Travel Counsellors has struck a deal with Green Tourism to help the agency’s direct-contract hotels gain internationally-recognised sustainability certification.
Green Tourism’s standard, which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), allows businesses to demonstrate credible engagement with sustainability issues.
Participating hotels will be guided through the process of implementing sustainable practices, from energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction to water conservation and biodiversity protection.
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Travel Counsellors sustainability lead Joe Whittle (pictured) said: “Our partnership with Green Tourism reflects our commitment to supporting our partners in adopting best practices that protect the environment and enhance the sustainability of the travel experiences we offer as we continue our journey to more sustainable travel.”
Travel Counsellors’ August 2024 Travel Tracker report found that 45% of holidaymakers said recent coverage of the climate crisis has made them consider more sustainable travel options.
The agency said its partnership with Green Tourism aims to make it easier for travellers to make more responsible decisions.
Green Tourism is compliant with the Travalyst coalition criteria, which aims to create industry alignment and consistency in the sustainability certifications shown on travel booking platforms.
Green Tourism chief executive Andrea Nicholas said: “With eco-minded leisure and corporate guests increasingly seeking out sustainable travel experiences, this groundbreaking arrangement between Green Tourism and Travel Counsellors will help more businesses make positive impacts and cost savings, enhance their reputation, and gain a competitive advantage.”