What can travel management companies do to promote sustainable tourism?

1 Educate your clients

One of the first steps to promote sustainable tourism is to educate your clients about the importance and benefits of traveling responsibly. You can do this by providing them with information and tips on how to reduce their environmental footprint, respect the local culture and support the local economy. You can also share with them the best practices and standards of sustainable tourism, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, which cover four main areas: destination management, social and economic impacts, cultural impacts and environmental impacts.

2 Offer green travel options

Another way to promote sustainable tourism is to offer your clients green travel options that meet their needs and preferences. You can do this by partnering with suppliers and operators that have green travel certifications, such as the Green Globe, Travelife or Rainforest Alliance. These certifications indicate that the businesses have met certain criteria and standards of sustainability in their operations and services. You can also suggest to your clients alternative modes of transportation, such as trains, buses or bikes, that have lower carbon emissions than flying or driving.

3 Encourage carbon offsetting

A third way to promote sustainable tourism is to encourage your clients to offset their carbon emissions from their travel activities. You can do this by providing them with tools and platforms that calculate their carbon footprint and offer them options to compensate for it. For example, you can use the Myclimate or Atmosfair websites, which allow your clients to donate to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or support renewable energy sources in different parts of the world. You can also integrate carbon offsetting into your booking and payment systems, so that your clients can easily add it to their travel packages.

4 Implement sustainable practices

A fourth way to promote sustainable tourism is to implement sustainable practices in your own business operations and management. You can do this by adopting policies and measures that reduce your environmental impact, such as using renewable energy sources, recycling and minimizing waste, saving water and energy, and using digital tools and platforms instead of paper. You can also engage your staff and stakeholders in sustainability initiatives, such as training, awareness campaigns, volunteering and social responsibility programs.

5 Showcase your commitment

A fifth way to promote sustainable tourism is to showcase your commitment and achievements in this field. You can do this by communicating and marketing your sustainability efforts and goals to your clients, partners and the public. You can also apply for green travel awards and recognition, such as the World Travel Awards, the Skal Sustainable Tourism Awards or the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. These awards can help you enhance your reputation, credibility and competitiveness in the travel industry.

6 Inspire your clients

A sixth way to promote sustainable tourism is to inspire your clients to become more conscious and active travelers. You can do this by sharing with them stories and examples of how sustainable tourism can make a positive difference in the world. You can also invite them to join or support initiatives and organizations that promote sustainable tourism, such as the World Wildlife Fund, the International Ecotourism Society or the Adventure Travel Trade Association. By doing this, you can help your clients become part of a global movement that values and protects the planet and its people.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?