Avanti Destinations has launched a new initiative, the Avanti Footprint program, to help travel advisors identify accommodations, tours and transfers in its portfolio that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.
The program has already verified more than 400 products that meet the company's sustainability criteria. The verified products are marked with a three-leaf green logo on Avanti's advisor portal, allowing travel advisors to learn more about each supplier's sustainability efforts.
"Our goal is to have 50% of our products on the path to sustainability," said Alison Atkinson, commercial director of the Avanti Footprint Program. "We started auditing all of our products late last year, sending suppliers a detailed survey, and then having our staff analyze and fact-check their responses."
Atkinson emphasized that Avanti is not a certification organization and isn't claiming these products are completely sustainable. Rather, Avanti hopes to recognize suppliers who are prioritizing sustainability and rethinking how they do business.
The program recognizes various sustainability efforts including renewable energy use, locally sourced products, electric or hybrid vehicles and businesses that positively impact local economies. It also acknowledges suppliers with third-party certifications from organizations like Travelife, Biosphere and Earthcheck.
"We interpret sustainability to include steps that protect the environment and support their local and Indigenous communities," Atkinson said.
Examples of verified products include London's St. Ermins Hotel with its rooftop beehives and kitchen garden; Amsterdam's carbon-neutral Albus Hotel; Palacio del Inka in Cusco with its Food Rescue Program; the Earthcheck-certified Alila Manggis Hotel in Indonesia with its underwater coral garden; Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery Private Tour in Ireland, an eight-time National Sustainability award winner; and the Misminay Cultural Immersion Private Tour in Peru's Sacred Valley that connects travelers with a rural Andean community.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Avanti Destinations. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
