FIRST CHOICE UNVEILS FIRST MAINSTREAM ONLINE GREEN HOLIDAY BROCHURE

First Choice has today announced it will be unveiling a new online, Greener Holidays brochure on April 21, 2009. A first for the mainstream holiday industry in the UK, the brochure and web pages will feature hotels that have received a Travelife award for their commitment to the environment, employees and local communities.

The product marketing is in line with the product ethos – from only digital copies of the brochure will be available.

First Choice agents can download electronic versions of the brochure onto their computer to show customers in store or to email to those wanting to know more about greener holiday options. For customers booking online, the dedicated web page includes links to all properties included in our Greener Holidays brochure that can be booked in the same way as any other holiday.

The Greener Holidays brochure provides an easy way for holidaymakers to make a more sustainable choice when selecting a package holiday either in store or online. Hotels meet specific sustainability criteria, which focus on people and communities as well as the environment.

The programme also includes details on sustainable activities, including excursions available in certain destinations, and top tips on what holidaymakers can do to make a difference, both before and during their holiday. An update on projects supported by the World Care Fund is also included as well as information on environmental initiatives onboard First Choice flights.

The TUI subsidiary suggests that a greener holiday also doesn’t mean customers should expect to pay more or compromise on quality. Says First Choice “In this current economic climate, cost is a major consideration for customers, this is why the holidays featured in this brochure offer a wide range of options to short, mid or long-haul destinations that provide excellent value for money. First Choice research also shows that Travelife-awarded hotels achieve higher than average levels of customer satisfaction. According to its independent customer satisfaction questionnaires, around 80 percent of Travelife-awarded hotels have high customer service scores.”

First Choice’s customer director, Tim Williamson explains, “If you care about the people and places you visit, this brochure gives customers a simple and easy way to do their bit for the environment when booking a package holiday. This demonstrates yet again our commitment to sustainable tourism and will help customers to minimise their impact on the destinations they are visiting. “

Valere Tjolle