Road Scholar leads the way in sustainable educational travel with new Initiatives

Published on December 19, 2024

By: Paramita Sarkar

Road Scholar, a pioneering non-profit organization in educational travel for adults, has taken significant strides in championing sustainability within its itineraries and operations.

In a bid to preserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations of learners, Road Scholar has partnered with Sustainable Travel International, a global leader in sustainable tourism.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Road Scholar’s journey to embed responsible travel practices into its offerings and operations.

Partnering for a Sustainable Future

As part of its efforts, Road Scholar has engaged Sustainable Travel International to provide in-depth sustainability training for its staff and travel providers. This training equips employees and suppliers with critical knowledge about sustainable travel, covering topics such as the environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism and best practices for mitigating these effects.

Bryn Geddes, Program Sustainability Manager at Road Scholar, praised the partnership, stating: “We were impressed by Sustainable Travel International’s reputation as a trusted leader in sustainable tourism. Their projects align closely with the destinations and values that are central to Road Scholar.”

By educating its team and collaborators, Road Scholar aims to foster a culture of sustainability throughout its operations, ensuring that every touchpoint of its programs adheres to principles that safeguard the planet’s resources and communities.

Taking Action on Climate Change

In addition to staff training, Road Scholar has implemented a robust carbon offset program, further underscoring its commitment to addressing climate change. This initiative enables travelers to contribute directly to carbon reduction projects, either by opting for a voluntary offset contribution during their bookings or by donating a percentage of the organization’s sales to support these efforts.

Through these measures, Road Scholar not only reduces its carbon footprint but also inspires its participants to play an active role in preserving the planet for future generations.

Preserving the World’s Most Inspiring Classroom

Road Scholar’s initiatives are rooted in its mission to preserve the world as an inspiring and irreplaceable classroom. By integrating sustainable practices into its programs, the organization seeks to ensure that the cultural and natural wonders explored during its educational travel experiences remain intact for years to come.

These efforts reflect Road Scholar’s broader commitment to fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the destinations they visit. By prioritizing sustainability, the organization is shaping a travel experience that educates participants while respecting the environments and communities they engage with.

A Model for Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Travel International’s collaboration with Road Scholar is a testament to the growing recognition of sustainability as a critical component of modern tourism. The partnership serves as a model for other travel organizations, showcasing how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into operations to benefit both travelers and the planet.