Emma Andrews, The Holiday Village
“I applied for the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme because I was interested in growing my sustainable travel business and wanted to learn and grow my own knowledge so that I could help support and educate my customers and make conscious business decisions for myself going forward. I have found the programme invaluable for giving me the knowledge, the confidence, the peer support and the partner contacts to be able to continue this journey. I hope to continue on this path, educating my clients, supporting my colleagues and being a part of a sustainable travel community where we put the planet, the destinations we are sending clients to and the longevity of the tourism industry before profit, sales targets and short-sighted business practices that could negatively impact our world.”
Adam Burgess, Travel Counsellors
“The TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme has provided a toolkit to better understand sustainable travel and a building block to have better conversations with my clients and suggest more sustainable options without jeopardizing quality or being more expensive. When I heard of the 2024 programme, I knew I had to apply and I’m very happy I’ve done so – I look forward to future initiatives I may be able to be a part of.”
Emma Butterworth, Adventures by Emma
“I first saw the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme on ttgmedia.com. I was already interested in sustainable travel, and how we can all travel more sustainably, but I hadn’t really tried to sell this specifically to my clients – I wasn’t sure where to start! The programme has helped me to really look at all aspects of lower-impact travel. From being able to identify suppliers and accommodation providers that are passionate about making real changes, to how to talk to my clients about sustainability without coming across too strong (tip – don’t use the word “sustainable” all the time!). Thanks to the training programme, I’ve been able to witness sustainability in action, and I’ve already started to put into practice some of the tips and tools we have been given to help sell more sustainable travel to our clients.”
Simon Collinge, Designer Travel by Simon Collinge
“When I first applied to join the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes training programme it was a subject I knew little about and wasn’t confident discussing with my clients. Having completed the course I am a lot more confident and open to discussing and suggesting more sustainable options to my clients, however I have realised that sustainability isn’t about reaching an end date, destination or target, it’s a constantly evolving journey, and this is just the start of that journey, which will continue long after I have finished these training sessions. I’ve already learnt more than I expected. I am sure there will be far more to come and I am excited to see where this journey takes us.”
Gareth Harding, Travelosophers by Gareth Harding
“I applied to the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme in 2024 to learn more about how the travel industry can work towards operating more sustainably and responsibly, including in-office and overseas. I wanted to better understand the goals and actions of my suppliers and how to communicate these efforts more effectively to my customers, in turn, encouraging them to consider making a positive impact whilst travelling and reducing their carbon footprint. The programme has given me so much more than this and I have really enjoyed learning more about the facts and figures that surround advertising, legal terms, community initiatives, volunteer organisations, trends and spend, and lots more! I will now aspire to weave all of my learning into the day-to-day operations of my business, offering greener choices when it comes to transport and accommodations, and to showing my customers how travelling more sustainably and responsibly can be of benefit to them – and is fun! I’ll be encouraging them to partake in projects and activities that make a positive impact as they go and learn more about their chosen destinations and the local people.”
Lourdes Huelgas, Not Just Travel
“Being part of TTG’s Sustainable Travel Heroes programme has been an extremely valuable experience personally and for my business. Back at the start of the year, when I applied, I was just at the beginning of my journey to a different way of travel, one that is fairer and better for the communities and the environment. The training programme has opened my eyes and helped me to better understand what the industry is doing well and not so well, in all aspects of sustainability. One of the most valuable learning experiences has been how to identify partners that share the same values and, like me, are committed to making a positive difference in travel. What I’ve learned during the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme has had a major impact on the way I run my business and promote travel experiences for my clients, which is with earth and community at heart.”
Lewis Jones, Not Just Travel
“I’ve always had a passion for wildlife viewing and the natural world, so sustainability has been an interest of mine for a while. When I was recommended TTG’s Sustainable Travel Heroes programme by some colleagues, I decided to take my “interest” to the next level. Through the course of the programme I’ve developed a deeper understanding about the key elements of sustainable and responsible travel. I feel more confident approaching these topics with my clients and as such I hope to inspire others to have better travel experiences. One true aspiration after this programme is to book a client onto an AE Expeditions cruise to take part in a Citizen Science programme – how cool would that be?!”
Jayne Lomax, Travel Counsellors
“I learnt about this programme from some of the 2023 TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors in Training and it felt like such a great thing to be part of. The travel industry is big, and to be able to hone in on this particular topic and learn from those in the know motivated me to apply. To understand more about something I was already personally passionate about, but from a perspective of travel and tourism, and to meet like-minded travel professionals and experience responsible tourism in action during the fam trips, are just some of the positive things this programme has given me. My increased knowledge will hopefully help me market and sell more responsible holidays, as well as help my clients make more informed choices that they are comfortable with (across destinations, styles of holiday and experiences whilst there). Or even just by giving them small tips to travel better – it all helps.”
Marietta Maidman, Travel Better with Marietta
“The TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme really has been an invaluable experience, allowing me to expand my understanding of responsible tourism. A trip to South Africa with Intrepid Travel helped me appreciate first-hand what sets them apart from other tour operators (in addition to its commitment to sustainability, community support, and leaving a positive impact at every stop). I was also lucky enough to visit Naxos with the GNTO, which opened my eyes to the innovative steps this beautiful island is taking towards a more sustainable future, from responsible tourism initiatives to preserving its cultural and natural heritage. The programme has extended my knowledge and provided additional insights that will enable me to better guide my clients toward more responsible travel choices. I’m passionate about creating enriching travel experiences that respect local environments and communities, and I’m excited to champion tourism that not only inspires but also sustains the world we explore.”
Dot Mechan, Murray Travel
“I’ve found this course to be immensely useful in helping me identify the number of factors that need to be considered when planning more responsible holidays. It’s not all about the flights, but how the accommodation operates, how staff are treated, if the trip will benefit local businesses and communities, how any animals are treated, how to spot “greenwashing”, and so much more! The course has been well organized with topics led by experts in different fields and with some challenging homework to focus our learning. It also introduced me to several other like-minded agents and suppliers from around the country (and beyond), giving me a network to discuss issues with. I was fortunate to join several of them on Intrepid’s trip to South Africa, where we could see the impact Intrepid tours have in benefitting conservation efforts and supporting local businesses in Soweto and around Kruger National Park.”
Jess Morton, Fusion Holidays
“I applied to be a part of the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme to find out more about how different countries and suppliers apply sustainability, as well as recommended suppliers. Since starting, I have learnt so much more than I thought I would, from greenwashing and carbon emissions to ethical and unethical ways to travel. I have also met some amazing people who have the same visions in making travel more responsible. From here, I am going to continue to research and pass on to customers how we can all travel better, as well as including a responsible travel guide in all my quotes and bookings. I am also going to strive to use suppliers that can provide responsible and sustainable options. I will continue to create a vision of how I would like Fusion Holidays to move forwards in a more sustainable way, and continue to educate my colleagues in this.”
Erin Neville, Trailfinders
“I applied to TTG’s Sustainable Travel Heroes programme because I thought it would be a good way to learn how to incorporate more sustainable travel practices from an early point in my career. I have gained this and much more from my participation! I have met people and created connections that will last well beyond graduating, gained insight and experience that I have been able to pass on to my clients and colleagues, and developed an appreciation for how much work is already being done in the sustainable travel field, and how I can contribute. I look forward to incorporating more sustainable and ethical travel into my clients’ itineraries and introducing more people to the excellent experiences that can be had as a result!”
Marina Schumacher Ward, Travel Counsellors
“I applied for the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes training programme because I wanted to learn more about the topic and see how I as a business owner and ‘influencer’ (of my clients at least) can make a positive change in my own and my clients’ habits and holiday selections (such as the destination and time when they want to travel, followed by suppliers). Completing the programme has given me a valuable basis to support my ongoing journey and, more importantly, provided me with insights into suppliers I never previously considered working with and connections with a network of like-minded industry professionals with who I can exchange experiences and advice. I already love selling rail and other low-impact holidays, but I now have a toolkit that allows me to more confidently diversify and hopefully attract more clients without feeling I have to drive the “S-word” home.”
Alicia Sharpe, Luxeco Holidays
“I applied to the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme to become more adept at promoting responsible travel and sustainable options to my clients. It has been wonderful meeting all our partners who are advocating for better travel, to hear more about the initiatives they put in place and to discuss best practices on how to put these into practice. A highlight was visiting an Iberostar hotel in the Dominican Republic and seeing their wonderful sustainability initiatives first-hand. It left a lasting impression, especially the coral lab. I love sharing this information with my clients on social media and in my newsletter. I will continue to search for suppliers who share the same goals and shout them out to my clients. This has really helped me become more confident in speaking about sustainability in travel and makes me feel hopeful that if we all advocate for change, the outcome will be positive.”
Emma Summers, Tribe Family Adventures
“I applied to the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme because I wanted to learn more about responsible suppliers within the travel industry and meet like-minded agents who share a passion for making travel a force for good. The workshops were full of inspirational content and highlighted that even small changes to the way we travel (and live our lives!) can make a big difference. The programme, alongside my fellow Ambassadors, has encouraged me to remain focused on trying to promote responsible and sustainable travel. We don’t need to preach… in fact just being authentic and sharing knowledge and insights allows clients to make informed, responsible travel choices. I think the programme has highlighted how important upskilling and educating travel experts in this field is. We need responsible and sustainable travel to become the default offer.”
Andy Taylor, Dawson & Sanderson
“I applied for the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme as I wanted a better understanding of sustainable travel. The knowledge and understanding I’ve taken from this programme is outstanding – the workshops are amazing, as is meeting different brands and learning what they are working towards in the near future. I can honestly say I have taken so much from this programme.”
Laura Winnery, Olive Lounge Travel
“Being part of the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme has been an incredible experience. I joined the programme new to selling travel and unsure of how to marry my personal values with a varied and exciting job role. I’ve made valuable industry contacts who share a passion for sustainability, which has opened doors to new opportunities and possibilities. The agents and suppliers I have met on the programme have been incredibly supportive – this network has not only broadened my knowledge but also inspired me to confidently promote and sell more eco-friendly holiday options. Being a TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador in Training has boosted my confidence in discussing sustainable travel with clients and helped me offer alternatives that align with their values, all while supporting responsible tourism. As a result, I’ve grown my personal client base, attracting like-minded travellers who prioritize the same environmental and ethical standards as I do. Overall, being part of this programme has been both rewarding and empowering and I am extremely proud and privileged to have been involved.”
