This year’s Make Holidays Greener campaign will concentrate on plastics.
Led by Abta in partnership with Travelife for Hotels & Accommodations, the latest sustainability initiative will run throughout the summer, from June until the end of August.
For example, the Dessole Malia Beach hotel in Greece has reduced the amount of plastic straws it uses by 95% and introduced water coolers, cutting plastic water bottles by 75%.
Abta destinations and sustainability director Nikki White said: “As is often the case in travel – there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution to plastics and other sustainability issues.
“How destinations manage their waste varies significantly, so what can be recycled in one resort can’t in another.
“Make Holidays Greener is a great opportunity for travel companies to share best practice of what has worked, try out new approaches and get customers involved in their sustainability agenda.”
She added: “This past year has seen a tipping point in public awareness on the damage plastics can have on the environment – and businesses can use this to drive forward a change in their approach internally, as well as with suppliers and destinations.
“Almost 70% of consumers now think travel companies should ensure their holidays help the local people and economy, so we would encourage all members to get involved with our Make Holidays Greener campaign, whether by organising a beach clean or encouraging your customers to make a sustainable holiday pledge such as saying no to plastic.”