Articles

With thanks to Altura Travel Group for this article 

In the travel industry, who you partner with is everything. For the Australian and New Zealand travel trade, finding a truly reliable DMC can be a challenge. My commitment at Altura Travel Group is simple: to connect you with only the most trustworthy, professional, and values-driven Destination Management Companies (DMCs) around the world. Every partner I recommend undergoes a comprehensive and multi-layered vetting process, designed not only to reassure you but also to save valuable time. This is more than due diligence; it’s about building partnerships rooted in trust, transparency, and shared values.

A Rigorous Vetting Framework

Before partnering with Altura Travel Group, every DMC must meet an extensive list of essential criteria. These requirements ensure that each partner operates at the highest possible standard of safety, service, and sustainability. Here’s a look at how we do it:

1. Operational & Legal Compliance:Every DMC must provide proof of licensing, up-to-date insurances, trade references, and industry memberships. I look at their years in operation and seek confirmation from trade references who can vouch for their reliability.
2. Service Delivery & Quality Assurance:The AU/NZ market has clear expectations for quality and quick turnaround times. That’s why I require assurances on turnaround times for itineraries and amendments (24–48 hours), comprehensive day-by-day detail, and robust processes for customisation. Drivers and guides are a cornerstone of service delivery, so I review the DMC's process for hiring, qualifications, ongoing training, and ability to remain contactable in remote regions. Accommodation, food safety, and vehicle standards are also required.
3. Emergency, Risk & Safety Management:Safety is non-negotiable. Each partner must demonstrate detailed emergency procedures, a full risk management plan, and confirm regular first aid training and certifications for staff on the ground.
4. Business & Communication Protocols:Clear communication is the backbone of successful operations. I require a dedicated AU/NZ market contact, a defined escalation process, and preferred communication channels for both day-to-day and urgent matters. Standard operating procedures for booking, payment, and cancellations must also be in place.
5. Financial & Pricing Transparency:Payment methods, currencies, and any applicable merchant fees must be clearly outlined upfront.
6. Responsible Tourism:Ethical alignment is paramount. I only work with partners who demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability, community benefit, environmental protection, animal welfare, and child safety.
7. Client Feedback: Each must also have robust systems for complaint handling, client feedback, and performance tracking.

Beyond the Checklist

While documentation is vital, I conduct personal reference checks with multiple operators and assess each DMC’s industry reputation. A strong partner must not only meet the standards on paper but also demonstrate reliability, integrity, and empathy in practice.

Why It Matters

By holding every partner accountable to these exacting standards, Altura Travel Group ensures that we have confidence in every recommendation we make to the Australian and New Zealand travel trade. Our approach reduces your workload and guarantees that the partners I recommend are safe, professional, and truly exceptional at what they do.

alturatravelgroup.com 

With thanks to Camps International for this article.

Camps International, a leading provider of educational and community-based travel experiences for young people, has been awarded “Best Sustainable Tour Operator” at the 2025 Global Youth Travel Awards — presented this year during World Youth Student & Educational Travel Conference (WYSTC).

This accolade recognises Camps International’s long-standing dedication to sustainable, ethical travel — offering young people the chance to engage with global issues, contribute hands-on to community and conservation projects, and return home with renewed global awareness and responsibility.

Turning Travel into Impact

Over more than two decades, Camps International has defined what responsible student travel can be. Their expeditions enable students to step outside the classroom and work side-by-side with local communities, directly contributing to long-term positive change.

In the past two years alone, participants have completed 209 community and conservation projects worldwide, contributing more than 450,000 hours of hands-on work.

Since 2023, students have planted over 6,000 trees and helped protect 85,000 acres of land.

95% of students reported increased global awareness, independence and resilience following their expeditions.

These figures underscore the tangible difference that purpose-driven travel can make. Not only in environments and communities but in shaping the minds and values of young people.

A Shared Achievement

“This award is a testament to the dedication of our students, schools, staff and partner communities around the world,” said Rory Hall, Director Asia Pacific, Camps International (Australia). “It celebrates the belief that young people, when given the opportunity to engage meaningfully with global challenges, can create genuine and lasting change.”

Camps International sees this award as meaningful encouragement to continue strengthening its community partnerships and creating opportunities for even more young people to engage in responsible, purpose-driven travel.

campstinternational.com/aus 

With thanks to Infuse Travel for this article 

A huge congratulations to Infuse Travel for becoming a certified B Corp. The B Corp movement is certainly growing within educational travel and the role it plays in driving meaningful, responsible experiences for young people. Infuse Travel share their experience of the B Corp journey below: 

Big news, with a capital B. We are unbelievably proud to announce that Infuse is now a certified B Corporation!

B Corp is recognised globally as one of the most rigorous and credible standards in responsible business. Certified B Corporations envision a better economic system where businesses can benefit people, communities, and the planet. They choose long-term investments over quick wins, and measure their success based on the positive impact they create.

Becoming a B Corp has been part of the vision for Infuse since establishing the brand in 2021. The result of a 14-month body of work led by our Director of Impact, Dr Kearrin Sims, we are thrilled to now stand alongside thousands of purpose led businesses across 80+ countries that are actively shaping a more regenerative and equitable future.

Positive impact has always been deeply ingrained into Infuse’s DNA, with our mission of promoting youth active citizenship through experiential learning programs that benefit people and the planet. Proudly independent, we’re the first Australian owned and headquartered educational travel company to be certified and join the B Corp movement.

B Corp certification helps complete our identity, validates our work so far, and commits us to continuous improvement. We believe travel can be used as a force for good in the world, and we’ll use this new certification to build on and strengthen our Theory of Change, as well as our ongoing practices of responsible tourism; supporting local communities, standing up for human rights, protecting wildlife, and preserving the environment. In other words, keep going!

Our Theory of Change closely aligns with B Lab’s own framework, with both recognising that systems change requires collective action. Like B Lab, we believe that meaningful transformation comes when businesses, communities, and individuals work together to shift the underlying structures of our economy toward equity and regeneration.

The B Corp journey challenged and strengthened our internal practices, from worker well-being, to governance, partner accountability, and environmental stewardship. We’re excited to share our initial B Impact Score is 92.6. While this is an achievement to be celebrated, we are also determined to increase our score with every review cycle and continue to develop strategies to ensure consistent progress.

Our newly achieved B Corp Certification is a vital step in:

• Driving continual ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) improvement, using clear goals, indicators, and benchmarks to track and enhance our social and environmental performance.
• Joining a global community of like-minded businesses working to build a regenerative, inclusive, and equitable economy.
• Supporting the growth of regenerative tourism through knowledge sharing and advocating for models of travel that restore ecosystems, respect cultural heritage, and contribute meaningfully to host communities.
• Upholding transparency and accountability through third-party verification and public disclosure of our impact.
• Educating our community on what it means to be a B Corp and how business can be a force for good.

What does B Corp mean to us?

“B Lab’s rigorous certification process enabled us to critically review all aspects of our business against global benchmarks. While it validated Infuse’s areas of excellence – including our business models, community projects such as provision of housing in Cambodia, MEL (monitoring, evaluation & learning) framework and governance – it also highlighted deficiencies that we need to address. Integrity is one of our core values and we’re committed to the transparency and accountability that B Corp certification demands. 

While we’re thrilled to announce that Infuse is now a certified B Corp, this watershed moment is only the start of a journey, not a destination; there’s so much more work to do in pursuing our vision. Becoming a B Corp helps complete our identity, commits us to continuous improvement and ensures accountability to all stakeholders. We are very excited to officially join a global community committed to leveraging business as a force for good.”

– Sam Murray, Infuse Founder and Director

“I couldn’t be more excited that Infuse has joined the B Corp Movement! We have always been an impact-driven business with a commitment to fostering youth active citizenship for more equitable and inclusive futures, but completing the certification process provided an invaluable opportunity to review and strengthen our impact across all domains of our business. Through certification, we have strengthened our data collection and analysis processes, and this has enabled us to better learn, adapt, and implement evidence-based best practice. Systems change can only be achieved collectively, and Infuse is now proudly part of the global movement that the B Lab is leading.”

– Dr Kearrin Sims, Infuse Director of Impact

With greenwashing on the rise, certifications like B Corp have become an important way to demonstrate genuine commitment to ethical and responsible business. For us at Infuse, B Corp certification reinforces that our programs and operations meet globally recognised standards for social and environmental performance – validating the purpose-driven approach that’s guided us from the start.

Travel as a force for good? Absolutely. Together, we’ll keep raising the bar.

With thanks to WorldStrides for this article 

The impact an educational tour can impart on a student is immeasurable. Beyond the fun and adventure are incredible educational, social and interpersonal benefits that students can experience from travelling on an educational tour. Chief Academic Officer, Dr Wendy Amato Ph.D shares the top 10 benefits students gain from educational travel…

1. Better Academic Performance – On an educational tour, students get to experience different styles of teaching and see a new side to their subject of study. When able to see, touch and smell the very things they have learned about in books, students return to the classroom with a deeper connection and greater motivation for their studies.
2. A Global Perspective – Unfamiliarity and separation from home are great incubators for thought. New experiences will question one’s preconceived ideas. The enriching experience of educational travel encourages students to expand their world view, witness a new way of life and better understand people, history and culture.
3. Confidence – Living for any amount of time in a culture that’s different from home can help prepare students for the future in ways more profound than any camp or holiday can. Overcoming challenges while travelling help students grow confidence and prepare them for life’s obstacles.
4. Grit – Travelling away from the comfort of friends, family and familiar surroundings is tough. But doing it shows that a person is interested enough in the rest of the world, and confident enough to venture out and discover other parts of the world. This is a character trait that’s very appealing to employers.
5. Networking – Travel provides students with a global network of contacts and references. Plus, instead of relying on others’ opinions, travellers establish perspective, confidence and conviction that make it easier to gain the respect of others.
6. Growth & Independence – While away from home and the ease of a regular support system, students have opportunities to see what they are capable of accomplishing by themselves. Travelling allows students to develop themselves in ways that can’t be achieved without stepping outside of their comfort zone, becoming more mature, independent and self-aware.
7. Individuality – Travel provides experiences to define a person’s place and purpose and establishes lifelong values and priorities.
8. Career Opportunities – Employers view students that have travelled as well-rounded as they have shown not only a commitment to their education but a confidence to venture out and discover new things as well as their ability to adapt to new situations.
9. Appreciation – Getting away from home is also a chance to allow a student to realise what they miss most. Experiencing another place and culture is an opportunity to appreciate what they already have and realise the importance of the little things that often go unnoticed.
10. New Friends – Cultural immersion through travels can also help break down language barriers and open new channels of lifelong communication. Exploring a new place opens doors to establish new friendships and relationships that never would have been acquired without travelling.

With thanks to Infuse Travel for this article 

Laying the Foundations of Housing Accessibility 

Access to adequate housing is a basic human right that is denied to many people around the world.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) reports that 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing, with 100 million people being displaced from their homes in 2022. Homelessness and poor-quality housing contribute to poverty, inequality, and a number of other forces of societal instability.

Challenges of housing accessibility and affordability are not limited to low-income countries. In fact, they are a prominent challenge for many young Australians. According to Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, Chair of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council: 

“Prices and rents [in Australia] are growing faster than wages, rental vacancies are near all-time lows, 169,000 households are on public housing waiting lists, [and] 122,000 people are experiencing homelessness.”

As these statistics highlight, ensuring that all people have access to adequate, safe and affordable housing is a big and complex challenge. But it is also a challenge that many dedicated people and organisations are working hard to address.  

Goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is to “Make Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe Resilient and Sustainable”, while Target 11.1 of the goal is to ensure, by 2030, “access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums”. To achieve Target 11.1 a wide range of multi-scalar and multi-sectoral actions are being taken. 

One way that Infuse Travel is working to support SDG 11 is through our Cambodia house building projects. Partnering with a Cambodian-run non-profit organisation, Infuse has been supporting the construction of new timber homes in the south-eastern province of Kampong Cham. In 2023, for example, Victoria’s Cornish College were able to work with us to build 3 new houses in Kampong Cham – and Infuse plans to support the building of a further 4-5 houses later this year. 

Construction underway in Kampong Cham, Cambodia where Infuse and Cornish College supported the build of 4 new timber houses.A student works to finish the walls in conjunction with local Cambodia workers.One of the new timber homes close to completion.

Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s most highly populated provinces and is home to both urban and rural communities, the latter growing many export crops including tobacco, soya-beans, and rubber. 

The rural villages that Infuse Travel supports in Cambodia have been identified by the Cambodian NGO, who consult with local communities to understand where housing needs are greatest. Once a project has been identified, our visiting schools and students work alongside qualified local tradespeople to install flooring, walls and roofing. To help students better understand how their efforts contribute to both community needs and broader global challenges, housebuilding is also accompanied by focused learning activities that include self-reflection, discussions on global housing accessibility, and the sharing of local knowledge and expertise.

According to Cambodian government projections, Cambodia will need an estimated 1.1 million new houses by 2030 to meet the population’s needs.

Faced by such a daunting figure, our efforts may sometimes feel like they are just a drop in the ocean. Some really big systems changes are needed to tackle the global housing crisis, and we cannot ignore the enormity of this challenge. But nor should this lead us to feeling helpless!

Small scale changes can and do make meaningful impacts, particularly when made as part of a larger collective effort. In Cambodia, government, non-profit organisations, the private sector, and local communities are all actively working to address housing needs. 

For students of Infuse programs, our housebuilding projects are designed to provide a direct opportunity to positively impact on host communities, as well as to begin a lifelong learning journey towards active global citizenship. Being an active part of change efforts can open our eyes and our hearts to the impact that we can have on the world if we choose to do so.

For the individuals and families that live in the new homes that we have collectively built, our small contribution to change can be truly transformative.

infusetravel.com.au

With thanks to WorldStrides for this article.

Travelling creates stronger teachers, and in turn stronger students. Studies continuously show how travel improves academic performance, and there are learning opportunities for students before, during, and after you return from your tour. For teachers, travel is professional development at the highest level. Travel brings lesson plans to life for classrooms, and the benefits are shared by the entire school community.

Learning about your destination

Before you travel, there are endless academic opportunities available for students to explore their destination. From key moments in history, to the music that found its beat there, each destination holds a vault of information. Humanities classrooms can explore the literature, sociology, and language of a destination. Science classrooms study weather patterns, with each student making their prediction of what the weather on tour will be like. Use your tour as the setting for your next great lesson.

Developing research skills

Research skills have become entirely digital for many of our students. Take the learning offline and have students prepare questions for your local guides before you travel. Your students will be collecting primary sources that will reinforce their research. Take it to the next level and have students interview a local while on-tour. Students will understand the value of “authentic resources” and how the secondary sources taken off the internet don’t always tell the full story. What will students research? Use the itinerary to create a list of research topics, or have your students strengthen their intellectual curiosity skills by creating their own thesis statement.

Strong writing takes practice

Writing by hand may seem tedious to some, but the slow process gives your brain time to process the information. Have your students write each day to recount the experience by hand. Each student will create a narrative that makes sense to them, instead of the verbatim note-taking habits they sometimes fall into. In doing so, you will be helping students increase both reading comprehension and literacy as the brain must actively engage with what they are writing. These small snapshots of their experience can roll into a longer writing assignment after their tour in the form of a short story, or simply will become your students most valued souvenir.

Civics in the digital age

Our students seem to know their way around a phone or a computer better than we do. Let them use those skills for good. By capturing video and photographs, students can bring their experience home and educate their peers and community. You can bring the Daintree Discovery Centre back to the classroom with student curated content. Give students a specific topic to capture, or collectively get behind a specific cause. Deepen the learning experience by limiting the time students have to capture this content at each destination. This keeps them off their phones the entire time, while still giving them space for at least one good selfie.

Lesson plans come to life

When teachers travel, it shows up in their lesson plans. The amount of information available can seem overwhelming at times, but allowing educators the time and opportunity to explore their passions further can only heighten the learning that takes place when they return. Teachers capture the information shared on tour in a number of ways, and use the experiences to create context for their instruction. By sharing experiences with students, you open the world to the entire classroom. Students may be unaware of how diverse and information-rich the world is, and first-hand experiences help broaden that perception. Primary sources, whether in the form of photos or video, motivate students to collect their own meaningful sources and seek out travel experiences of their own.

Regardless of what year level or subject area you teach, your tour and classroom instruction can work hand in hand. You will be creating a unique learning experience for all your students; one that will stay with them for life.

This article has been written for WorldStrides by Walter Doyle, English teacher and co-founder of Kids N Culture, an academic enrichment program designed for high school students.

worldstrides.com.au

With thanks to World Challenge for this article.  

In today’s dynamic educational landscape, student expeditions stand out as pivotal experiences that transcend traditional learning paradigms. Offered by organisations like World Challenge, these journeys are not merely explorations of the world but deep dives into the inner self.

Expeditions offer an exceptional learning canvas, where each step taken in a foreign land parallels strides in personal growth and understanding. This unique learning environment, blending adventure and cultural immersion, provides fertile ground for the development of crucial life skills. Central to this is self-reflection, a process where students critically examine their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It serves as a pillar for personal development, enhancing decision-making and emotional intelligence. As students encounter various challenges, both physical and cultural, self-reflection helps them process their experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

Enhancing Critical Thinking and Emotional Growth

Self-reflection is a catalyst for developing critical thinking and emotional maturity. It encourages students to analyse and interpret their experiences, leading to more informed decisions and innovative problem-solving. This reflective process is not confined to intellectual development; it significantly contributes to emotional growth. Students learn to understand and manage their feelings, developing resilience in the face of adversity and empathy towards others. These skills, cultivated in the diverse and often challenging environments of expeditions, are essential for students’ academic and personal success.

Fostering Cultural Sensitivity and Global Citizenship

Exposure to diverse cultures during expeditions is a gateway to fostering cultural sensitivity and global citizenship. Self-reflection allows students to process these cultural interactions deeply, leading to an appreciation of diversity and an understanding of global interconnectedness. This aspect of expeditions is crucial in today’s global society, as it prepares students to thrive in multicultural environments and fosters respect and empathy for different ways of life.

The Role of Teachers and Parents in Facilitating Self-Reflection

Teachers and parents play a critical role in nurturing the habit of self-reflection. They can encourage students to engage in reflective practices by initiating discussions, providing reflective tools such as journals, and guiding them through structured reflection activities. Emotional support is equally vital; creating a safe and supportive environment allows students to freely express and process their emotions. By actively facilitating these practices, educators and parents can significantly enhance the developmental benefits of student expeditions.

Long-Term Impact of Self-Reflection

The benefits of self-reflection extend far beyond the duration of the expedition. It lays the foundation for lifelong learning and self-improvement. Students develop the habit of regularly examining their life experiences, a skill that is invaluable in their future personal and professional lives. This ongoing practice of reflection helps them navigate life’s challenges with greater awareness and adaptability.

Self-reflection during expeditions also helps students broaden their perspectives, challenging preconceived notions and biases. It encourages a mindset of openness and curiosity, essential for personal growth and learning. Through self-reflection, students gain insights into different ways of living and thinking, which can profoundly influence their attitudes and values.

To conclude, self-reflection is not just a component of student expeditions; it’s the heartbeat. It transforms these journeys from mere physical travel to profound personal journeys. By facilitating self-reflection, educators and parents can help students unlock the full potential of these experiences, ensuring they embark on a path of not just exploring the world but also discovering themselves. The lessons learned and the growth attained through these reflective practices resonate long after the expeditions shaping students into thoughtful, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals.

Written by Alan Ward
Images by Thom Bell & World ChallengeTravellers

https://weareworldchallenge.com/ 

With thanks to Camps International CEO and Co-Founder Stuart Rees Jones for this article.  

Empowering Students to Transform the Environment: Ethical Journeys with Impact

In today's world, it is crucial to equip younger generations with the skills, knowledge, and empathy needed to address our environmental challenges. Ethical Journeys with Impact, an innovative approach spearheaded by an organisation committed to environmental stewardship, reshapes perceptions and empowers students, schools, and parents. Camps International is nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals by providing expeditions that focus on ecological stresses and biodiversity.

Redefining Educational Expeditions

These expeditions revolutionise educational expeditions, traditionally detached from the natural world, by offering a fresh perspective and striving to immerse students in meaningful experiences within natural environments, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of the ecosystem. Through hands-on activities, such as reforestation, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development projects, students profoundly understand the environmental challenges we face.

Research consistently highlights the myriad benefits of out-of-school learning experiences, such as expeditions, for students. Numerous studies have demonstrated that these immersive activities profoundly impact students' cognitive, social, and emotional development. Participating in expeditions fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of complex ecological systems. Moreover, research indicates that out-of-school learning promotes increased self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of personal responsibility towards the environment. By stepping outside the confines of traditional classrooms and engaging in real-world experiences, students gain a unique perspective that broadens their horizons and nurtures a lifelong passion for environmental conservation.

Transforming Perceptions about the Environment

Many students embark on these expeditions with limited exposure to the fragility of ecosystems and their connection to human actions. However, through immersive experiences, they witness the consequences of deforestation, habitat loss, and pollution. This transformative encounter compels students to re-evaluate their behaviours and become catalysts for change within their communities and can reshape environmental perceptions.

Skills and Knowledge for Environmental Resilience

Student expeditions and volunteering is not just about inspiring awareness; it equips participants with practical skills and knowledge to address environmental challenges. Through expert guidance and hands-on training, students understand sustainable practices, ecosystem management, and the importance of biodiversity. These skills extend beyond the expeditions, empowering students to implement real change in their local communities.

As a social enterprise close to the environmental cause, Camps International is able to play a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental challenges and the importance of resilience. Their educational programs under the umbrella of Real World Studies, acting as an additional resource for children to prepare for their on-ground experience at expeditions and prepares them to collaborate with local communities to promote environmental literacy. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, such enterprises foster a culture of environmental stewardship amongst the youth and adults alike.

Addressing Ecological and Biodiversity Stresses

Recognising the urgency of environmental stewardship, expeditions help students engage in reforestation projects, research, and collaboration with local communities. Through these initiatives, students contribute to preserving and restoring fragile ecosystems. Beyond conservation efforts, these experiences help improve cross-cultural understanding, and global citizenship. By immersing students in diverse cultures and communities, these journeys enable participants to appreciate the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. This holistic approach solidifies their commitment to sustainable practices and responsible decision-making.

Empowering Gen Z: Nurturing Empathy and Self-Confidence

The younger Gen Z-ers have garnered significant attention for their unyielding commitment to addressing social issues head-on. Their refusal to accept passive ignorance has demonstrated the power of speaking up for peers and advocating for those who cannot. Young adults gain empathy by engaging in real-life experiences and immersing themselves in local communities. Encouraging children to support those in need fosters resilience and self-awareness and strengthens family bonds.

Through participating in experiences that involve helping others, young adults develop a genuine appreciation for their privileges. This newfound gratitude translates into a willingness to positively impact the world around them. By exposing children to these transformative experiences, parents play a vital role in nurturing empathy and shaping their children's outlook on the planet. Acknowledged for their efforts boosts their self-confidence and self-worth and reinforces their belief in their ability to effect meaningful change. This sense of satisfaction derived from making a difference further empowers them to continue playing an active role in society.

Conclusion

As parents and educators, it is crucial to support Gen Z in their quest to make a positive impact. By providing opportunities for real-life experiences and encouraging empathy, we equip young adults with the tools to navigate moral dilemmas and become compassionate leaders. We can nurture a generation that embraces social responsibility and works collaboratively towards a brighter future for all.

Ethical Journeys with Impact is driving a paradigm shift in how we approach environmental education. Camps International is nurturing a new generation of environmental leaders by empowering students to transform their perceptions, acquire practical skills, and address ecological stresses and biodiversity loss. As we confront the challenges of the 21st century, initiatives like Ethical Journeys with Impact provide hope and inspiration for a sustainable and thriving future. Let us embrace these transformative experiences and empower our youth to safeguard the planet they will inherit.

Using a student educational tour operator can offer several benefits, such as:

1. Expertise and experience: An educational tour operator has the expertise and experience in organising educational trips for students, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience.

2. Safety and security: A tour operator can provide safety and security measures, such as emergency support, risk management, and travel insurance, to ensure the well-being of students on their trip.

3. Convenience: A tour operator can handle the details and logistics of the trip, freeing up teachers and staff to focus on educating and leading the students.

4. Customisable itineraries: A tour operator can work with schools to create a customised itinerary that meets their specific educational and budget needs.

5. Cost-effective: A tour operator can negotiate group rates for transportation, accommodation, and activities, making the trip more cost-effective for the school.

Overall, using a student educational tour operator can enhance the educational experience for students and provide peace of mind for teachers and staff.

An analysis of younger travellers sheds light on the need for businesses to be more integrated with digital technologies, with many takeaways that Student Educational Tour Operators could implement.

Younger travelers demand a more integrated digital journey, and the industry will be forced to respond. They will accelerate the digital way of life and popularize fringe technologies by 2027. Many are frequent travelers who are ‘self-service first,’ and they embrace biometrics and digital passes to benefit from travel efficiency and convenience.

Digital identities, border crossings, and mobile platforms offer ample opportunities for younger digital native travelers who are familiar with using their mobile phone as a remote control for travel; market share will increase as digital natives become a more significant proportion of the passenger demographic, creating a seismic shift towards ‘digital first.’

According to the WTTC 2022 Global Trends report, younger travelers were the first to drive industry recovery and steer post-pandemic travel trends.

There are encouraging signs toward ‘mobile-first travel.’ Apple Wallet’s support for digital identity and mobile driving licenses/US State IDs for travel marked an important milestone. The digital identities that underpin Digital Travel are part of a much bigger ecosystem, which relies on the next generation of self-service technology infrastructure, featuring integrated cloud, mobile, and biometric-enabled self-service touchpoints for check-in, bagdrop, border control, and boarding. The combination of digital identities with this infrastructure provides a seamless, touchless, and personalized travel experience while allowing travelers to remain firmly in control of their data.

Governments, companies, and standards bodies have been working hard to create the next generation of self-service travel infrastructure. SITA leads in delivering solutions where ‘your face is your passport and boarding pass’ and ‘your mobile is your remote control for travel,’ in a new paradigm underpinned by digital identity. 

https://www.sita.aero/innovation/meet-the-megatrends/index.html