Travel agents incentivised to boost sustainable credentials with free online training

UK trade association Abta offers course to members and chance to win a Patagonia suitcase

Abta members are being encouraged to learn more about sustainability with a free online training initiative.

The aim is to help increase knowledge and understanding across the travel sector of the industry’s sustainability agenda. 

It will also help people identify the role they can play in developing a more sustainable industry.

The training covers the fundamentals of sustainability in travel, looking particularly at four areas:

1. Managing environmental issues
2. Destination management and local impacts
3. Respecting human rights
4. Managing animal welfare

This training is suitable for people in any role in travel, from marketing and communications to product and sales, across travel agents, tour operators and the wider industry.

Partners and non-members can buy digital licenses to enable their employees to complete online training modules. The price for up to ten users is £275 plus VAT.

Any member completing the training by September 26 will be entered into a prize draw to win a 26-litre Patagonia suitcase which converts to a backpack.

Industry relations director Susan Deer said: “No matter what your job is in the travel industry – whether you work in customer service or product development, are a travel agent or tour operator – we all need to have an understanding of the industry’s sustainability agenda.

“To truly achieve a sustainable travel industry, sustainability needs to be integrated into all parts of the business and all employees aware of the issues and the action needed. 

“We designed this course to help those with little knowledge on sustainability and travel to become more informed.”