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AGENT TIPS | SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL


Making a trip more sustainable can feel like hard work, but small swaps can combine to make a big difference, says Alice Barnes-Brown


emand for travel is higher than ever – UK residents made a record 94.6 million trips abroad in 2024, according to the Office


for National Statistics. Yet it comes at a cost to the planet, with travel and tourism responsible for 7.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, based on data from the World Travel & Tourism Council. Here, agents can play a valuable role, informing clients how to make their travel more sustainable without compromising on enjoyment. We spoke to a range of industry leaders to get their tips on booking more environment-friendly trips.


WHERE AND WHEN? This year has seen tourism-related protests in Spain, Italy and Portugal, with residents concerned about overcrowding and rising prices for housing and food. To combat the strain that peak season can put on a popular destination’s resources, suggest


lesser-known spots where clients can enjoy a quieter experience. The villages of Emilia Romagna boast equally gorgeous scenery and tasty Italian cuisine as more-popular Tuscany, while smaller cities such as Jerez in Spain and Coimbra in Portugal offer city sightseeing at a more relaxed pace. As well as offering an original experience that


shares the benefits of tourism with smaller communities, staying away from big-hitters can reduce the cost – one of the biggest barriers to choosing sustainable options. If clients are still keen on visiting the main sights,


there are ways to do so while lessening the impact. Travelling in shoulder seasons is on the rise: Advantage Travel Partnership revealed that bookings for travel in September and October are up 20% year on year. Even timing visits to top attractions can help reduce the impact of tourism – and give clients more space to savour the sights. Carrie Grant, Intrepid Travel’s UK and Ireland head of partnerships, says: “On Intrepid’s


² travelweekly.co.uk 4 DECEMBER 2025 37


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