Social enterprise agency launches operator arm

Social enterprise travel agency Charitable Travel has launched a tour operator called Sustainable Journeys to help holidaymakers “travel better”.

The start-up aims to help clients take into consideration factors such as environmental conservation, social inclusivity and economic benefits to local communities.

It features more climate-friendly transport to help reduce emissions, such as trains, electric vehicles, buses, bikes, and hikes.

Accommodation is sustainably focused, with activities that support local communities and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage.

When travellers need to fly, because of time challenges and distances, the operator reviews aircraft, routing and cabin choices to minimise the impact.

Sustainable Journeys will work with carbon measurement specialist Path Net Zero to assess and display the carbon footprint from the various elements of trips.

Path Net Zero will also manage a carbon fund for Sustainable Journeys, supporting projects in the developing world through a donation of 3% of the holiday price.

Sustainable Journeys also working with non-governmental organisation Planeterra to add a ‘Ripple Score’ to each itinerary, detailing the percentage of money spent which stays locally in the destination.

The launch partner is Visit Estonia and several itineraries explore the Baltic country’s forests, national parks, coast, villages and cultural centres.

Other holidays with Sustainable Journeys are available in Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, with more destinations soon to follow.

Melissa Tilling, chief executive of Sustainable Journeys – founder of Charitable Travel – said: “We believe tourism should benefit everyone involved, especially local communities and our mission is to bring a pragmatic enabling approach to sustainable travel to support customers who are often confused by labelling, terminology, and what to trust.

“Whilst no one can take away the act of emitting carbon into the atmosphere Sustainable Journeys hope to make it easier for consumers to travel more responsibly, understanding their choices and ensure that visitors contribute positively, from an environmental, social, and economic perspective.

“We carefully select partners aligned with our sustainable tourism principles, aligned to the United Nations, to provide transport methods, lodging and activities which provide an optimum balance between sustainability and pragmatism in terms of what can be offered, what is sensible and what best protects the wellbeing of our customers.

“We endeavour to prioritise local community involvement to ensure the economic benefits of tourism are equally distributed.”