11 JUNE 2018 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Latin Routes removes complimentary single-use bottled water from our private transfers & tours. Every client will now receive a Water-to-Go reusable filter bottle.
Like many, we were quite naive about the scale of sea pollution caused by single-use plastics, until it was highlighted by David Attenborough, in the recent BBC documentary, Blue Planet 2. Afterwards, the Environmental Audit Committee estimated that over 5.5 billion single-use plastic water bottles are landfilled, littered, or incinerated every year in the UK alone. Since then, we have been looking at ways to reduce our clients consumption of single-use plastics, while they are on holiday with us.
In Latin America, often the water that flows from the tap is not up to the same standard as we have in the UK, which often leads our clients to rely on single-use plastic bottled water. However, we have now discovered a reusable water bottle with an in-built filter that cleverly removes 99.9% of microbiological contaminants. This essentially means you can fill this bottle from most water sources and drink with peace of mind. What’s more, the filter works as you drink, so there is no waiting or pre-boiling required – you can enjoy clean water anytime, anywhere!
The environmental benefits of this bottle are clear, and its design makes it perfect for everyday use during our client’s travels around Latin America.
As a result, we are delighted to announce that from the 1st August 2018, Latin Routes will no longer offer complimentary single-use bottled water on our private transfers and tours in Latin America.
Today at Experience Latin America, a deal was finalised with Water-to-Go, which will mean that every client travelling with Latin Routes, will receive a reusable water bottle with filter, included in the price of their holiday. The bottle can then be used throughout their holiday and filled from most water sources, as and when needed. Clients can then keep the bottle, meaning the environmental benefits can continue long after the holiday has finished.
We are now challenging other travel businesses, to follow suit;
Martin Johnson, Director at Latin Routes, said ‘We believe we all have a huge responsibility in the travel industry, to encourage a change in our traveller’s consumption of single-use plastics. Pollution of our oceans is something that affects almost all destinations, across the world.
We are proud to stand with a handful of travel businesses that have made similar moves to include, or facilitate a discounted purchase of, reusable filter bottles as part of their holidays. But we would now like to see the major tour operators and agents follow suit. Any necessary cost of purchasing this product (or something similar) is minimal and the environmental effects at scale, would be huge! There is now a real oppourtunity for the travel industry to become a leading force in changing behaviour towards consumption of single-use plastics.”
Latin Routes would be happy to work collaboratively, or share any of our research, with any travel business considering a similar move.
About Latin Routes
Latin Routes specialises in truly individual, tailor-made holidays to Latin America. Started from scratch in 2012 by Jessica Bain and Martin Johnson, who have a true passion for the continent, Latin Routes has successfully become a leading operator in the Latin America holiday market. Our knowledge of the destination is second-to-none and based on our own first-hand travel experience. We offer a wide range of products, often not available anywhere else. The company is fully independent and ATOL protected, offering clients complete peace of mind.
Our trade programme has gone from strength to strength and offers agents the chance to sell truly individual, tailor-made holidays to their clients. The company offers price parity, competitive commissions on the whole booking, on-the-road support with free training and a dedicated team of experienced Travel Specialists.
More Information
For further details or comment, please contact Martin Johnson by email martin.johnson@latinroutes.co.uk
About the Water-to-Go Reusable Filter Bottle
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