Adriatic DMC Presents Plastic Management Scheme at Sustainability Conference

Adriatic DMC attended the final conference event for the European Union COSME-funded SUSTOUR program in Portugal, aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the European tourism industry.

The two-day conference brought together tourism industry professionals and public sector officials from state and international organizations to showcase the achievements and best practices of travel agents and tour operators who have successfully integrated sustainability into their business and operations.

Adriatic DMC's marketing and project manager, Kim Butigan was a guest on the plastic management panel. Butigan's presentation to the conference shared Adriatic DMC's plastic management program, implemented to reduce the use of single-use plastic (SUP) on tours and in day-to-day operations. Highlighting the importance of responsible tour operators taking action, Butigan told the conference, "These small but significant steps have a meaningful impact on destinations."

As part of its scheme, Adriatic DMC distributed insulated drink bottles to licensed tour guides, procured cotton reusable bags to replace plastic carrier bags, and ceased issuing SUP plastic bottles to passengers on board its small cruise ship, Adriatic Blue, instead providing a large water cooler for refill of reusable bottles and glasses.

Butigan further commented on the scheme and conference, "Improving waste management is the starting point for improving the sustainability of operations in tourism. Our results demonstrate that these small changes have a big effect on the volume of plastic we contribute to the waste cycle. If every business were to take the same approach, our destinations would see an overwhelming improvement in the environmental impact of their visitors."

President of the European Association of Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations (ECTAA), Frank Oostdam: "The accomplishments of the companies under the COSME-funded project inspire us all. We look to motivate others to join the journey towards sustainability. ECTAA remains committed to promoting sustainability within the industry beyond this project, developing tools and partnerships for a future of sustainable travel."

Adriatic DMC is Travelife Certified, find out more about its sustainability policy here.