Amid ongoing industry noise, TTG was blown away by the exceptional quality of applications submitted for the 2026 TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme. It’s clear that sustainable travel is far more than a passing trend – it’s a subject travel agents are deeply passionate about, and want to expand their knowledge on, in order to better inform clients and drive meaningful change.
The judges – comprising of TTG members and programme partners – carefully reviewed the entries to select this year’s 20 Sustainable Travel Ambassadors in Training. These individuals will take part in a series of expert-led workshops and themed fam trips, before graduating later this year as fully fledged Sustainable Travel Ambassadors.
Without further ado, meet the TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors in Training for 2026.
Zoe Pope, Everything But Ordinary Travel (EBO Travel Ltd)
“I'm hoping that by becoming one of TTG's Sustainable Travel Ambassadors, I will have the opportunity to deepen my understanding of responsible tourism and its long-term impact. It will help me to make more informed, ethical choices within the travel industry, whilst also helping me to inspire my clients to do the same. Ultimately, I aim to play a more active role in shaping a future where travel is not only enjoyable, but also mindful and sustainable.”
Jessica Gardener, L&K Travel
“For me, taking part in the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes training programme means a great deal. It shows my commitment to making travel more responsible, impactful, and future-focused. It’s an opportunity to gain an understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions within the industry. I hope to build confidence in communicating sustainable choices to clients, and contribute to meaningful change. Overall, I want to help shape travel experiences that not only inspire people but also protect destinations and support local communities for years to come.”
Claire Masse, Frangipani Holidays
“Being selected for the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes training programme feels both exciting and very meaningful to me as a luxury family travel designer.
“As a parent, I want my children to explore the world with curiosity and respect, and I believe travel helps create that connection. I strongly believe that responsible travel should enhance, not compromise, quality or experience. Through this programme, I hope to deepen my knowledge and confidently recommend hotels and experiences that support local communities and protect the destinations families love to return to, while still delivering exceptional, high-quality family holidays.”
Emma Norman, Club Voyages
“Being part of the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme honestly means so much to me and I’m incredibly excited to be involved. Sustainable travel is something I’m really passionate about, so having the opportunity to learn more and connect with like-minded people is amazing. I’m really looking forward to building my confidence, gaining practical insights and bringing new ideas back into my day-to-day role. I’d love to come away from the programme feeling inspired, motivated and ready to actively champion more responsible travel in a way that feels authentic to my clients.
Gemma Parker, Travel Counsellors
“I'm so excited to be part of the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes Training Programme which is s a natural build on the work around inclusion that I have previously been involved in. More importantly, many of my clients want to travel in a more sustainable way and I am looking forward to joining other like-minded agents to learn about maximising the positive impacts of travel and reducing negative impacts so I can share this knowledge and help them to do just that.”
Helen Noden, Ocky White Travel
“I started my career in travel 26 years ago, and back then sustainability was hardly mentioned or thought about. I wanted to be part of the 2026 Sustainable Travel Heroes programme because as an office we are already encouraging our clients to be more aware of how they can make a positive impact while on holiday. Whether this is choosing an operator, hotel brand or itinerary that promotes sustainable travel. To advise them that the choices made while on holiday can have an impact. This can mean anything from supporting local communities, eating in local restaurants and buying local goods.
“I hope to expand my own knowledge, and grow my understanding of sustainable travel and how I can make a positive impact and promote sustainability with my clients and colleagues.”
Lindsey Delaney-Taylor, Lindsey and Karl Not Just Travel
“Being part of the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme is exciting because it combines what I love about travel with the chance to make it meaningful. I want to help clients experience authentic, unique destinations full of culture and history, alongside like-minded travellers, while offering trips that are responsible and sustainable, supporting local communities, protecting the environment, and promoting mindful travel. I want to create memorable experiences that last forever, while gaining practical tools and insights to show that sustainable travel can be thoughtful, adventurous and rewarding for both clients and the communities they explore.”
Adriana Patchton, Perfect Destinations Not Just Travel
“Joining the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme is a natural extension of my personal values. As a scuba diver, I have seen first-hand the fragility of our oceans, which fuels my commitment to animal welfare and a vegetarian lifestyle. For me, this isn’t just a training course; it’s an essential opportunity to align my professional career with my passion for protecting the planet.
“I want to learn how to tell the difference between what is truly sustainable and what isn't, so I can find the best ethical options for my clients. My goal is to become an expert who helps people explore the world without harming the animals and environments that make it so special.”
James Lewis, VetSetters
“It's so important to me that VetSetters contributes meaningfully to the protection of the world that we love to explore so much. As a TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador in Training, my aim is to advocate for the development of sustainable travel to the point where sustainable and ethical travel is the default.
“The knowledge, contacts and awareness I'll gain from this programme is the crucial first step towards this aim.”
Laura Sigsworth, Travel Counsellors
“I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen to join the programme! It's such an amazing opportunity to deepen my understanding of responsible tourism and turn that knowledge into practical actions within my business.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with other like-minded agents and suppliers and seeing sustainability in action through fam trips. My goal is to build confidence in guiding clients towards better choices, without compromising on their experience, and to show that thoughtful decisions can have a positive impact, both on their trips and the places that they visit. Ultimately, I hope to play a part in shaping a travel industry that is smarter, fairer, and more conscious.”
Natasha Southerland, Premier Travel Fakenham
“I am really thrilled to take part in this year’s TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes training programme because I’m passionate about making responsible travel more of a focused part of our everyday travel. This programme should give myself and the team the opportunity to gain great knowledge from the experts, work with like-minded individuals, and develop skills that I can apply in my role.
“I want to increase my understanding of sustainability and learn how we can all make a positive change no matter how small. I’m particularly eager to explore how small actions can create meaningful differences for the local communities we visit, keep the destinations we all love protected and ensure customers make amazing and authentic memories while they travel.”
Miranda Seymour, Travel Counsellors
“When I launched my travel business two and a half years ago, I knew sustainability would be at the core of everything I do. Being selected as one of this year’s TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes is something I’m truly thrilled about – it’s an incredible opportunity to deepen my knowledge, sharpen how I talk to clients about sustainability, and build relationships with suppliers who share my values. I want to come away with the tools and confidence to grow a responsible travel business I’m genuinely proud of.”
Kelly Baldwin, Aspire Travel
“Being part of the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme is a really important step for me, both personally and professionally. Travel has the power to inspire, connect and create lifelong memories, but it also comes with responsibility. I want to deepen my understanding of sustainable practices and ensure I’m guiding our clients in a more conscious, informed way.
“My goal is to embed sustainability into everyday conversations, making it accessible rather than overwhelming, and to support our business in making more responsible choices. I want to help shape travel experiences that are not only unforgettable, but also more mindful of the world we explore.”
David Hugo, Wayfarers World Travel (part of Mann Link Travel Limited)
“I'm thrilled to have been chosen as one of TTG's Sustainable Travel Ambassadors for 2026. In recent years there has been increasing interest from within the travel industry and from customers in sustainable travel, and terms such as 'overtourism' and 'greenwashing' have become commonplace. As someone who makes a living from selling travel, I'm keen to learn more about how travel professionals can address some of the negative impacts of travel, and enhance the positive impacts, delivering benefits not just for consumers but also for the communities in the many destinations we sell, and for Planet Earth. I'm looking forward to learning more about how travel suppliers are tackling this important subject, and to exchanging ideas with the other Sustainable Travel Heroes – and then sharing this knowledge with colleagues and customers.”
Kelly Cheesman, Beverley Travel
“Being selected for the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme genuinely means a lot. Sustainability is something I know is becoming more and more important in conversations, and I want to feel confident leading those conversations in the right way. For me, it’s about turning good intentions into practical action, both within our own business and across the wider network of travel partners we support. I’m hoping to come away with clearer direction, simple ways to make a real impact, and the confidence to help others do the same too.”
Kelly Forbes, A'ARU Collective
“I’ve worked in travel for over 25 years, and over time my perspective has shifted. Social media often drives a fast-fashion approach to travel, but we have an opportunity to inspire more meaningful experiences beyond aesthetics. Covid reminded us to value what’s local, something worth continuing globally by supporting communities, growing, and repurposing. I’m passionate about connecting with like-minded industry peers to drive positive change and amplify our collective voice, and I look forward to learning, collaborating, and leaving feeling inspired.”
Claire Spicer, Travel Counsellors
“I want to be part of the solution, not the problem. Through the TTG sustainable Travel Heroes training I hope to gain the skills and knowledge to help me with how to do that, through practical action for my clients and business. I want to be confident to design more responsible itineraries, champion suppliers with strong sustainability credentials and communicate these benefits in a positive, inspiring way. I want to help clients travel better and protect the places we all love.”
Donna Minett, Travel Counsellors
“I’m truly excited to be invited to join the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes training programme. While I already have some understanding of sustainable travel, I'm eager to deepen my knowledge and continue learning. It’s a privilege to explore so many incredible destinations around the world, and as a travel agent, I feel a strong responsibility to guide my clients toward making more sustainable choices. By helping them travel more consciously, I hope to contribute to protecting our environment and ensuring these amazing places can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Sarah Meadowcroft, Global Travel & Cruise
“Being part of the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes training programme is an opportunity to turn my passion for responsible travel into even more meaningful impact. Sustainability already underpins how I sell and communicate travel, particularly through my experience in polar regions, but I know there is far more to learn across global destinations and ecosystems. I want this programme to deepen my knowledge, challenge my thinking, and provide practical tools to influence and educate both my team and our clients more effectively. I want to drive more responsible travel choices, support ethical partners and ensure sustainability becomes a natural, essential part of every journey that the industry as a whole creates.”
Serena Edwards, Auria Travel
"Taking part in the TTG Sustainable Heroes training programme feels like a natural next step for me and my business. Creating customer journeys is such a privilege, and I want to make sure I’m designing trips that are not only memorable, but also thoughtful, carefully curated, responsible and respectful of the places my clients visit.
"I’m looking forward to building my knowledge, working with the right partners, and making more conscious choices, while maintaining the level of quality, detail and care that my clients expect from me."
For more information on selling sustainable travel, or more information on the programme, visit the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes homepage