Encouraging Sustainable Travel In 2021

Sustainable Living

Apr 22

Travel accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions, according to a 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change.

Given these shocking figures, it’s clear that we need to take steps to reduce our impact on the planet and switch to a more sustainable way of running our businesses before it’s too late.

If that wasn’t enough by itself, the recent coronavirus crisis has demonstrated just how vulnerable we are to the forces of nature. According to a study by management consultancy firm Accenture, this has led to a significant number of consumers looking for greener choices with both their purchases and lifestyle choices.

Therefore, if we want to protect the world from further harm, revive the travel industry and reach the governments net zero carbon target, we need to focus more closely on promoting sustainable travel.

Here are some easy yet effective ways travel businesses can do just that.

1. Use sustainable products and materials

By choosing sustainable packaging and products for your tourism business, you’ll remind your customers of the importance of taking care of the planet and encourage them to do the same.

You’ll also show that your business isn’t just a faceless organisation but that you are socially responsible and committed to reducing your carbon footprint.

Although this may cost slightly more in the beginning, studies have shown that customers are willing to pay more to sustainable companies across all sectors.

This might include choosing recycled or recyclable packaging, using eco-friendly shampoo or soap on your premises or ditching plastic bags completely.

2. Partner with an eco-friendly transportation company

Aeroplanes are one of the biggest sole contributors to carbon emissions, creating over 53 pounds (24 kg) of carbon dioxide (CO2) per mile, according to Blue Sky Mile.

If we want to improve our sustainability efforts, we also need to review our travel transportation offerings and offer more eco-friendly options to our customers.

An excellent way to do this is by partnering with a greener transportation service such as coach trip package company. With carbon emissions of just 80g per mile, coach travel provides an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint whilst also enjoying the scenery. It’s also far more comfortable than your customers might think!

3. Talk about sustainability in your marketing materials

The most obvious way to encourage customers to choose sustainable travel is to talk about it in your marketing materials.

Share exactly what steps your company is doing to protect the environment and you will encourage your customers to do the same. Highlight any sustainability projects your part of, whether you recycle or use sustainable products and how you are working to reduce your carbon footprint.

Add details to your email signature, talk about it on social media and partner with other businesses who are working towards the same and you will help make the world a better place.

4. Encourage off-season travel

As a travel business owner, you’re likely to focus your efforts on driving business during the summer months, especially considering the difficult year we’ve just come through.

However, you should also develop incentives that encourage off-season travel in the shoulder season or even the winter. This will reduce the environmental impact on tourist sites, prevent erosion, allow nature to thrive and help the travel industry get back on its feet.

Why not create special eco-friendly discounted travel packages that encourage travel at these times per year?

5. Offer eco-friendly trips

There’s a growing body of travellers who aren’t interested in simply ticking off the latest hyper-popular tourist site from their bucket list. They want to visit somewhere authentically beautiful and off the beaten track, not somewhere crowded and disappointing.

You can tailor to this market by creating travel packages that offer something different whilst reducing the impact the trip has on the environment.

Outdoor activities and experiences are a big hit at the moment, especially with coronavirus restrictions and fears still in place. Why not consider adding ziplining, diving, climbing, kayaking or paddle boarding to your list of activities?

6. Go green at your hotel

If you want to help the government reach its target of net-zero carbon emissions and attract the eco-friendly crowd, consider going green in your hotel (and tell your guests about it!)

Create a green policy that you can display both on the premises, on your website and in any marketing materials that tell your guests what they can expect.

For example, you may choose not to change sheets and towels every day, instead of leaving it for a day or two. You might ask guests not to use air conditioning unless necessary and switch their electronic devices off when not in use. You might provide recycling facilities in the rooms, cut down on your water usage, add a water bottle refilling station, and focus on reducing waste.

Get together with your team and decide how you can be part of the change.

Conclusion

Encourage sustainable travel and reduce your carbon footprint by switching to a greener business model. Promote sustainable practices, partner with an eco-friendly transport company, recycle more, offer greener travel experiences, create off-season travel packages and be sure to share your green initiatives with your customers and guests.

Sources:

https://www.carbonindependent.org/20.html

https://www.nationalholidays.com/

https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/travel/g32446/travel-trends/

https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainers/net-zero-target

https://www.commonobjective.co/article/how-to-talk-to-customers-about-sustainability

Ready to green your tourism or hospitality business? We've got a plan.