As we announced a few weeks ago, we won our first major industry award for many years, TTG Luxury’s Top Luxury Responsible Travel Agent of the Year. It was a number of years in the making, and we’re pleased to receive the recognition for everything we have done.
It occurred to me that we have never really talked about what we believe ‘responsible’ travel includes, and why that’s important for us as a travel agent, and for you the traveller. Whilst many would instantly think of the environment, there are actually seven different areas that incorporate the wider responsible travel banner.
I’ll cover these in more detail below – but they include the environment, local communities, a fair economy, culture protection, animal welfare, wellbeing and destination sustainability. This might sound a bit heavy, but for those of you who have been with us for a long time, know that either consciously or subconsciously, we have been working towards many of these goals anyway.
Environmental care
We know, and acknowledge that travel is a carbon-intensive industry and at least in the short to medium term is going to remain so – especially in aviation and cruising. We also know that our thirst and curiosity for travel is only getting stronger, so how can we also be conscious about the environment?
Although it may sound obvious, the first step is to try to reduce the carbon output where possible. As many of you know, we have been actively suggesting more rail journeys (either from the UK or within an itinerary), using more efficient airlines or routes, and encouraging longer duration holidays rather than lots of short trips. We’re also trying to encourage use of our most local airports, Heathrow and Luton, to minimise travelling to airports by road.
This also includes partnering with companies which have strong environmental practices, such as renewable energy use, reduced plastic, and solid waste management systems. It’s also encouraged to support conservation, especially supporting national parks, community-run reserves and wildlife protection initiatives that follow ethical guidelines.
Respect for local communities
When travelling, we like to work with partners who use locally owned hotels, guides, restaurants, and transport providers so money stays within the community. They also have the benefit of giving a truly authentic experience, which doesn’t have to cost more.
There is also more to explore beyond the main tourist zones; not only will the restaurants most likely be better, the hotels more atmospheric, but you’ll help contribute to the local economy.
Although many may think this should be a given, it’s essential to remember that the cultural etiquette in each destination, especially around dress, photography, and sacred spaces. If you’re not sure, then it’s always best to ask.
Fair economic contribution
In a way linked to respecting local communities, is to ensure the suppliers pay fair wages for their local staff as well and operate safe working conditions. We don’t want to see any form of slavery or child exploitation.
It’s important that what you invest in the local economy genuinely benefits the local people. For some communities, they are now able to thrive because of the positive impact of tourism. We also contribute in our own way by fundraising for several charities on the Algarve, including both animal welfare and wellbeing.
A third part is community tourism projects, where residents have the decision-making power and ability to benefit the community. These range from places like cafes, craft workshops, restaurants, hotels and even transport.
Protection of heritage and culture
With so much change around the world, it’s important that the destinations we know and love now are not changed by tourism. We support companies that support that effort in the preservation of historic sites rather than contributing to overcrowding or damage.
Instead, you could travel in a small group, use timed-entry slots at museums or attractions, or off-peak visits to sensitive locations to minimise overcrowding. You could even travel at an off-peak time of year, when there will be fewer crowds and possibly a more enjoyable experience, especially in cities.
Travelling more authentically gives the opportunity to engage with local craft workshops, museums, and performers that help maintain living traditions.
Animal welfare
We set out our Animal Welfare guidelines a couple of years ago, and continue to reassess their inclusions. The very basics only promote wildlife encounters that meet recognised welfare standards as a minimum; there are far too many ‘attractions’, particularly in Asia, where there are no welfare standards.
Going a step further in being responsible is avoiding any activity where there is involvement of handling, riding, or exploiting animals. Now this can sometimes be a fine line, especially when you include working animals like huskies, but we condone elephant or camel rides, or swimming with dolphins in holiday resorts.
What we would really like to see is a movement towards observation-based experiences led by trained naturalists, which will be more enriching anyway.
Traveller wellbeing and safety
What really matters is your well-being and safety. Whilst that may sound obvious, in some destinations, especially those which aren’t mainstream tourist destinations, it might not be so apparent. That’s where are responsible travel company will give clear guidance on health, safety, and the cultural norms of where you’re travelling to. It’s also imperative to have travel insurance and behave responsibly in outdoor environments.
During the summer, Jackie wrote an article for the Journal on the impact tourism has in their village on the Algarve, and the effects of alcohol on both the community and other holiday makers. We highly encourage everyone to be aware of how their actions influence the places they visit.
Long-term destination sustainability
Through our partners, we’re encouraging them to work with destinations that are actively planning for future resilience, such as climate-adaptation projects or waste-reduction schemes. EasyJet Holidays has been a pioneer in helping hotels reduce their food waste for example, one of the biggest emission contributors.
Somewhat controversially, we don’t back carbon-offsetting schemes for several reasons – you would have to plant hundreds of trees, for example, per trip, not just one, which would only have a benefit in decades. This just isn’t workable. Therefore, we’re encouraging finding carbon reductions in trips, rather than just offsetting (or attempting to) what you would already have done. We would also support local schemes to encourage biodiversity, natural habitats and woodland.
We love new destinations and support itineraries that ease pressure on hot spots by including alternative regions or lesser-visited routes.
We were voted TTG Luxury’s Top Luxury Responsible Travel Agency in November 2025
