Imagine travelling through picturesque landscapes in comfort and style, knowing that you have chosen a low-carbon holiday – welcome to the world of green tourism. In this blog, join us on a journey where we will explore how coach travel is the responsible choice for travellers looking to protect our planet.

The role of coach travel in green tourism cannot be underestimated, as it weaves together two vital elements: exploration and sustainability. There is no need to compromise, as coach travel uncovers boundless opportunities to explore destinations across the UK and Europe, while preserving them for generations to come.

With that in mind, The Ready Group is pleased to announce that over the coming months, we will be rolling out new websites for all our coach travel businesses. So whatever brand you choose, you will find a comprehensive range of coach trips and holidays across the UK and Europe.

If you want to make greener holiday choices, let’s explore how coach travel offers a more sustainable approach to tourism…

What is green tourism?

The term ‘green tourism’ encompasses a range of environmentally-friendly activities and services within the tourism industry. Essentially, it involves being a responsible and eco-conscious traveller or offering sustainable tourist services. Given the growing power of the green agenda, including pressure from the Government, green tourism is becoming a popular choice.

For example, you could visit natural, unspoiled areas in a responsible, non-damaging way, including using transport that produces as few carbon emissions as possible. Get into the habit of taking your litter away with you, recycling any plastic bottles and keeping to designated footpaths and routes. 

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, areas heavily reliant on tourism have been deeply affected. So tourists should support the local community in their holiday location by contributing to the economy or preserving cultural heritage. Green tourism is about bringing new hope for restoration and preservation. By embracing sustainable choices, travellers can become catalysts for change, encouraging the protection of natural and historical sites.

In short, the aim of green tourism is to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. Tour operators are now catering to the demands of more discerning and environmentally conscious tourists, who wish to enjoy holidays while making sustainable choices.

The need for green tourism

Traditional travel needs to change. According to UK Government data, transport is the largest contributor to UK domestic greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for 27% in 2019. While emissions from transport have been broadly the same for the past 30 years, improved engine efficiency has compensated for the increasing number of journeys.

However, the need to limit global warming to well below 2 degC and to pursue efforts to limit to 1.5 degC, means the UK Government is committed to moving as fast as possible. 

So, when you need to travel what is the best low-carbon option? When comparing modes of travel by carbon footprint, the measurement is made in greenhouse gases emitted per person to travel one kilometre. Here is the published data from the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• Domestic flight 255g
• Medium car (petrol) 192g
• Medium car (diesel) 171g
• Bus 105g
• Medium car (EV) 53g
• National rail 41g
• Coach 28g 

These figures are only guides, as there can be significant variations in emissions caused by the journey length, electricity source, occupancy levels of public transport, and the number of passengers in a car.

Why coach travel is a sustainable option

While walking or cycling are the lowest-carbon travel choices, they are not always the most practical when going on holiday. Public transport is not the most convenient solution when carrying luggage, but coach travel offers a combination of accessibility and comfort.

With a significantly lower carbon footprint per passenger compared to car or air travel, coaches can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. By embracing the concept of shared transportation, coach travel passengers make a collective effort towards green tourism.

Modern coaches employ advanced technologies to optimise fuel consumption. Additionally, the capacity to accommodate 70 passengers in a single vehicle reduces traffic congestion and emissions. Fewer cars mean less burden on fragile historic locations, limiting environmental damage. The organised nature of coach travel allows for efficient drop-off and pick-up points, preventing chaotic parking and thus improving site safety. 

How can coach travel support local communities?

Coach travel supports the local economy by attracting large groups of visitors, leading to increased spending for hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. This income results in sustainable growth in the community, encouraging investment to preserve and improve the tourist destination. 

According to the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), there are around 2,500 coach operators in the UK, 81% of which are family or individually owned. These businesses provide 42,000 jobs across the country.

As a win-win solution, coach travel emerges as a powerful force in reducing carbon emissions while supporting the prosperity of the communities it serves.

Thinking about a low-carbon holiday?

Here at The Ready Group, we have been providing high-quality coach travel to customers across London and the South East for more than 20 years. We have a strong sense of environmental responsibility and are one of the industry leaders in making coach travel the low-carbon choice for holidaymakers. 

Our modern vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, and we are rolling out the FuelActive system for maximum fuel efficiency. FuelActive technology delivers 92% cleaner fuel to the engine by using cleaner fuel from below the surface of the fuel tank. Standard diesel engines suck in fuel from the bottom of the tank, where water, sediment, and other contaminants settle.

This means our engines only burn clean fuel, increasing the thermal efficiency of the engine and reducing fuel consumption while maintaining factory-level emissions standards throughout the vehicle’s life cycle.

Whether you are an advocate of green tourism or simply want to enjoy a memorable trip in the UK or Europe, we are here to help. Contact our friendly and professional team and take your first step towards your next exciting adventure. Call 01753 662178 or email [email protected]