The Travel Franchise is delighted with the success of its pioneering Climate Hero programme which gives customers the opportunity to book a holiday as well as helping to protect and restore the planet.

The Travel Franchise, along-with its customer facing partner Not Just Travel, works closely with environmental expert Mossy Earth to help create a healthier, more resilient natural world. Since launching last year, the Climate Hero programme has raised more than £30,000 for rewilding projects around the world.

The award-winning Climate Hero initiative asks customers to make an optional donation of around £5 per passenger when they are booking a trip. It has proved to be an overwhelming success, and actually a major selling point for many franchisees who report they have had customers donating hundreds of pounds.

Edinburgh franchisee, Mark McCardie, comments: “We have had a fantastic response to the Climate Hero initiative from all our clients. It is such a positive thing to be involved in, and just helps our business stand out even more. Booking a great holiday, and also doing your bit to help the environment, is definitely a win-win for everybody.”

Co-founders Steve Witt and Paul Harrison, who founded Not Just Travel and The Travel Franchise in 2001, could not be more proud of the Climate Hero project and say there is more to come as they have plans to expand their campaigns to support sustainability and socially responsible projects over the coming year.

Steve Witt explains: “The protection of the planet has to be a top priority, both in business and in life, but as a travel company it’s even more important that we battle climate change and promote more sustainable and responsible practice. With the help of our Climate Hero initiative, you can feel even better about booking that dream trip or last-minute break.”

Paul Harrison adds: “This is more than just a tick in the box to say ‘look we’re doing our bit’. We know that real and lasting change is needed if we are to save our planet. And it’s no secret that the travel industry has been a big contributor to climate change and continues to be. Rather than hide away from this, we want this initiative to inspire other travel companies out there to follow suit, as this is something we should all consider a priority.”