Top ways to help your clients make sustainable travel choices

Avoid internal flights: Williamson says customers often have better experiences using rail or buses between destinations, with operators such as Intrepid offering increasingly good rail options.

Sell economy: According to Williamson, while clients may want the “prestige” of sitting at the front of the plane, “it’s not good for the planet”, with a “massive ramp-up of emissions” compared to economy. Highlight the implications of flying in business or first class, where seats can weigh as much as three economy seats, alongside the additional weight from extra luggage, crockery, glass and the smaller crew-to-guest ratios. He adds: “It’s going to be a difficult sell for some customers, but some might think about the implications.”

Fly less: Encourage clients to use their holiday allowance for a longer getaway, such as upgrading from 10 to 14 nights. Then suggest they take their short break by rail or car. “They’re making a massive difference, but haven’t had to compromise in terms of not going on holiday. The inescapable truth is that we all need to fly less,” says Williamson.

Hire electric: Electric and hybrid cars are now available from rental companies including Avis. Look for electric safari vehicles and electric whalewatching boats, which are quieter and less likely to disturb wildlife.

Discuss public transport: It reduces CO2 and allows clients to live like a local.

ACCOMMODATION 

The vast array of hotel accreditation schemes can be a minefield for agents, and Williamson says a badge is no guarantee a property is sustainable. While they can indicate a company takes the environment seriously, most accreditation schemes don’t set minimum standards. So what schemes should agents look for?

GSTC: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council gives hotels a checklist to follow, and is used by brands including easyJet holidays.

Travelife: Abta’s scheme uses independent auditors to validate hoteliers’ claims and requires them to donate to nature and community projects.

B Corp: Certified B Corps have to meet extremely high standards, meaning it’s very hard to become accredited. Intrepid Travel became the first travel B Corp company in 2018.

Williamson also encourages agents to promote smaller, locally owned properties, where the profit often stays in the destination. For clients who prefer larger brands or all-inclusives, look for ones certified by the Science Based Targets Initiative, which shows they are in line with the international treaty on climate change, the Paris Agreement. Visit sciencebasedtargets.org to search brands including Hilton, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Tui and Radisson. 

CRUISE 

While Williamson says the carbon emissions of many cruises are “off the scale”, he explains there are numerous questions agents can ask lines to better understand the impact a sailing has:

What fuel do they use? Look for those that use biofuel, and check which fuel they use at different times. Check if they switch to bunker fuel – which is renowned as “the dirtiest fuel on the planet” – in international waters.

What do they do with waste? Do they dump it at sea or dispose of it at shore, and is it sorted and recycled?

How do they pay crew? Do they respect decent, minimum-wage levels – not just the local wage where the ship is registered – and how do they care for staff members?

Can ships attach to onshore power? To avoid running their engines while in port and polluting the local area, ships can instead connect to shore power.

Where do they buy their food? Do they use local suppliers and source fresh food? Williamson says small-ship cruising often encourages cruise customers to spend more in a destination, and praises expedition lines, which “generally burn cleaner fuel”, highlighting Hurtigruten for its focus on biofuel and batterypowered ships.

For agents feeling daunted, Williamson urges: “Don’t underestimate the power you have. Clients hang on your every word, and that’s true with sustainability too.”

FIND OUT MORE