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YMT Sustainability Plan

YMT Sustainability Plan

At YMT Vacations, we are driven by travel’s potential for good. We believe in making a positive impact on the places we see and the people we interact with, through inspiring travel experiences.

We are conscious of the climate crisis, and we acknowledge that some aspects of tourism can be carbon intensive. Together with our valued suppliers and partners, we are committed to playing our part in reducing our footprint in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) global goals. We are also working on our decarbonizing strategy, and we aim to cut down emissions and add more value to our tours by empowering local communities.

Meaningful partnerships

YMT Vacations is a proud member of Tourism Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference through travel and tourism.

YMT Sustainability Plan

Taking climate action by supporting healthy oceans

As part of our commitment to climate and nature action, we’ve joined our sister companies across the Travelopia Group* to partner with Blue Marine Foundation. 

Our objective is to help conserve the stunning coastlines and marine life that enrich your vacations and restore ocean ecosystems that are vital in tackling climate change.

Together with our sister travel companies, we intend to donate at least $1 million over the next 3 years, with an aim to support the conservation and restoration of 7,000 hectares of vital marine ecosystems through seven global projects.

YMT Sustainability Plan

From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Kenya to Indonesia, these protected “blue carbon ecosystems” have the potential to remove and store thousands of tonnes of carbon every year. They will also help protect a rich diversity of coastal and underwater wildlife, including endangered species. 

Our support will also enable the training and employment of local communities in marine conservation, helping ensure these beautiful places are preserved for generations.

Through a combination of conservation, ecosystem restoration, research and community engagement, each project seeks to address the climate and biodiversity crisis in different ways, empowering and engaging local communities:

Greece – A blue carbon approach to saving Greek seas
Formentera – Safeguarding the future of ancient seagrass meadows
Kenya – Restoring Mida-Creek’s mangrove forests
The Caribbean – Restoring blue carbon habitats and protecting unique marine ecosystems
Indonesia – Community-led restoration of Indonesia’s extraordinary blue forests
Philippines – Restoring abandoned aquaculture ponds to productive mangrove forests
The Maldives – Restoring mangroves and seagrass for climate mitigation and resilience

*YMT Vacations is a member of the Travelopia group of travel companies which has come together to partner with Blue Marine Foundation

Sustainability Tips for Travelers

As a responsible traveler, here are a few simple tips that you could follow to help preserve the amazing destinations you visit, either with us or independently.

Remember you are a guest in the destination, so be mindful of the environment and the local culture. Small steps such as reducing single-use plastics and carrying your own water bottle, go a long way towards creating a better future for our planet.

YMT Sustainability Plan

Reduce

Minimize single-use items, disposable wipes, paper, and plastic waste when you can. 

Bring a refillable water bottle, travel cups, and stainless-steel straws with you while traveling. You can check apps such as Water-Map for information on free water refills.

Pack a re-usable fabric bag for souvenir shopping. 

Keep tickets and travel documentation saved digitally on your mobile device. 

Turn lights and electronics off when not needed, and take shorter showers. 

Follow the same practices you do at home by reusing bath towels and sheets in lodging spaces. 

When you’re in an area with poor mobile coverage, put your phone in airplane mode (or turn it off). The battery of your phone lasts longer, which reduces the need for charging, and hence, saves energy!

Respect

Sustainable travel is about treating the planet and its residents with respect. Whether you want to support a local business or donate to a cause close to your heart, here are a few tips.

When traveling to conservative destinations, research and dress appropriately to respect local sentiments. 

Stay on official footpaths for your own safety and to decrease trampling and disturbance of local wildlife. 

“Leave no trace” by taking litter with you and recycling plastic waste in receptacles. 

Refrain from touching coral reefs or stepping on marine life when snorkeling, as this interferes with the natural regeneration of the sea bed.

Use eco-friendly sunscreen since certain substances are toxic to coral and fish. Mineral-based creams consisting of zinc or titanium oxide are kinder to the environment. 

Say no to souvenirs made from animal parts such as ivory, tortoiseshell, or reptile skins. 

In areas where wildlife is at risk, reduce noise and light pollution as it may cause distress to certain species.

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