Inghams is enhancing its commitment to sustainable tourism by broadening its rail travel options into its 2024 European walking programme.
Now offering routes to 23 resorts across France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, this initiative personalises travel with minimal changes and easy transfers, enriching the holiday experience.
Expanding Sustainable Travel Options
Inghams has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its travel offerings by expanding rail travel options to over 23 European resorts within its 2024 walking programme. The initiative focuses on sustainability by offering eco-friendly travel routes across four major European countries: France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Departing from London St Pancras, these routes are designed to ensure minimal changes and straightforward transfers, making the journey an integral part of the holiday experience.
Inghams: Pioneering for a Greener Future
The introduction of train itineraries to Inghams’ summer walking programme follows the successful implementation of similar options in its winter ski programme. This move underlines Inghams’ commitment to providing more sustainable travel options to its customers. By reducing reliance on air travel, which significantly contributes to the carbon footprint, Inghams is taking actionable steps towards sustainability.
Customer Incentives and Benefits
Alongside offering sustainable travel choices, Inghams is also incentivising customers with an extra £100 discount, on top of an existing £100 re-booking offer, to encourage the selection of rail travel. The company is determined to make eco-friendly travel choices more accessible and appealing by aligning them with financial benefits.
Krissy Roe, Senior Sustainability Manager at Inghams, emphasised that many customers are eager to embrace the adventure of train travel. “More and more customers are keen to embrace the adventure of train travel and we’re determined to make it as easy and smooth as possible for our customers to opt for these lower carbon transport choices,” she stated.
The Importance of Industry Support
Inghams’ commitment to lower-carbon travel aligns with broader industry needs for more subsidies and support for train travel. The company is advocating for stronger financial incentives to make rail travel economically viable for both operators and consumers. There is a clear recognition that such measures are essential for driving a substantial reduction in the holiday carbon footprint.
As Krissy Roe pointed out, “We know that flying is the largest part of our holiday carbon footprint and as an industry we need to be doing all we can to reduce our impacts.” Her remarks underscore the urgency for the travel industry to shift towards more sustainable practices.
The Railway Experience as Part of the Holiday
The inclusion of rail travel as a part of the Inghams walking holiday package is designed to enrich the overall holiday experience. The notion of the journey being a part of the holiday itself is a unique selling point, attracting travellers who value enriching experiences over mere destinations.
The routes feature minimal train changes, ensuring that travellers can enjoy a seamless and relaxed experience. This ease of travel caters to families and elderly tourists, highlighting the inclusivity of Ingham’s travel packages.
Such convenience and ease of travel are intended to entice a broader demographic, encouraging more holidaymakers to consider train travel over flights. The initiative aims to redefine travel norms and promote a culture of sustainable tourism.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
Inghams’ initiative is reflective of a growing trend in the travel industry towards more sustainable practices. By expanding rail travel options, the company is not only meeting current consumer demands for eco-friendly travel but is also paving the way for industry-wide changes. The success of this programme could potentially influence other tour operators to adopt similar measures.
The move could also stimulate greater investment in rail infrastructure, making it a compelling alternative to air travel for short to medium distances. As sustainability becomes increasingly paramount, Inghams’ strategy positions it as a leader in the travel sector’s evolution towards greener practices.
Conclusion
Inghams’ expansion of rail travel options within its 2024 walking programme marks a pivotal step in promoting sustainable tourism. By offering a viable alternative to air travel, the company is reducing the carbon footprint associated with holidays.
Inghams’ expansion of rail options within its 2024 walking programme marks a pivotal step in promoting sustainable tourism.
By offering a viable alternative to air travel, the company is reducing the carbon footprint associated with holidays.
