First Choice has announced a raft of green measures, including what it believes is the world’s first and largest leisure airline carbon offset scheme.
The company has revealed plans to buy 2,000 hectares of rainforest, publish detailed audits of its hotels and become a launch partner for rainforest preservation company Coolearth.org.
First Choice mainstream holidays managing director Dermot Blastland said carbon offset schemes to date had not had as much impact as they could.
From next spring the company is introducing a £1 per adult and 50p per child levy to holiday prices. Holidaymakers will have to opt out if they do not want to pay it. The company will match every donation.
Initially First Choice hopes 40% of customers will pay – if all customers pay the company claims it will eventually offset all the carbon emitted by its airline.
Blastland said such a move could win the company favours when it comes to air passenger duty. “We may get tax relief from the Government if we have a certified emission reduction scheme.”
The company is working with Climate Care and has identified four suitable projects to fund.
Meanwhile, independent audits of the operator’s top 150 hotels will focus on green credentials. “We are telling hotels that customers will choose the ones that have a good environmental rating,” Blastland said.