Responsible Travel Policy
We believe travel should create a net positive impact for destinations, local communities, the environment and travellers themselves.
Tourism has the power to support livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, fund conservation and foster understanding between people. However, if poorly managed, tourism can also contribute to environmental degradation, overtourism, wildlife exploitation, cultural erosion and economic inequality.
Our aim is to ensure that the holidays we recommend and the way we operate our business contribute positively wherever possible. We recognise that no form of travel is impact-free, but we believe that informed choices, responsible partnerships and thoughtful travel planning can help maximise benefits while minimising harm.
This policy guides our decisions as a business and applies to our operations, supplier relationships and client recommendations.
Supporting Local Communities
We believe local communities should receive a fair share of tourism’s economic benefits.
We will:
- Prioritise locally owned accommodation, guides and tourism businesses where appropriate.
- Support tourism products that create employment and economic opportunities for local residents.
- Encourage clients to spend money with local businesses.
- Seek suppliers that demonstrate fair employment practices.
- Avoid experiences that exploit local communities or cultures.
- Promote tourism that contributes to community wellbeing rather than displacing residents.
Tackling Overtourism
We recognise that some destinations face increasing pressure from excessive visitor numbers.
Where practical, we will:
- Promote lesser-known destinations and alternative itineraries.
- Encourage travel outside peak periods.
- Support products that disperse visitors more evenly across destinations.
- Avoid promoting tourism models that contribute significantly to overcrowding.
- Consider destination carrying capacity when selecting products and suppliers.
Climate and the Environment
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the travel industry.
We will:
- Encourage longer stays and more meaningful travel experiences.
- Promote rail and lower-carbon transport options where suitable.
- Support suppliers with credible environmental policies and sustainability commitments.
- Reduce waste and resource consumption within our own business.
- Favour accommodation and tourism providers demonstrating good environmental management.
- Encourage clients to minimise waste and respect local environments.
We recognise that travel creates emissions and will continue to review how we can reduce our environmental footprint as a business.
Wildlife and Animal Welfare
We believe wildlife should be protected and respected.
We will not knowingly promote or sell experiences that exploit animals for entertainment or involve poor welfare standards.
Our separate Animal Welfare Policy sets out detailed requirements, including our position on captive wildlife attractions, wildlife interactions and working animals.
Responsible Cruise Policy
We recognise that cruise tourism can have both positive and negative impacts.
Our separate Cruise Policy outlines our approach, including our commitment not to actively promote cruise vessels carrying more than 1,500 passengers and our preference for smaller-scale, lower-impact cruise experiences.
Human Rights and Ethical Business
We support the protection of internationally recognised human rights throughout the tourism industry.
We expect suppliers to:
- Operate legally and ethically.
- Prevent modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking.
- Promote equality and non-discrimination.
- Provide safe and fair working conditions.
- Respect the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples.
We reserve the right to review relationships with suppliers where concerns are identified.
Cultural Respect and Heritage
Travel should celebrate and preserve cultural diversity.
We will:
- Promote authentic cultural experiences delivered respectfully.
- Encourage visitors to learn about local customs and traditions.
- Support the protection of historic and cultural sites.
- Avoid experiences that commodify or exploit cultural practices.
- Encourage respectful behaviour from our clients when travelling.
Our Commitment
We believe tourism should leave places better than it found them.
Our objective is not simply to sell holidays, but to support travel experiences that create positive outcomes for destinations, communities, wildlife and future generations. We will continue to make business decisions that reflect these values, even where doing so may limit commercial opportunities.
Supplier Selection
Responsible tourism considerations form part of our supplier selection process.
Where possible, we will favour suppliers that demonstrate:
- Strong environmental performance.
- Positive community engagement.
- High standards of animal welfare.
- Ethical employment practices.
- Transparency and accountability.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
We recognise that sustainability is a journey and will work constructively with suppliers seeking to improve their practices.
Client Education
We believe responsible tourism is a shared responsibility.
We will seek to provide information and guidance that helps clients:
- Travel respectfully.
- Support local economies.
- Reduce environmental impacts.
- Protect wildlife and natural habitats.
- Make informed travel decisions.
Governance and Continuous Improvement
Responsibility for implementing this policy rests with the company’s Responsible Tourism Lead.
We will:
- Review this policy annually.
- Monitor emerging best practices within the travel industry.
- Review our supplier portfolio against our responsible tourism objectives.
- Set measurable goals where practical.
- Continually improve our approach as new knowledge and opportunities emerge.
