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Celebrating a Milestone: Shortlisted for TTG's Intrepid Sustainable Travel Champion 2025
- Emma Andrews
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I’ve been shortlisted for Intrepid Travel’s Sustainable Travel Champion at the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2025 Awards, in association with Visit Malta.
Sustainability has been a guiding force in my travel journey for many years now, so to be recognised in this way is both humbling and incredibly meaningful. I’ll be heading to the awards ceremony at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on 24 April 2025, where I’ll be celebrating with friends, colleagues, and some truly inspiring travel professionals. Fingers crossed for the big night.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
When I first began exploring the concept of sustainable travel, I never imagined it would so deeply shape not just how I view the world, but how I operate as a travel adviser. It all started with a simple spark of curiosity - seeing a hotel group eliminate single-use plastics made me pause and ask, "What more can I do to help create a positive impact through travel?"
That one question launched a journey filled with learning, discovery, and action.
Walking the Sustainability Path
Some of the key moments along the way have included:
Joining the 2023 TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador familiarisation trip to Majorca, where I saw firsthand how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into hospitality.
Completing the Kiwano Sustainable Travel Course, which helped deepen my understanding of responsible tourism practices.
Being selected for the 2024 TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador Programme - a turning point that reaffirmed my commitment to sustainable travel.
Participating in the TTG Fairer Travel Sustainability Forum in London, a gathering of like-minded changemakers in the industry.
Experiencing Sustainable Travel Around the World
From the Dominican Republic to Majorca, Fuerteventura to Naxos, and even closer to home on the Isle of Man, I’ve had the opportunity to witness sustainability in action across the globe. Whether it was learning from the practices of Iberostar, the Greek Tourist Board, or visiting a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, these experiences have been both eye-opening and inspiring.
One especially memorable moment was joining Intrepid Travel for a cultural tour in London - proof that sustainability isn’t just about the environment, but about creating authentic, meaningful connections through responsible tourism.
Advocating and Giving Back
Beyond travel, I’ve been proud to support initiatives like Dr Kat Owen’s Tangled and Ingested project aboard the Scarlet Lady, highlighting marine debris through art. I’ve also volunteered with Sheffield Action on Plastic, and regularly give talks on Responsible Travel to help others make more conscious travel choices.
Never Stop Learning
To ensure my work is grounded in the latest knowledge, I’ve continued my education by completing a Climate Change and Environmental Awareness course and of course, graduating as a TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador - a role that allows me to educate, support, and inspire both clients and peers.
I’ve also joined The Kiwano Collective, a passionate community of professionals investing in ongoing training, support, and collaboration within sustainable tourism. It’s an invaluable space for continuing to grow, share ideas, and remain aligned with best practices in responsible travel.
Living the Values at Home
Sustainability doesn’t end when the suitcase is unpacked. I’ve made it a way of life - using refillable toiletries, choosing plastic-free cleaning products, carrying reusable cups and bottles, always having a tote bag handy, and encouraging sustainable choices for my family’s own holidays.
Looking Ahead
Being shortlisted for this prestigious award feels like a full-circle moment - a recognition of the work done so far and a motivation for what lies ahead. But make no mistake: this isn’t the destination.
Sustainable travel is not just a goal - it’s a lifelong commitment to learning, evolving, and leading by example. I’m passionate about continuing to support my clients in making mindful travel decisions and helping fellow travel professionals start (or deepen) their own sustainability journeys.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way - your encouragement means the world. Here’s to creating a travel industry that truly gives back to the world it explores.
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