TTG Calls for Sustainable Travel Ambassadors
TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors is a TTG (travel industry publication) program that allows travel agents to secure spots on fam trips, receive support to host client events, and earn marketing spend. By becoming one of the 20 ambassadors, travel agents can take advantage of these chances and help the travel industry move toward more sustainable practices.
Together with Avis Budget Group, G Touring, Hurtigruten Group, Iberostar Beach Resorts, and Intrepid Travel, TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes is a new project for 2023. The initiative is in its second year and has an updated format.
TTG and its five partners are seeking 20 dedicated and passionate travel agents to become TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors. The ambassadors will have the opportunity to promote sustainable travel practices and receive support from the partnering companies.
The 20 agents will participate in online workshops to learn about responsible tourism. They will receive personalised resources and invitations to fam trips. They will also get support to host a sustainable event and a marketing budget of £100 to promote sustainable holidays. To participate, agents need to propose a holiday package that includes sustainable products from at least two of the partners in the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes programme. Click here to find out more about the programme.
Sarah Weetman, sales director at Touring Partner G Touring (Just You and Travelsphere), said:
"The time was right for agents to grow their confidence in selling sustainable holidays. More than ever, our customers want their travel experiences to be more than just a vacation. They are more conscious than ever and understand the positive impact that they, as travellers, can generate. They want the opportunity to help as they discover, learn, and broaden their understanding of different cultures.”
Intrepid is the Small Group Adventure Partner and the travel industry's largest B Corp. Joanna Reeve, who is in charge of business development and partnerships, knows that it can be hard for agents to talk about sustainability. The programme will provide agents with the critical information and guidance they need to confidently discuss sustainability with customers. It will also help agents learn more about how to run their businesses sustainably.
Aishling McLoughlin, business development director at Iberostar, the programme's accommodation partner, said the Ambassadors will be able to observe how Iberostar is working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and 100% waste-free by 2025. The Ambassadors will have the opportunity to experience this through an exclusive sustainability fam trip.
Avis is once again the Mobility Partner for the programme, and Sophie Nelson, who is in charge of international travel and partnerships, said she was looking forward to inspiring agents with ideas for responsible travel. The programme will help agents understand how important sustainability is and connect them with the right suppliers so they can offer vacations that are good for the environment. By learning about sustainability, agents will be known for their knowledge and be able to get more clients.
Hurtigruten is the Expedition Partner for the programme, and Mark Walter, head of UK sales, highlighted the company's various sustainability initiatives, including being the first cruise line to ban single-use plastics fleet-wide and launching the world's first hybrid-powered expedition ships. Hurtigruten is well-positioned to advise agents on making more sustainable choices in both the travel experiences they offer and in their daily lives.
Source: TTG
