Intrepid Travel creates sustainability handbook for agents to harness their 'power to influence'

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.