Steps to Become a Sustainable Superhero

Sustainability is the Future of Travel

During its 50th anniversary year, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has adopted the mantra ‘looking 50 years forward’ to help its tour operator members initiate and grow sustainable and responsible practices to meet these evolving traveler expectations. A recent survey from MMGY Travel Intelligence found that sixty-three percent of Millennials indicate that a travel service provider’s focus on sustainability impacts their travel decision-making.

Here are some of USTOA’s top tips to become a sustainable superhero by practicing responsible travel...

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Support and Shop Local

Take the opportunity to shop local while traveling to support communities, artists, and small producers. Many of these local stakeholders rely on the inward flow of tourism dollars. Shopping locally also reduces the impact you have on the environment. Plan to walk or cycle to nearby street markets rather than making the trek via automobile to a shopping mall outside the city. Eat local food. Stay a few extra nights. And consider an off-season visit, when your support is most needed.

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Go Green

Your usual methods of transportation may not be the greenest way to go. Do your research before booking your next trip. When selecting an airline, consider more than price and frequent flier miles. For example, United Airlines has invested more in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) globally than any other airline, and they’re so committed to combating climate change, they’re on a path toward reducing 100% of their greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. When on the ground, rent a hybrid or electric vehicle. Check to see if a shuttle or bus might be an alternative before calling a ride service. Visit local attractions within walking or biking distance of your lodging.

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Understand Your Tour Options

USTOA Tour Operator Members are actively embracing sustainable practice and promoting responsible travel on tours offered. A handful of notable initiatives from USTOA Active Members include:

Intrepid Travel's transition to 100% renewable energy in all offices around the world by 2025.
Collette is partnering with Save the Bay, a local nonprofit, to participate in shoreline clean-up events.
Globus is helping keep the “blue planet green” by contributing to Trees4Travel, a leading champion of cleaner air.
Trafalgar’s Make Travel Matter Experiences, offered on nearly every trip, invites travelers to partake in initiatives that work to benefit local communities and encourage sustainable tourism while educating guests.

For more tips to become a sustainable superhero, visit https://ustoa.com/sustainablesuzie to read USTOA’s first-ever Sustainable Suzie comic. By day, protagonist Sustainable Suzie is a USTOA tour operator guide named Susan who provides tips for travelers as well as examples of destinations and travel companies that are adopting workable, sustainable practices. Meanwhile, her alter-ego Suzie battles with the villains determined to contaminate the planet. Her goal is to ensure there is a world to explore for future generations.

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"Steps to Become a Sustainable Superhero"

Steps to Become a Sustainable Superhero

Sustainability is the Future of Travel

How well do you know the world?

Support and Shop Local

Go Green

Understand Your Tour Options