DESTINATIONS AGENT TIPS | SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL agent age ASK THE Julie Breckon, founder, Earthwise Travel


“Genuine sustainability is about smarter choices, not hardship.


Certified hotels often run more efficiently, which can lower operating costs, and many


luxurious properties now lead the way in renewable energy,


waste reduction and community investment. It’s a misconception that sustainable swaps are inconvenient. In reality, they’re


often invisible. Choosing a resort that treats its staff well, protects ecosystems or sources food locally doesn’t change the guest experience – it enhances it. As


agents, we can make a difference by guiding clients towards


credible certifications, transparent reporting and suppliers who back their sustainability policies with measurable action.”


if clients are used to the activities and amenities on bigger ships. However, what we lack in casinos and theatres, we make up for in hands-on activities and the ability to reach smaller ports of call. Our repeat guest rate is 70%.”


STAY AND PLAY When researching accommodation, suss out sustainability pages online. A recognised certification from an independent assessor such as Travelife, EarthCheck or Green Key is a key thing to look out for, but agents can also get a feel for a brand’s sustainability commitments by seeing whether it collaborates with the local community, participates in rewilding projects and has recycling solutions for food, water and other materials.


travelweekly.co.uk ABOVE: Stays in historic buildings, such as trulli houses in Italy, help to preserve their heritage PICTURE: Shutterstock/RomanSlavik.com What we lack


in casinos and theatres, we make up for in hands- on activities and smaller ports of call


Sustainable hotels don’t have to be boutique retreats – some large hospitality groups have ambitious environmental goals. Accor, for instance, aims to have all of its 5,700-plus hotels eco-certified by the end of 2026. Iberostar is also on an ambitious decarbonisation strategy and reduced its food waste going to landfill by 56% from 2021-24. At the other end of the scale, staying small makes a difference environmentally and ecologically. Tony Flanagan, sales and product director at Magari Tours, says: “By using traditional trulli in our Puglia programme, we help to preserve historical houses. Our supplier runs a trattoria a few minutes’ walk away that uses local produce, some grown in his own garden.”


TOUR THE WORLD A small-group tour can be a more sustainable alternative to other multi-centre holiday styles. Kelly Walker, UK, Europe and Ireland sales director for TTC Tour Brands, says: “Agents can prioritise low-emission public transport and choose operators who partner with locally owned businesses and support social and conservation initiatives.” These can be selling points as well, because they give clients access to projects that people travelling independently are rarely able to experience – G Adventures and its non-profit partner Planeterra are aiming to incorporate 300


BOOK IT


Intrepid Travel has a 10-day Paris to Rome by Rail trip from £2,457, based on an April 1 departure. Includes breakfast, transport, listed excursions and one lunch. intrepidtravel.com


Star Clippers’ 15-night Southern Spain by Rail and Sail costs from £4,619, based on an April 4 departure. Includes a pre-cruise tour of Seville, Cordoba and Granada (with B&B accommodation) plus nine nights’ full-board cruise, transfers and flights. starclippers.co.uk


Byway’s six-night Lille, Amiens and San Quentin itinerary costs from £715, based on an April 2 departure. Includes all travel and breakfast daily. byway.travel


4 DECEMBER 2025 41


social enterprises into G Adventures’ small-group tours by the year 2030. For many clients, sustainability goes hand in hand with authentic travel experiences. Brian Young, G Adventures’ EMEA managing director, says: “It’s about matching travellers’ passions – whether that’s animal welfare, protecting Indigenous rights, empowering women or tackling the climate crisis – with companies doing work in those areas. Agents should remind their clients that community tourism experiences like sharing a meal with a local family don’t just make a trip more memorable – they create real connections and lasting positive impact for everyone involved.”


TW


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