DESTINATIONS SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL |AGENT TIPS


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Tea experience in Cairo; walking excursion with Hurtigruten;


Star Clippers sailing; off-peak Dubrovnik PICTURES: Shereen Mroueh; www.espenmills.no; Mehmet Sertbas Photography; James Howlett


top tips


Tim Williamson, customer director, Responsible Travel “Some destinations are


fantastic for locally sourced, vegan cuisine – can you introduce a plant-based


restaurant to the itinerary, or even meet local


producers for a tasting?”


Premium Venice to Dubrovnik tour, clients visit sites like the Dubrovnik City Walls not during peak hours but in the evening, when there are fewer crowds and the weather is cooler.”


TARGET TRANSPORT Flying accounts for the largest share of a trip’s carbon emissions, but it can also be one of the most difficult components to avoid. However, there are tweaks agents can make to mitigate aviation’s impact: use tools on platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner to understand how much a flight’s emissions stack up, and pick the most fuel-efficient options. Travelling with cabin baggage only will also reduce the amount of fuel used, and picking non-stop flights reduces emissions at take-off and landing. But to make a real difference, ask clients to consider how often they need to fly. Ian Corbett, Tui’s group head of sustainability, says: “Taking fewer, longer trips typically performs better emissions-wise than several short breaks. [Non-stop] flights are generally more efficient


38 4 DECEMBER 2025


than connecting ones, and travelling in economy results in a lower per-passenger footprint.”


Clients may think the only no-fly


holidays available are close to the UK, but coach operators such as Shearings, Leger Holidays and Just Go Holidays sell trips to sunny spots including Croatia, Italy, Spain and even Greece. If your client has time to spare, days spent travelling can be part of the adventure and coach travel is around five to six times lower in carbon emissions per passenger than flying. Meanwhile, a number of


European Sleeper trains launching in 2026 – including Paris to Berlin and Brussels to Barcelona – mean more destinations will be accessible in less than 24 hours from London. Paul Conroy, head of partnerships at Byway, says: “Replacing short- haul flights with high-speed trains helps travellers make the most of their time, while visiting multiple destinations in one trip. Many routes rival flying for time and value once check-in, delays, security lines and transfer costs are factored in.”


SAIL AWAY Cruising is often criticised for its environmental impact, but many lines are working to reduce emissions, waste and damage to ecosystems. In October, Hurtigruten completed its first carbon-neutral voyage on a battery-hybrid ship, powered by biofuel. UK sales director James Howlett says: “I encourage agents to invest time in understanding each line’s sustainability credentials and to feel confident raising questions or challenges. Look for independently judged awards and third-party recognition, which require robust evidence and high standards.” Travelling on smaller ships that ply popular routes, such as around the Greek islands or Caribbean, is an easy switch-sell for climate-conscious clients. Star Clippers claims its ships are powered solely by wind up to 70% of the time. Nicola Cox, head of trade sales, says: “Suggesting a smaller sailing as an alternative can be daunting, especially


² travelweekly.co.uk


Ian Corbett, head of sustainability, Tui “Certain countries


are investing heavily in sustainability, such as Costa Rica, which generates more than


98% of its electricity from renewable sources.”


James Howlett, UK and emerging markets sales director, Hurtigruten “Sustainability spans the entire journey – not just the fuel used, but also efforts to cut food


waste, create local value and curb overtourism.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60