In honor of Earth Day on April 22, the United States Tour Operators Association is putting a spotlight on just some of the sustainability initiatives our tour operator members are implementing towards a cleaner and greener future for the planet and the places we visit.
As USTOA celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we are choosing to look “50 years forward” by promoting and supporting the efforts of our members to make positive change to tackle the challenges we face today, with sustainable and responsible travel at the forefront.
Here is a sample of some of the measurable and meaningful sustainability practices our tour operator members have initiated to encourage eco-friendly travel habits.
This year, Contiki officially became 100 percent carbon neutral at zero cost to travelers. This milestone was achieved by measuring the average carbon footprint per guest, per day. After calculating the carbon emissions, Contiki partnered with a leading offset provider to purchase carbon credits from three impactful offset projects to become 100 percent carbon neural. Contiki continues to prioritize sustainable travel by partnering with brands to mitigate food insecurity, protect animal welfare, and support regenerative farming. Contiki’s first ever Sustainability Officer has made productive changes to the company’s operations such as implementing composting at all Contiki-owned properties as well as using renewable energy for Contiki-owned stays and coaches.
Country Walkers supports parent company Xanterra Travel Collection’s mission statement to provide “legendary hospitality with a softer footprint” by donating on behalf of each of their travelers to the Travelers Fund that supports designated projects in communities visited. These sustainability projects include the “Commit to Clean Water” Fund in Zambia, which seeks to rebuild rural communities by pumping potable water to the surface to provide clean water for consumption, and “Farming for the Future” on The Herdade do Freixo do Meio farm which fosters a traditional pastoral agriculture system to help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, market regionally to provide fresh food and minimize transportation costs.
Hurtigruten Expeditions leaves behind a footprint that they are proud of by setting new standards for sustainable tourism. The company is currently building the first ever line of hybrid-electric powered expedition cruise ships, actively investing in educating guests by recruiting ambassadors who engage guests in the cultures, ecosystems, and the consequences of climate change for every destination, and is one of the first major travel companies to successfully remove single-use plastic from their entire fleet and hotels. Hurtigruten supports UN Sustainable Development goals as a framework to have a positive impact on business and society as a whole.
The Globus Family of Brands Lighthouse Project’s mission is to promote a culture of care and sustainability that extends to guests and operations partners by investing in and raising awareness of projects, causes, and experiences that support a better tomorrow. The Lighthouse Project focuses on three categories that give back to mother nature: Planet, People, and Places. Presently, the Globus Family of Brands is highlighting nearly 50 causes focused on these three categories with plans to add more. To encourage education, awareness and support, the Lighthouse Project places a spotlight on one organization per month, providing guests with give-back opportunities.
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