Reusable filter bottles are to replace single-use bottled water on private transfers and tours run by tailor-made operator Latin Routes.
The initiative is being introduced after awareness of the scale of sea pollution caused by single-use plastics was highlighted by David Attenborough’s BBC documentary, Blue Planet 2.
The operator is introducing reusable water bottle from specialist firm Water-to-Go with an in-built filter that removes 99.9% of microbiological contaminants from August 1.
“This essentially means you can fill this bottle from most water sources and drink with peace of mind,” a spokesman said.
“What’s more, the filter works as you drink, so there is no waiting or pre-boiling required – you can enjoy clean water anytime, anywhere.
“The environmental benefits of this bottle are clear, and its design makes it perfect for everyday use during our clients’ travels around Latin America.”
Every client travelling with Latin Routes will receive a reusable water bottle with filter included in the price of their holiday. The bottle can then be used throughout their holiday and filled from most water sources.
Clients can then keep the bottle, meaning the environmental benefits can continue long after the holiday has finished.
Company director Martin Johnson challenged other travel businesses to follow suit.
He said: “We believe we all have a huge responsibility in the travel industry to encourage a change in our travellers’ consumption of single-use plastics. Pollution of our oceans is something that affects almost all destinations, across the world.
“We are proud to stand with a handful of travel businesses that have made similar moves to include, or facilitate a discounted purchase of, reusable filter bottles as part of their holidays.
“But we would now like to see the major tour operators and agents follow suit.
“Any necessary cost of purchasing this product, or something similar, is minimal and the environmental effects at scale, would be huge.
“There is now a real opportunity for the travel industry to become a leading force in changing behaviour towards consumption of single-use plastics.”