A range of sustainable shore excursions is being introduced by MSC Cruises.
More than 25 ‘Protectours’ range from forest hikes with rescued dogs in Jamaica to visiting urban honey bees in Corfu and helping clean beaches in Croatia.
The line has also set specific objectives for local tour operator partners to become internationally certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
The initiative follows a new future of the guest experience trends report by the company which found that passengers are seeking ever more efficient and eco-conscious holiday options.
Sustainability, social impact and civic engagement are at the forefront of people’s minds.
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More than half of Generation Z consumers (54%) say that the environmental impact of travelling on destinations is an important factor when deciding where to visit.
Initiatives that offer opportunities for civic engagement will not only assist destinations, but help eliminate the guilt passengers may feel when travelling, according to the study.
The development follows MSC Cruises partnering with American football stars to promote an environmental campaign focused on coral restoration work at its new private island in the Bahamas.