Hanjin Travel, a leading travel agency in South Korea, has begun to expand its lineup of ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) travel products, actively considering sustainable travel. The aim is to move beyond the simple act of sightseeing to offer responsible travel designs that respect nature and local communities, even taking modes of transport into account. This marks an effort to set a new standard for sustainable travel.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the sustainable tourism market is growing at an annual rate of over 10%, with more than 70% of travelers showing a positive attitude towards eco-friendly travel. ESG has become an essential value, not just an option, in the tourism industry. Hanjin Travel is incorporating ESG elements from the planning stages, including transportation, accommodation, experiences, and culinary culture, aiming for a travel experience where excitement and responsibility coexist.
The journey includes enjoying the circular farming project at Farm Hoshino, where a former golf course has been converted back into pasture for cows and sheep, creating a local food cycle with locally produced milk and cheese. Eco tours to observe wildlife, birch upcycling experiences, and zero-emission policies like installing water servers at resorts help reduce plastic waste.
Travelers actively participate in desertification prevention by planting trees, staying in eco-friendly accommodations built with natural materials to reduce carbon emissions and prevent soil pollution.
The TranzAlpine train, renowned globally for its eco-friendliness, allows travelers to explore the Southern Alps while minimizing carbon emissions. Journeys to key tourist spots such as Milford Sound and Rotorua are efficiently planned to minimize environmental impact.
Premium rail trips where travel itself is a purpose, such as the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf panoramic train, showcase the slow essence of ESG travel by minimizing vehicle use, utilizing regional ingredients, and applying systematic waste management systems. A three-night stay in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reduces travel distances while offering a profound experience of nature’s protected areas.
The Swiss sustainable brand, Swisstainable, is embraced, fully utilizing Swiss railways powered by renewable energy to cut carbon emissions by over 90%. The itinerary includes three-night stays in Lucerne and Bern, allowing for deeper immersion into local culture while minimizing frequent travel.
A Hanjin Travel representative stated, “ESG travel is not about sacrificing comfort but about understanding the essence of the destination more deeply; it is a new premium travel style. We will continue to lead a responsible travel culture that considers both the excitement of travel and the future of our planet.”