Agents at the InteleTravel conference were urged to talk to their customers about sustainability initiatives, as holidaymakers now expect the trade to have responsible tourism policies.
Panellists taking part in a sustainability session at the homeworking agency conference in Belfast heard how different sectors and destinations are tackling carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
Giles Hawke, chief executive at Cosmos and Avalon Waterways UK – part of Globus, said: “People expect travel companies to be sustainable; they expect it to be included.”
Commenting on the fact that holidaymakers fly to most destinations, creating a carbon footprint, he said: “It is a very small part of sustainability. There are whole countries whose GDP depends on tourism and we have to talk about the good that tourism does in destinations.”
Hawke – who was also representing the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) – highlighted how tourists’ money tends to just stay in one place when clients visit all-inclusive resorts.
“But if we take you to a hotel run by local people and offer local tours and activities, then more money stays in the local community,” he said.
“Looking at the type of travel is important; it can spread the tourism dollar. Touring and adventure holidays can help to spread the money around.
“Carbon offsetting is not the climate solution but an interim solution until we get planes and ships running on renewables. It is better than doing nothing.”
He said coaches are more environmentally friendly way to travel, and Globus brands take clients off the beaten track and to destinations in quieter times of the year.
Jesus Ruiz Martinez, representing the Spanish Tourist Board, told delegates how the country is highlighting its natural attractions and encouraging ‘slow tourism’ to woo travellers away from traditional hotspots.
“Spain is one of the most biodiverse places in Europe – it has 53 biosphere reserves and 15 Unesco global geoparks,” he said.
“Slow travel helps to spread the benefits throughout Spain and offer a more authentic experience.”
InteleTravel’s co-founder and president, James Ferrara, highlighted initiatives as varied as Bhutan’s daily Sustainable Development Fee of $200, and a charity that uses plastic bottles and rubbish to create bricks to build schools in underdeveloped regions.
Andy Harmer, Clia UK managing director, updated delegates about sustainable initiatives in the cruise sector, and how cruises can boost local economies in destinations around the world.
Looking at the example of Southampton, he said each cruise vessel call is worth on average £3 million to the local economy.
Delegates also heard about the work of Just A Drop, which has reached 1.9 million people with safe water and sanitation since it was founded in 1998 by WTM’s Fiona Jeffery.
Alice Mellar, partnership and events manager, spoke about a new partnership with Park Plaza Hotels, where guests are asked if they want to forgo housekeeping, so their bed sheets are not laundered every day – and, in return, £1 is donated to Just A Drop.
She urged agents to find out about sustainability initiatives and pass on their passion for projects to customers.
Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK director of InteleTravel, announced the agency was making a donation of £1,000 to Just A Drop.
Pictured from left: Jesus Ruiz Martinez, Spanish Tourist Board; Alice Mellar, Just A Drop; Giles Hawke, Atas and Globus; Andy Harmer, Clia; and James Ferrara, InteleTravel.