INSTEAD OF … A mega cruise ship
An airplane flight
Sightseeing by ATV , car or motorcycle
Plastic single-use toiletries
Single-use water bottles Wasteful resorts
Eating generic meals that use far-flung ingredients
Funneling tourism dollars to global conglomerates
Amassing resource-draining souvenirs
BUILD SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES INTO YOUR BUSINESS . A critical piece of advancing sustainability is translating client dollars into sustainable change . Some of this happens behind the scenes — before any individual client even begins exploring a journey — as advisors adopt a default practice to collaborate with suppliers and partners who share a commitment to sustainability .
“ Whenever I have a conversation with a property or travel company , I always ask about their sustainability practices ,” Sawicki said . Some of her top questions include :
• How is your organization sourcing its staff ? What percentage of your staff is from local communities ?
• How does your operation support the local community and environment ?
• Is any wildlife involvement ( such as riding or holding ) ethical ?
• To what extent do you partner with local businesses ?
She also confirms that any tour provider
RECOMMEND … Small-boat excursions
A bus or train trip along the same route Walking , kayaking or biking
Refillable bottles or plastic-free packaging ( like paper-wrapped bars )
Refillable vessels
Properties with green certifications or designations
Seeking locally sourced ( and ideally plant-driven ) meals
Exploring local culture with a community-based guide
Bringing home photos and memories
has plant-based offerings , noting that animal agriculture creates an outsized share of carbon emissions .
“ When a travel agency is choosing which local operators to work with , they likely have a choice between various competitors and can choose the one that best aligns with their interests ,” said Chris Atkins , owner of Central America Fishing , a boutique fishing expedition operator . “ Some of this may even go unnoticed by the guests — such as a transfer company with a fleet of electric shuttle vans versus gas , or a tour company that offers biodegradable cups versus single-use plastic cups — but little things make a difference .”
Winkaffe said mindful tweaks matter to sustainability goals , and they don ’ t have to compromise client experience . “ By carefully vetting and selecting operators , hotels and transportation providers that prioritize environmental and social responsibility , we ensure that our clients ’ experiences not only meet their expectations , but also contribute positively to the destinations they visit ,” she said .
FUNNEL SPEND TOWARD SUSTAINABLE EFFORTS . Since most travelers are eager to make a change , it ’ s good business for advisors to keep an open dialogue . “ If we see a supplier or routing that a traveler inquires about that could be more sustainable , we empower them with this knowledge ,” said Upaway Co-Founder and COO Lauren LaBar . “ In addition , we share alternative options for their consideration so the traveler is still in the driving seat and can make an informed decision that best suits their travel plans .”
Winkaffe helps her clients understand that such options enrich not just the environment , but also their enjoyment of the travel experience . Her team makes it a mission to encourage travelers to seek more profound experiences while keeping sustainability at the core , introducing them “ to a world beyond crowded tour buses and mammoth cruise ships that spew tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every single day .”
This includes offering clients tips on slowing down and immersing themselves in the culture , avoiding single-use plastics , saving water and energy resources , choosing low- or positive-impact accommodations and operators and picking lower-impact transit options when they are available .
Atkins steers his clients away from certain all-inclusive resorts associated with massive food waste and litter and toward boutique hotels and private rentals , encouraging clients instead to eat at local restaurants that are more sustainable and support the local economy .
And he guides them away from mega cruise ships when possible , trying instead to find a small boat excursion with a lower ( or carbon-neutral ) footprint or encouraging travelers to stay in the destination at a locally run hotel and eat at local restaurants .
When building potential itineraries for clients , Sawicki provides them with background on the eco-friendliness of the property or company and shares why she ’ s chosen to work with one company over another — marketing it not as a compromise , but as a selling point .
“ My goal is to make clients realize that their dollar is a vote ,” she said . “ And it has the power to encourage beneficial change — or encourage destructive practices .”
SUMMER 2023 / THE COMPASS / 45