Agent Dan Hyams, one of TTG's Sustainable Travel Ambassadors for 2025, will host Authentic Adventures: The Meaningful Travel Showcase on 26 April.

The free afternoon event, held at The Wellbeing Farm in Edgworth, will bring together a range of travel suppliers offering "immersive and responsible experiences", alongside short destination talks and informal networking with tour operators.

"I've worked with the venue in the past, as they do weddings," said Hyams. "They're a B Corp, too, which obviously resonates with me."

Hyams explained the idea was sparked by his time as an ambassador – and a desire to engage clients with sustainability face-to-face.

"Posting on social media about travelling better only goes so far," he said. "I’m much better at speaking to people directly, and it’s a much more engaging way of sharing ideas.

"What always sticks with you is listening to destination reps and suppliers talk about the initiatives they’re putting in place. Those stories, and their passion, are what really make a difference."

'It's not about standing on a soapbox'

Suppliers and operators attending the event are expected to include Abercrombie & Kent, Explore Worldwide, Inside Travel Group, Inntravel and Star Clippers, alongside easyJet holidays.

Visitors will be able to attend a series of 15-minute "discovery sessions" hosted by suppliers covering destinations and travel styles, ranging from European walking holidays to cultural experiences in Asia.

Hyams said the event aims to show travellers the benefits of choosing more meaningful travel experiences.

"It’s not about standing on a soapbox and preaching," he explained. "It’s about showing people what they can gain by travelling in a more responsible way and the experiences that come with it."

(Credit: Inside Travel Group)

Hyams, who leads a sustainability-focused affinity group within Travel Counsellors, said agents and suppliers have a responsibility to guide clients towards better choices.

"Clients don’t always ask for responsible travel, but they come to agents for expertise," he said. "If we’re recommending the wrong experiences, they’ll assume that’s normal. For example, I once saw a pretty big tour operator post a photo of a client holding up a starfish.

"We’re the ones suggesting destinations and experiences, so we have a responsibility to highlight the right ones."

'The world is bigger than a fly-and-flop'

The event will run as a relaxed, drop-in showcase from midday to 4pm, with supplier stands, short talks and travel consultations throughout the afternoon.

A "makers market" featuring Bolton-based artisans will also run alongside the showcase, while a raffle will raise funds for The Travel Foundation and Bolton Community Kitchen.

Hyams said the aim is for visitors to leave feeling inspired to explore destinations beyond the traditional beach breaks.

"I want people to realise the world is much bigger than the fly-and-flop," he said. "These experiences, where you're preparing and eating dinner at someone's home in Spain, or visiting a Guatemelan village in the mountains, aren’t always as expensive as people think.

"If people come away inspired and a little more informed about how they can travel better, that’s a success."