Travel with a feelgood factor

WHEN IT COMES TO HOLIDAYS, BOTH TUI AND PEOPLE IN THE NORTH EAST LIKE TO KNOW THEY’RE SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

MORE than half of holidaymakers in the North East aspire to help the people and places they travel to, a new survey by YouGov has revealed.

Fifty-three per cent of people questioned in the region said that travelling responsibly will be a key factor when planning this year’s holiday – including supporting local businesses and choosing restaurants that serve local produce.

The good news is that it’s now easier to help make a difference to the places you want to visit.

TUI Collection experiences combine fantastic quality with exceptional value for money. They also help support local communities and deliver truly authentic experiences because of it.

Whether you’re after an exciting solo adventure, a guided group tour, or a family trip to a far-flung destination, TUI is creating jobs for local guides who are passionate about showing you the places they call home.

In Mexico, for example, you can join the Sian Ka’an excursion, where you’ll visit colourful reefs and ancient remains at this Unesco World Heritage site. Head off the beaten track and visit the tiny village of Punta Allen where you’ll be ferried around on the water by local fishermen

Or visit Rome and enjoy a fascinating – and skip-thequeue – tour of the Vatican with an expert local guide.

TUI’s Green & Fair hotels have implemented eco-friendly practices

Responsible tourism

When it comes to travelling responsibly with TUI, it’s not just what you see, but where you stay too. Set in some of the world’s most exciting cities, coastlines and mountain locations, TUI’s Green & Fair hotels have implemented planet-friendly practices that meet the strict criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Over 60 per cent of TUI hotels now have sustainability certifications – not just for the way they manage their energy and water consumption, but also ensuring they support local people, businesses and culture. Look for the Green & Fair hotel label on the TUI website.

Regional dishes

TUI BLUE holidays feature hotels designed for authentic experiences, and serving food based on the cuisine of that country. You’ll find them right across the globe, including popular holiday spots such as Portugal, Spain and Cyprus. Choose from adult-only hotels, familyfriendly resorts and top beach destinations.

In addition, the TUI Care

Foundation is working hard to ensure tourism can make

for the natural world and help local communities thrive around the globe.

It’s running social and environmental projects such as the Pikala organisation in Morocco, helping the locals train as bike tour guides and offering them jobs in a city where there’s a high unemployment rate.

However far you want to travel this year, TUI is helping you get closer to the places you want to visit.