EF Ultimate Break, a leader in experiential travel for 18- to 35-year-olds, has announced a significant Responsible Travel initiative in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The company aims to deliver more sustainable and ethically crafted itineraries, unveiling more than a dozen new travel options across Thailand. These newly introduced tours, available in conjunction with the company’s anticipated Black Friday sale, will feature activities and destinations carefully designed to minimize environmental impact, uphold animal welfare, and support local communities.
Towards Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
Heather Leisman, President of EF Ultimate Break, expressed the company’s long-term commitment to creating impactful travel experiences that leave a positive legacy. “With the Responsible Travel initiative, we’re going beyond conventional tours. We’re committed to reducing our carbon impact, supporting local economies, and promoting animal welfare to ensure that tourism continues to benefit the destinations our travelers explore,” she said.
This initiative builds upon EF Education First’s overall sustainability goals. As part of its new Responsible Travel framework, EF Ultimate Break will focus on three main pillars: environmental protection, animal welfare, and community support.
- Environmental ProtectionEF Ultimate Break will utilize EF Education First’s carbon measurement strategies to track and reduce emissions. The company partners with myclimate to quantify emissions using methods aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the internationally accepted framework for carbon footprint assessments.Beyond measurement, EF has collaborated with the Eden Reforestation Projects to plant nine million mangrove trees in Kenya, Madagascar, and Mozambique from 2021 to 2023. This year, EF has partnered with WeForest to expand these efforts, aiming to regenerate 1,500 hectares of forest in the Mahale mountains and plant three million trees over the next five years. This project also includes educating farmers, supporting wildlife conservation, and creating employment opportunities within local communities.
- Animal WelfareAs part of EF’s Animal Welfare Program, EF Ultimate Break enforces strict guidelines to prevent animal exploitation. Travelers on EF tours will no longer engage in any activities involving physical interactions with endangered or captive animals. This includes avoiding practices such as elephant rides, dolphin swims, and selfies with animals in captivity. Instead, EF directs travelers to sanctuaries and national parks where animals can be observed in their natural environments.EF staff and tour directors also undergo specialized training in animal welfare to ensure they are educated on best practices. EF is expanding these efforts by providing travelers with experiential learning opportunities, such as service-learning projects in animal sanctuaries, allowing them to become advocates for responsible animal interaction.
- Community SupportEF Ultimate Break’s Responsible Travel initiative emphasizes the importance of investing in the communities that travelers visit. EF’s approach prioritizes engaging with local suppliers, from lodging and dining to excursion providers. The company aims to foster relationships that support local economies and introduce travelers to the cultural richness of each destination.Leisman explained, “Travel should be about sharing a place, not just seeing it. We focus on the long-term impacts our tours have on the communities we explore, aiming to benefit these areas long after our travelers leave.”
New Thailand Itineraries Inspired by Sustainable Design
The partnership with Thailand Tourism has inspired a variety of itineraries designed with sustainability in mind. These tours cater to younger travelers who are not only eager to see the world but increasingly prioritize eco-conscious travel options. Some featured tours include:
- Highlights of Thailand (15 Days, 4 Cities): This itinerary captures Thailand’s diversity, covering bustling Bangkok, serene Chiang Mai, and the idyllic southern islands. The itinerary is a mix of city exploration, natural wonders, and immersive cultural experiences, allowing travelers to experience Thailand in a meaningful way.
- Bangkok City Experience (8 Days, 1 City): Travelers delve into the contrasts of Bangkok, from traditional markets and temples to contemporary skyscrapers and Michelin-rated street food. This single-city tour is packed with opportunities for visitors to connect with Bangkok’s unique culture.
- North Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai (14 Days, 4 Cities): Travelers journey through northern Thailand, experiencing vibrant cities, peaceful temples, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. This tour offers an in-depth exploration of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
- South Thailand: Samui, Phangan & Krabi (12 Days, 4 Cities): Exploring southern Thailand’s beaches and coastal landscapes, this tour is designed for those who want to relax and enjoy Thailand’s famous seaside culture, including environmentally mindful island-hopping and excursions.
- South Thailand: Phuket & Krabi (11 Days, 3 Cities): Focused on Thailand’s beach destinations, this itinerary emphasizes sustainable interactions with local communities and visits to animal sanctuaries rather than commercial animal exhibits.
Each itinerary includes a unique balance of cultural immersion, natural exploration, and mindfulness toward sustainability. Additional experiences, such as attending the Full Moon Party on Ko Pha-ngan, Thailand’s Songkran New Year Festival, and the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Lantern Festivals, allow travelers to participate in some of Thailand’s most celebrated cultural events.
Market Demand for Sustainable Tourism
The initiative’s launch follows extensive market research conducted by EF Ultimate Break and Qualtrics Research in September 2024. The survey of 18- to 35-year-old travelers across the United States and Canada revealed a strong demand for sustainable travel. Over 70% of respondents stated that sustainability influences their travel decisions, and more than half reported they would opt for eco-friendly travel options even if these came at a higher price. Notably, 75% emphasized the importance of animal welfare policies in their travel choices, while 73% valued companies that support local businesses and communities.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand supports this vision. Mrs. Pornpan Intratat, Director of Thailand Tourism’s Los Angeles Office, said, “We are proud to collaborate with EF Ultimate Break in demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Today’s travelers are highly attuned to the environmental and social impact of their journeys, and EF’s Responsible Travel initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader sustainability goals.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Responsible Travel
Moving forward, EF Ultimate Break will incorporate the pillars of responsible travel into every itinerary it offers. This long-term commitment includes initiatives to protect environmental resources, safeguard animal welfare, and empower local economies. EF also plans to provide travelers with an educational component on responsible tourism, encouraging them to adopt these values during and beyond their travels.
EF Ultimate Break’s partnership with Thailand Tourism represents a milestone for the company, as it continues to redefine travel experiences for a new generation of eco-conscious explorers. With over 140 international tours available, EF’s Black Friday sale promises new opportunities for travelers seeking impactful, sustainable adventures.
The post EF Ultimate Break Launches Sustainable Thailand Tours, Partnering with Tourism Authority of Thailand to Highlight Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pristine Islands appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
