The popularity of tours involving electric bikes is surging

Photo by Himiway Bikes on Unsplash

  Sustainability has to be frontrunner for the buzzword, doesn't it? Ok, I live in Brighton with its vegan shoe shops and ethical supermarkets, so my experience may not be entirely typical. But on the high street, online, and even in travel, a game of eco-buzzword bingo yields fruitful results,  with ‘organic’, ‘biodegradable’ and ‘planet friendly’ claims trumpeted at every turn.  The word sustainability is used so often now that it’s almost become meaningless. Certainly more travel companies than ever before are keen to get their carbon footprint measured and tell customers about all the great community projects they support in far flung holiday destinations.   To those of us who have been in the travel industry for a while, this might all seem a little familiar. When (former US Vice President) Al Gore released his climate change expose ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ in 2006 there was a sudden rush to be seen to be doing the right thing. For a few years many of Europe's most prominent tour operators and airlines invested heavily in developing sustainability teams to implement a programme of social and environmental good deeds. Much of this sadly screeched to a halt just a few short years later when the credit crunch and subsequent economic slow down led to redundancies across the industry. At that time only a handful of super committed, forward thinking travel companies kept sustainability investment at the same level, as consumer attention focused away from melting ice caps back towards cutting costs. Budget airlines and OTAs made cheap holidays increasingly easy,  and (at least initially) didn’t have to concern themselves with bothersome red tape or worry about brand reputation, leaving  traditional travel companies fighting for survival.   What changed over the same period was the speed at which information could be shared.  This meant the inconvenient truths previously  glossed over in shiny brochures were suddenly exposed and distributed through social media for all to see  - and it changed everything! Just look at animal welfare. In the ‘olden days’ i.e. before about 2010, if you weren’t happy with the conditions at a zoo or marine park a travel company had sold you, the most you could do was raise it with their rep, or if you were really committed, write a letter to customer services. All complaints were dealt with individually, so kind of easier to palm off. Once people started social media sharing, creating digital campaigns and generating online petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures, it was a different story  - and the number of tour operators and airlines with strong policies on animal welfare is testament. Wider sustainability concerns have followed a similar pattern and voices like Greta Thunberg’s and David Attenborough’s together with  the rise of movements like ‘Flight Shame’ in Scandinavia and of course tourism itself Declaring A Climate Emergency, have moved the dial.  This has  led to a gradual ramping up of investment across the industry, with budget airlines and global OTAs also now getting stuck into sustainability.  What’s really notable though, is that this time round despite the massive financial shock of the pandemic, sustainability teams have largely survived intact.  With post pandemic losses to recover and the cost of living crisis adding further pressure, why are travel companies finally viewing sustainability as a core function?   Painful as it was, the complete halt brought about by the pandemic forced us to stop and think. Our fragility as a species and our connection to the natural world was laid bare like never before. This, and the increasingly desperate predictions of climate disaster from scientists, has caused many to wake up to the urgent need for change  - not just in travel but right across the board. In 2017 Ikea told us we’d hit ‘peak stuff’ and the huge growth in popularity of ‘experiences over things’ complements the Covid-related awakening of the need to be kinder to nature.  This is borne out by Booking.com’s latest Sustainable Travel Report  (a global survey of 31,000 consumers) which found  71% wanting to travel more sustainably (10% up on the previous year) and  50% stating that recent news on climate change has encouraged them to make more sustainable travel choices. Euromonitor’s Voice of The Industry Sustainability Survey from July 2020 reports 76% of consumers being more concerned about sustainability after the start of the coronavirus pandemic.   What does this look like when it comes to booking behaviour?  It's actually easiest to forget about sustainability altogether here, and just think about how a more people and planet friendly holiday might look.  A relaxing trip by train rather than queuing at an airport… tick. Accommodation away from the crowds in a stunning natural setting…tick. Enjoying local specialities in a friendly family owned restaurant…tick. These are all things that increasing numbers of people like to experience when they go away  - knowing that it is also a more sustainable option is an added bonus. According to Booking.com, 66% of consumers want to have experiences that are representative of the local culture, 79% want to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport such as walking, cycling or public transport over taxis or rental cars, and 81% want to stay in sustainable accommodation (this last figure has increased every year since 2016, when Booking first started their research).   But is it just a fad? Well,  given that companies now have to be more transparent about travel’s less positive side and the public increasingly say they want more sustainable holidays, my money says not. Though I think the real game changer is the arrival of a new generation of senior management in the industry,  who not only appreciate the need for change, but have a personal commitment to doing things differently.   Written for TravelMole by: Rachel McCaffery, MD of sustainable tourism specialists Green Case (greencaseconsulting.com)  has worked on sustainability in travel for companies, destinations, and international organisations including the United Nations and the European Commission.

  A new study by adventure holiday provider The Bucket List Company has looked into the best hiking trails from around the world. The study looked at various data sources, including Instagram hashtags volume & social reactions, while also taking into account factors such as trail length, days to complete and the difficulty of these trails to determine the top tracks for hiking.   The study revealed that the Sentiero Degli Dei in Italy, is the best hiking trail in the WORLD!! Nicknamed 'The Path of The Gods, ' this picturesque trail links the two small towns of Agerola and Nocelle. Ranked as an easy trail to complete, with the 8km walk suitable for a one day hike, the course has had over 60,222 Instagram hashtags alongside an amazing 'love' social reaction of 100%.     Coming in a close 2nd was the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail, based in New Zealand. The route is based within the Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Site, and courses across a beautiful volcanic landscape. This trail has also been marked as easy for its difficulty level, and although a slightly longer route at 19km, this can also be completed within one day. The Instagram hashtag volume for Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 46,988, while also having a 100% 'love' social reaction.   Coming 3rd is the Paine Grande trail in Chile, based in the Torres del Paine National Park. This trail provides stunning views of Cuernos del Paine and Cerro Paine Grande. The 22.2km trail has been ranked as hard in terms of difficulty, but this trail can still be completed within one day. The course has had over 11,600 linked Instagram hashtags and, like the other two trails, also has 100% 'love' social reaction.     See The Top 10 Hiking Trails Below  

Hiking Trail	Country	Length (KM)	Days To Complete	Difficulty	Instagram Hashtag Volume	Social Reaction
Sentiero degli Dei	Italy	8	1	easy	60,222	Love 100%
Tongariro Alpine Crossing	New Zealand	19	1	easy	46,988	Love 100%
Paine Grande	Chile	22.2	1	hard	11,600	Love 100%
Lares trek	Peru	33	3	moderate	15,980	Love 100%
Salkantay trek	Peru	74	6	moderate	77,451	Love 100%
Mount toubkal	Morocco	72	3	moderate	6,255	Love 100%
Lantau Trail	Hong Kong	70	12	easy	14,959	Love 100%
Great Himalaya Trail	Nepal	1700	150	hard	4,232	Love 100%
Larapinta Trail	Australia	223	16	hard	11,587	Love 38%
Milford Track	New Zealand	53.5	4	moderate	27,613	Love 46%

 

The 16th TravelMole Awards shortlist of nominees has been announced and voting is now open at https://www.travelmole.com/award/ TravelMole congratulates the following shortlisted companies, from the nearly 500 nominations received.

• Best digital campaign for food and drink tourism: VisitBritain | Korea Tourism Organization | Visit Lincoln
• Best hotel website: Palladium Hotel Group | AMR™ Collection | Sandals Resorts (Sponsored by: American Tours International)
• Best industry professional services website: Lightning Travel Recruitment | C&M Travel Recruitment | UK Inbound
• Best influencer campaign: Visit Jersey | Accor Hotels | Visit Denmark (Sponsored by: Alabama)
• Best sports tourism website: Gullivers Sports Travel Limited | sportsbreak.com | Hashtag Travel Golf
• Best tour operator website: Intrepid Group Limited | Tripseed | Discerning Collection (Sponsored by: TravelTrex)
• Best tourist board website: Visit Malta | Visit Bath | Tourism Australia
• Best transportation website: easyJet | London North Eastern Railway | Kiwi.com
• Best travel agency website: Hays Travel | Travel Counsellors | Expedia TAAP (Sponsored by: Babble)
• Best travel deals & comparison website: Compare Ferries | Travelzoo | Skyscanner
• Best use of digital to support diversity in travel and tourism: Intrepid Travel | The TreadRight Foundation | Royal Museums Greenwich
• Best use of digital to support sustainability in travel and tourism: VisitScotland | G Adventures | Responsible Travel
• Best use of social media: Hays Travel | Black Country Living Museum | Wizz Air (Sponsored by: City Experiences)
• Best use of video: Visit Iceland | Lake District Country Hotels | VISIT FLORIDA
• Best webinar series: UKInbound | The Brand USA | CLIA UK & Ireland
• Best wholesale booking website: Bookabed | Stuba | Hotelbeds
• Digital campaign of the year: Visit Sweden | Visit Northumberland | Virgin Voyages

The TravelMole UK Web Awards are back. Now in their 16th year, these awards recognise and celebrate key achievements in innovation, design and technology within the UK travel and tourism industry's digital environments over the past two years. The Awards are particularly meaningful this year as the industry has had to rely heavily on digital talent to see us through the pandemic. Communication with staff, customers, suppliers and partners has been key to success and the TravelMole Awards will showcase and reward those who have shown the highest level of commitment and innovation. Nominations for the awards are now being invited in the following categories: Best travel agency website Best hotel website Best cruise website Best airline website Best tour operator website Best tourist board website Best service provider website Best attraction website Best use of social media Best use of video Best sports tourism website Best digital campaign for food and drink tourism Best online competition Best influencer campaign Best webinar series Best use of online training Best use of search Best use of digital to support sustainability in travel and tourism Best use of digital to support diversity in travel and tourism Digital campaign of the year The awards will be held at the London Transport Museum in London's Covent Garden on Tuesday 29 March 2022. Ollie Burton, Business Development Manager, London Transport Museum, said: "London Transport Museum are delighted to be the host venue for the 2022 TravelMole Awards recognising innovation in travel.  We look forward to welcoming nominees and guests to the museum to celebrate, surrounded by the very best examples of London's transport heritage" This year's headline sponsor for the awards is Louisiana. "Louisiana is delighted to be the headline sponsor for the TravelMole 2022 UK Web Awards. Our travel trade partners in the UK are invaluable assets to Louisiana and we are looking ahead to welcoming them and their clients back to Louisiana this year," said Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary, Louisiana Office of Tourism. Louisiana has something for everyone - from food and music, to outdoors, culture and history, you can Feed Your Soul in Louisiana." To submit your nomination for your business, or for one you admire, please go to: https://www.travelmole.com/award/uk-2022/ Deadline for the receipt of nominations is Valentine's Day, 14 February 2022. Save The Date for 29 March. All shortlisted companies will be invited as a guest of TravelMole. The chosen charity for the TravelMole UK Web Awards will be Age UK. For more information, please contact Julie or Helena at [email protected]  

In an impassioned comment piece, TraveMole's Graham McKenzie launched a withering attack on government inaction and lack of support, while also highlighting how the travel industry has failed its get its message across effectively. Here we are 12 months on from one of the worst years for the travel industry since World War II, and we appear to be stuck in a loop - 2021 despite a small summer and autumn respite is ending as it began, with doom and despondency across all sectors.  With the reintroduction of border testing, it is the travel industry that is bearing the brunt, once again, of trying to keep the country safe from the ravages of Covid in its many guises. In simple terms it's a policy that has not worked on almost any level. Accompanying the latest restrictions and the fact that travel has been missed off the Chancellor's Christmas present list (as far as financial support is concerned) have been the well-worn calls of anguish and indignation from all corners - but all appear to be falling on deaf ears. Now I feel the time has come to examine why the travel industry is ignored time and time again. Firstly, unless you're based in and around Gatwick or Heathrow there are no votes in tourism. The industry has nil or very little public support and as a consequence non-existent sympathy for the plight many of us find ourselves in. The public perception is that we are always travelling business class, paying little or nothing for our holidays, ripping families off during school breaks, not refunding cash when cancellations occurred, polluting the atmosphere with jet fuel and that easy low-cost travel will be around forever. Travel and tourism rarely has a sole voice that speaks for all sectors as pointed out by Jonathan Wall of Ellman Wall earlier this week. Even when it does, it makes a poor job of explaining the good that the Industry brings to the UK both economically and socially. Instead, this and many other voices, just continue to ask for help and hoping for another U turn from 11 Downing street. Currently Rishi is not for turning. A combined and focussed PR/marketing campaign that does a better job of explaining the benefits that the industry brings to the people of this country would go some way to resolving the issue and allow the Chancellor to turn that steering wheel hard around. In short, we need to be loved more than we are. In order to get our message across, we need to be more radical. The summer soiree that took place in Westminster which was labelled as a 'Day of Protest' was anything but.  Milling around on College Green for five minutes of fame and then going down the pub really does not cut it. Despite the valiant efforts of many of the trade associations, the feeling of a combined single voice industry appeared to be lost. I have often used the example that if we were French agricultural workers, we would have surrounded every major airport in the country with taxis, buses and coaches until the message was heard. Instead, we are a group of paper tigers allowing successive governments to heap additional unjust taxes such as APD, burden us with inflexible VISA applications, not give our industry the same trading conditions as our rivals and not treat us with the same care and attention lavished on other economic sectors. Clive Jacobs of Travel Weekly tweeted recently that we should ban all minsters from flying from the UK to make our point and I agree with him. The long-term aim must be for our industry to have a position at the top table of government, occupied by somebody who understands the industry, is prepared to upset people when necessary and support us as we move forward in attempting recovery from the ravages of Covid. This should be our collective aim as we 'Build Back Better' in order to protect us from being ignored time and time again by past, current and future governments.

The Travel North America Virtual Show is featuring today 18 June 2021, with 'Let's Meet the Golf Pro's, Train, Dine, Drink, and Even Play Golf with Them!'. Attendees will learn about Paradise Coast, Florida, known for many things - Disney World, beaches, Miami, the Everglades, alligators, and golf courses. Play on championship courses, and even train with golfing pros. See you at the 19th Hole afterwards for craft beers and celebrity chefs! Moderator Graham McKenzie - TravelMole Speakers Jack Wert - Executive Director CVB With growing calls for a transatlantic travel corridor to open up, demand for US trips is hotting up. Over 30 US exhibitors are getting ready to welcome UK and EU residents back at the 'Travel North America Virtual Show.' Register for the show to learn about their latest updates and offerings. Learn from the industry's leading destinations, tour operators, and travel suppliers from the comfort of your own homes or office. In addition, the Virtually Yours Travel Show (VYTS) offers a unique travel agent referral program, where thousands of consumers planning their next transatlantic adventure can find you. Virtually Yours Travel Show is operated by TravelMole as a global 24/7 travel marketplace for consumers, travel agents, tour operators and travel suppliers. It was launched in the North American market in April and has make its UK/EU debut this month.  The On-Demand 'Expert Panel Session' schedule for this week is as follows: Monday, June 14, 2021 - Jerad Bachar of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: About the Future of City Tourism Tuesday, June 15, 2021 - Craft Beer & Fine Dining that is Exclusive to Tampa Bay, Florida Wednesday, June 16, 2021 - The Story of Edward Bok & Bok Tower Gardens, Central Florida Thursday, June 17, 2021 - Spring Break Destinations & One of NASCAR's Mecca Sites Friday, June 18, 2021 - Let's Meet the Golf Pro's, Train, Dine, Drink, and Even Play Golf with Them! In case you missed last week's Expert Panel: Monday, June 7, 2021 - California's Burgeoning Reputation for Sustainability & Responsibility in Travel & Tourism Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - Magical Landscape of Lake Tahoe, California Thursday, June 10, 2021 - Follow me to Tuolumne, California - a Destination in the Heart of Yosemite Friday, June 11, 2021 - Pure Michigan is emerging from the pandemic and travel around the state is now possible and safe

The Travel North America Virtual Show is featuring today 17 June 2021, with 'Spring Break Destinations & One of NASCAR's Mecca Sites'. Attendees will learn about Daytona Beach, famous for hosting one of NASCAR's most important races. Moderator Graham McKenzie - TravelMole Speakers Andrew Sandall - General Manager Museum of Arts & Sciences Jim Jaworski - General Manager Jackie Robinson Stadium Linda McMahon - Director of Group Sales Daytona Beach area CVB With growing calls for a transatlantic travel corridor to open up, demand for US trips is hotting up. Over 30 US exhibitors are getting ready to welcome UK and EU residents back at the 'Travel North America Virtual Show.' Register for the show to learn about their latest updates and offerings. Learn from the industry's leading destinations, tour operators, and travel suppliers from the comfort of your own homes or office. In addition, the Virtually Yours Travel Show (VYTS) offers a unique travel agent referral program, where thousands of consumers planning their next transatlantic adventure can find you. Virtually Yours Travel Show is operated by TravelMole as a global 24/7 travel marketplace for consumers, travel agents, tour operators and travel suppliers. It was launched in the North American market in April and has make its UK/EU debut this month.  The On-Demand 'Expert Panel Session' schedule for this week is as follows: Monday, June 14, 2021 - Jerad Bachar of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: About the Future of City Tourism Tuesday, June 15, 2021 - Craft Beer & Fine Dining that is Exclusive to Tampa Bay, Florida Wednesday, June 16, 2021 - The Story of Edward Bok & Bok Tower Gardens, Central Florida Thursday, June 17, 2021 - Spring Break Destinations & One of NASCAR's Mecca Sites Friday, June 18, 2021 - Let's Meet the Golf Pro's, Train, Dine, Drink, and Even Play Golf with Them! In case you missed last week's Expert Panel: Monday, June 7, 2021 - California's Burgeoning Reputation for Sustainability & Responsibility in Travel & Tourism Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - Magical Landscape of Lake Tahoe, California Thursday, June 10, 2021 - Follow me to Tuolumne, California - a Destination in the Heart of Yosemite Friday, June 11, 2021 - Pure Michigan is emerging from the pandemic and travel around the state is now possible and safe

The Travel North America Virtual Show is broadcasting today 15 June 2021, with 'Craft Beer & Fine Dining that is Exclusive to Tampa Bay, Florida'. Attendees will learn about Tampa Bay's craft beer and dining scene ,and don't forget nearby St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida - home of the recently rated number one beach in America. Moderator Graham McKenzie - TravelMole Speakers Neil Callaghan - President and CEO Visit Tampa Bay Santiago C. Corrada - El Lector, Cigar City Brewing With growing calls for a transatlantic travel corridor to open up, demand for US trips is hotting up. Over 30 US exhibitors are getting ready to welcome UK and EU residents back at the 'Travel North America Virtual Show.' Register for the show to learn about their latest updates and offerings. Learn from the industry's leading destinations, tour operators, and travel suppliers from the comfort of your own homes or office. In addition, the Virtually Yours Travel Show (VYTS) offers a unique travel agent referral program, where thousands of consumers planning their next transatlantic adventure can find you. Virtually Yours Travel Show is operated by TravelMole as a global 24/7 travel marketplace for consumers, travel agents, tour operators and travel suppliers. It was launched in the North American market in April and has make its UK/EU debut this month.  The On-Demand 'Expert Panel Session' schedule for this week is as follows: Monday, June 14, 2021 - Jerad Bachar of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: About the Future of City Tourism Tuesday, June 15, 2021 - Craft Beer & Fine Dining that is Exclusive to Tampa Bay, Florida Wednesday, June 16, 2021 - The Story of Edward Bok & Bok Tower Gardens, Central Florida Thursday, June 17, 2021 - Spring Break Destinations & One of NASCAR's Mecca Sites Friday, June 18, 2021 - Let's Meet the Golf Pro's, Train, Dine, Drink, and Even Play Golf with Them! In case you missed last week's Expert Panel: Monday, June 7, 2021 - California's Burgeoning Reputation for Sustainability & Responsibility in Travel & Tourism Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - Magical Landscape of Lake Tahoe, California Thursday, June 10, 2021 - Follow me to Tuolumne, California - a Destination in the Heart of Yosemite Friday, June 11, 2021 - Pure Michigan is emerging from the pandemic and travel around the state is now possible and safe

Today 14 June 2021, the Travel North America Virtual Show is featuring Jerad Bachar of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: About the Future of City Tourism'. Attendees will learn about the future of Pittsburgh Tourism.   Moderator Graham McKenzie - TravelMole Speakers Jerard Bachar - CEO Visit Pittsburgh With growing calls for a transatlantic travel corridor to open up, demand for US trips is hotting up. Over 30 US exhibitors are getting ready to welcome UK and EU residents back at the 'Travel North America Virtual Show.' Register for the show to learn about their latest updates and offerings. Learn from the industry's leading destinations, tour operators, and travel suppliers from the comfort of your own homes or office. In addition, the Virtually Yours Travel Show (VYTS) offers a unique travel agent referral program, where thousands of consumers planning their next transatlantic adventure can find you. Virtually Yours Travel Show is operated by TravelMole as a global 24/7 travel marketplace for consumers, travel agents, tour operators and travel suppliers. It was launched in the North American market in April and has make its UK/EU debut this month.  The On-Demand 'Expert Panel Session' schedule for this week is as follows: Monday, June 14, 2021 - Jerad Bachar of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: About the Future of City Tourism Tuesday, June 15, 2021 - Craft Beer & Fine Dining that is Exclusive to Tampa Bay, Florida Wednesday, June 16, 2021 - The Story of Edward Bok & Bok Tower Gardens, Central Florida Thursday, June 17, 2021 - Spring Break Destinations & One of NASCAR's Mecca Sites Friday, June 18, 2021 - Let's Meet the Golf Pro's, Train, Dine, Drink, and Even Play Golf with Them! In case you missed last week's Expert Panel: Monday, June 7, 2021 - California's Burgeoning Reputation for Sustainability & Responsibility in Travel & Tourism Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - Magical Landscape of Lake Tahoe, California Thursday, June 10, 2021 - Follow me to Tuolumne, California - a Destination in the Heart of Yosemite Friday, June 11, 2021 - Pure Michigan is emerging from the pandemic and travel around the state is now possible and safe

The Travel North America Virtual Show is featuring today 8 June 2021, with 'Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River'.

Attendees will learn what's new and how to easily book your client's next Arizona road trip adventure with AmericanTours International (ATI), the largest and oldest USA tour company.

We will explore three Arizona destinations - Salt River, Sedona, and Flagstaff - which will feature a road trip designed by ATI.

  With growing calls for a transatlantic travel corridor to open up, demand for US trips is hotting up. Over 30 US exhibitors are getting ready to welcome UK and EU residents back at the 'Travel North America Virtual Show.' Register for the show to learn about their latest updates and offerings. Learn from the industry's leading destinations, tour operators, and travel suppliers from the comfort of your own homes or office. In addition, the Virtually Yours Travel Show (VYTS) offers a unique travel agent referral program, where thousands of consumers planning their next transatlantic adventure can find you. Virtually Yours Travel Show is operated by TravelMole as a global 24/7 travel marketplace for consumers, travel agents, tour operators and travel suppliers. It was launched in the North American market in April and today is making its UK/EU debut.  The On-Demand 'Expert Panel Session' schedule for this week is as follows: Monday, June 7, 2021 - California's Burgeoning Reputation for Sustainability & Responsibility in Travel & Tourism Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - Magical Landscape of Lake Tahoe, California Thursday, June 10, 2021 - Follow me to Tuolumne, California - a Destination in the Heart of Yosemite Friday, June 11, 2021 - Pure Michigan is emerging from the pandemic and travel around the state is now possible and safe

With growing calls for a transatlantic travel corridor to open up, demand for US trips is hotting up. Over 30 US exhibitors are getting ready to welcome UK and EU residents back at the 'Travel North America Virtual Show.' Register for the show to learn about their latest updates and offerings. Learn from the industry's leading destinations, tour operators, and travel suppliers from the comfort of your own homes or office. The Travel North America Virtual Show kicks off today 7 June 2021, with 'California's Burgeoning Reputation for Sustainability & Responsibility in Travel & Tourism.' Attendees will learn about California's sustainability and responsible travel options, and why it remains a top travel destination in North America. VYTS's Expert Panel joins TravelMole's Graham McKenzie and special guest speakers include Brendon and Emma from Visit California, (while also hailing from the UK.). They are joined by Benjamin - from San Diego - and Michael - from Mammoth Lakes, California. In addition, the Virtually Yours Travel Show (VYTS) offers a unique travel agent referral program, where thousands of consumers planning their next transatlantic adventure can find you. Virtually Yours Travel Show is operated by TravelMole as a global 24/7 travel marketplace for consumers, travel agents, tour operators and travel suppliers. It was launched in the North American market in April and today is making its UK/EU debut.   The On-Demand 'Expert Panel Session' schedule for the rest of this week is as follows: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - Magical Landscape of Lake Tahoe, California Thursday, June 10, 2021 - Follow me to Tuolumne, California - a Destination in the Heart of Yosemite Friday, June 11, 2021 - Pure Michigan is emerging from the pandemic and travel around the state is now possible and safe