Tips for a more responsible holiday
The world’s most treasured places are precious. We have a responsibility to help make sure they stay that way. Here are some of our tips on how you can ensure you have a positive impact...
OUR LATEST AWARD
Sustainability Champion of the Year – Large
We're delighted to have been recognised at the most recent of these prestigious travel industry awards.
OUR SPOTLIGHT
What is responsible travel?
To us, responsible travel means acknowledging that travel isn't always a great option for the planet and its people but that, with more thoughtful decision-making, we can reduce the negatives and leave more of a positive impact.
We care for our people, our customers and the communities in which we live and where we help people visit every day.
Everyone who joins Travel Counsellors shares our commitment to learn about and consider responsible tourism in every holiday they create or support. This includes mandatory training for all members of our community.
We want to champion authentic travel experiences. Immersing ourselves in local cultures is our passion and one we share with our customers.
What is the Green Leaf symbol?
Your Travel Counsellor can advise on ways to make a positive impact through your travels. They’ll suggest ‘Green Leaf’ hotels - those that have been recognised for their sustainable initiatives - alongside excursions using local companies and guides and recommend local treats to look out for in your destinations.
Our Green Leaf symbol denotes elements of your holiday that are proven to maximise social and economic benefits for the local community. These help enhance cultural heritage, reduce negative impacts on the environment, and have effective sustainability planning.
Each has been recognised as having sustainability standards that are aligned with those created by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
How are our responsible tourism choices are making a difference?
Maximise social and economic benefits for the local community
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Ikos and Sani Resorts are meeting 60% of their resorts’ needs through local producers.
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Attitude Resorts have created its Otentik Discovery app to encourage guests to get out and explore the island, experiencing Mauritius through the eyes of a local.
Enhance cultural heritage
- Beachcomber Resorts use its ‘Beautiful Localhands’ project to help local artisans sell their products to tourists, earning an income and preserving traditional crafts and cultural heritage.
- Iberostar's Inspiration Guide provides visitors with ideas for exploring during their holiday, helping them get outside the hotel and experience a taste of the local culture.
Reduce negative impacts on the environment
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LUX* Le Morne launched its Zero Food Waste Programme in 2019, which focuses on reducing food waste and repurposing unavoidable waste by donating food from the buffet to local schools. Leftovers from guests’ plates also go to pig farms or are composted on-site.
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Heritage Resorts are recycling 65% of their waste, as well as treating waste water on-site, recycling it as irrigation water.
Authentic travel experiences that give back
These are just some of the ways you can access authentic experiences that benefit local communities; ask your Travel Counsellor about the whole array of others that are available.
The best European destinations to visit by rail
Many of us are striving to be more eco-conscious travellers, including reducing our carbon emissions, and one of the ways of doing this is by using rail travel where possible.
Our Commitment to Care
Reuben’s Retreat was born in memory of Reuben Michael Graham who tragically passed away aged 23 months and is Travel Counsellors dedicated charity partner in the UK.
Making a difference
It’s something special when over 2,000 people across the globe are working together to make a difference. We actively support our people in giving back and host events and initiatives that enable them to do this.
Travel experiences that help preserve the local environment
Travel has the power to do a great deal of good, and one of the ways that you can help with this is by taking part in an activity that helps to preserve the local environment in the areas that you travel.