How you can easily create a sustainable travel itinerary

Joanna Reeve, head of business development, Intrepid 

Clients may not ask for a sustainable trip, but they expect it. Inform them sustainable travel will impact their trip positively – they’ll see a more authentic side of a destination, give back to communities and have a lower carbon footprint. In Morocco, most of our top suppliers are locally owned, meaning tourism dollars go back into the local economy.

Look to see if a partner has climate initiatives, animal welfare policies and responsible business practices. Asking if they have an independent certification, like B Corp, is also a good signal that they’re working to have a positive impact on people and the planet. 

Working with a small-group adventure operator like Intrepid provides you with a ready-made itinerary that has a positive impact. It gives clients peace of mind that every part of their holiday is taken care of when it comes to sustainability. 

ACCOMMODATION

Aishling McLoughlin, business development director at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts 

If possible, work with suppliers who have official certification for their sustainable efforts and achievements – Iberostar resorts are certified by EarthCheck. This will assure your recommendations are genuine sustainable options. 

Tell customers how they will see sustainability in action during their holiday. At Iberostar Bavaro Resort in the Dominican Republic guests can visit our Coral Lab to find out about the scientific work they are undertaking to protect the coral reefs in the Caribbean, and visit the apiary to find out more about the beehives we’re nurturing. Ask suppliers for information on their programmes to showcase how clients can enjoy a sustainable experience. 

EXPEDITIONS

Mark Walter, head of UK sales at Hurtigruten Group 

Look for operators that have made steps to make their expedition fleet more sustainable. Two of our ships (Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen) sailing in Antarctica are hybrid-powered. These state-of-the-art vessels feature new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that reduce fuel consumption. 

It allows us to quietly sail through Antarctica, and not disturb the wildlife. Check whether the expeditions give guests the chance to give back to the places they’re visiting, such as beach cleans in port or Citizen Science programmes. 

Check that the travel operators are using local suppliers for excursions and ask where they are sourcing food and beverages. Sourcing locally maximises the positive impact companies have in the local communities, as well as removing the need to transport from other countries, thus reducing emissions. 

TOURING