when something does not feel quite right, and to recognise which certifications and claims are actually meaningful. 

Looking ahead, I am really focused on putting this into practice day to day: highlighting lower impact itineraries, championing local partners and being honest with clients about their options so that making better choices feels easy and inspiring.” 

Scarlett MacGregor, Travel Counsellors

“I applied to TTG's Sustainable Travel Ambassadors programme because I wanted to move sustainability from being a "nice extra" to becoming a core part of how I run my business. 

The extended programme has challenged me to look honestly at my bookings, supplier choices and client conversations. Through the homework tasks, I've gained practical tools, greater confidence and a much clearer understanding of what responsible travel looks like beyond marketing messages.

Moving forward, I want to increase the proportion of trips I sell with strong sustainability credentials and make it easier for clients to choose options that align with their values, without losing sight of the excitement, enjoyment, and transformative power of travel.”

Andreea Spasova, Travel Counsellors

"As a Travel Counsellor, I believe we have a responsibility to help our clients make informed choices that benefit not only them, but also the destinations and communities they visit – which is why I applied to the programme.

The extended programme has broadened my perspective on what sustainable travel really means – it goes beyond environmental considerations to include supporting local businesses, respecting cultures, protecting natural environments, and creating positive, lasting benefits for local communities. 

My aspiration is to bring sustainability into more of my everyday conversations with clients, making responsible choices a natural part of creating personalised holidays. I want to show that travelling thoughtfully does not mean compromising on quality or memorable experiences."