Travalysters: meet Zina Bencheikh from Intrepid Travel

We’re seeing a growing interest in slow travel, and people considering trains over flights as they look to reduce their carbon footprint. Travellers are also keen to visit off-the-beaten track places and see different parts of more popular destinations.

It’s great to see more tour operators becoming B-Corp certified, committing to using their business to positively impact people and planet. More companies are also committing to ambitious climate targets – and being transparent about their progress.

Community-based tourism means locals have ownership of the interaction with visitors. In our Kenya itineraries, we include a visit to the Tepesua community where local women sell handicrafts to travellers. The funds have helped them buy herds of cattle and goats and create a school for girls at risk of female genital mutilation.

Try to make sure the money you spend stays in the local economy by travelling with a local guide, eating in local restaurants and staying in local accommodation. Visiting social enterprises like the Orient Experience restaurant in Venice is also a great way to support local people and projects.

We are changing the way we measure emissions, looking at the individual trip level to understand where we can make improvements. We will also progress with work on our Reconciliation Action Plan in Australia and Indigenous Action Plan in Central America to support, connect, and celebrate Indigenous and First Nations culture and communities.