15 April 2024

Many businesses are now looking for ways to reduce the carbon emissions of their travel programme to tie into wider business efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. A 2022 GBTA study found that 88% of the industry sector ranks reducing business travel emissions as the top priority for the next two to three years. At Travel Counsellors, we can help you make smarter travel plans to steer you towards your wider ESG targets, finding the balance between carbon savings, comfort and cost along the way. An important first step is to establish what causes your biggest carbon footprint. I can help you with this through the Travel Counsellors for Business complimentary carbon reporting service. The next step is to establish your emissions reductions goal and the timeframe that you want to achieve this within. Do not forget to factor in business growth plan into this goal setting, as strong growth plans could require additional business travel. This process will effectively give you a carbon budget for each year that you’ll need to sit within in order to achieve your goal. Next, take a deep dive into your travel patterns; are there routes where you could switch to direct flights which are less impactful? Who is flying in the premium cabins, do they need to? Could you switch short haul routes to rail instead? I can help advise you or any travellers on what is and is not possible on your key travel routes. When choosing suppliers look beyond carbon. For example when choosing a hotel supplier look at their F&B and how they handle food waste, cleaning, in-room amenities, bike and scooter rentals and water bottle refill in common areas. At Travel Counsellors our internal systems identify Green Leaf hotels who have been recognised as having and approved carbon reduction policy in place with the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council). While this won’t translate to a reduction in your reported carbon emissions, it is a great way to display your intentions by supporting businesses within the travel industry that are taking carbon emissions reduction seriously, and are looking at sustainability more holistically. You can also apply a similar approach to airlines, are they investing in SAF? What are the inflight amenities, how are they packaged? You can consider other factors such as community initiatives, how they tackle poverty and their treatment of employees. Find sustainability champions from within your own business. These people can be found at all levels, as long as they are passionate about sustainability they can be used to influence and change behaviours. Internal promotion of the new policy is key to ensuring a successful implementation. The more uptake you can get of the policy, the quicker you’ll start to see results. Make sure conversations around sustainability are being had with the right audience. Any changes in travel policy large or small that effects your overall businesses carbon footprint need to be discussed with both the booker and traveller. One of the biggest issues organisations face is closing the gap between intention and action. Encourage competitiveness within teams and divisions around sustainability goals. Challenge internal teams to achieve ‘biggest reduction in carbon footprint team of the year.’ Push healthy competitions between teams to hit ESG targets. Make sure that the data you share with the wider business is useful, don’t get bogged down with the details. In order for policy changes to be effective and remain effective your audience needs to be engaged with topic. Create a narrative around the changes happening and how it will benefit them. To find out how I can help you and your business achieve your sustainability goals call me on 0207 1250 296 or email harry.white@travelcounsellors.com

01 November 2023

As a Travel Counsellor, I'm passionate about creating bespoke travel experiences that are tailored to my clients' individual needs and budget. I know that planning a holiday can be daunting, so I'm here to take the stress out of the process and help you create the perfect trip for you and your loved ones. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should use Travel Counsellors to book your next holiday: • Personal service: I'll take the time to get to know you and your travel preferences, and I'll use my expertise to create a holiday itinerary that is perfect for you. • Expertise: I have a wealth of knowledge about different destinations and travel products, so I can help you choose the right flights, hotels, activities, and more. • Tailored holidays: I can tailor your holiday to suit any budget or interest. Whether you're looking for a luxury getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure trip, I can help you plan the perfect holiday. • Flexibility: I understand that things can change, so I offer flexible booking options. You can make changes to your holiday up to the day of departure, and I will do my best to accommodate you. • Financial protection: Travel Counsellors is fully financially protected, so you can book with confidence knowing that your money is safe. In addition to these benefits, I can also offer you a number of other perks, such as: • Exclusive deals and discounts: I have access to a wide range of exclusive deals and discounts that are not available to the public. • 24/7 support: I'm there for you 24/7 before, during, and after your holiday. If you have any problems, I'm just a phone call away. • Local knowledge: I have a network of contacts all over the world, so I can provide you with local knowledge and insights to help you make the most of your trip. If you're looking for a hassle-free and enjoyable holiday experience, then I encourage you to book with Travel Counsellors. I'm committed to providing you with the best possible service, and I'll go the extra mile to make sure that you have a holiday that you'll never forget. Here is an example of how I can help you plan your dream holiday: You're dreaming of a luxury holiday to the Maldives. You want to stay in a beautiful overwater bungalow, relax on the beach, and explore the crystal-clear waters. I can help you plan the perfect trip. I can recommend a resort that is perfect for your budget and interests, and I can book your flights, transfers, and accommodation. I can also arrange activities for you, such as snorkelling, diving, and dolphin watching. I'll take care of all the details, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday. And if you have any problems while you're away, I'm just a phone call away. Contact me today to start planning your dream holiday!