Sustainable Tourism

BUSABOUT, in partnership with the TreadRight Foundation, encourages the sustainable development of tourism by supporting projects that benefit the environment, heritage, and community.

TreadRight is a not-for-profit organization established by The Travel Corporation and its family of brands. To date, TreadRight has helped support more than 35 sustainability projects around the world. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” WildAid and inspiring wildlife advocates like Terri Irwin.

A leading environmentalist, adventurer and explorer, Céline Cousteau truly embodies the TreadRight philosophy. As a documentary filmmaker and gifted storyteller, Céline has travelled the world working to help amplify the voices of the amazing individuals who are working to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and people. In 2015, TreadRight welcomed Céline as our official ambassador, helping us tell the stories of our projects and partners.

To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit treadright.org.

Australia NSW Rural Fire Service Donation

Busabout are proud to be associated with the contribution made by our parent company, The Travel Corporation (TTC), to the NSW Rural Fire Service – a donation of $100K, which was made in December 2019. The danger they put themselves in on a daily basis to protect the community and its surrounding area is heroic. Our hearts go out to the loss of life, property, wildlife and nature from Australia’s bushfire tragedy. Funds go towards technology and necessities such as radios, floodlights, GPS for the trucks, maintenance, fuel, food and training.

By working with Save Vernazza, we hope to support sustainable tourism and give back to a region that has given our passengers so much in the past.

Un international year of sustainable tourism for development 2017

Recognizing the fundamendal value of the global tourism sector as a lever for development of nations economically, socially, culturally and environmentally, the United Nations 70th General Assembly designated 2017 as the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, framed within the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The International Year aims to support changes in policies, business practices, and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector that contributes to SDGs.

We are proud to annouce that as part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) Busabout is a Diamond Sponsor of the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, in partnership with the UNWTO for the duration of 2017.

To learn more about the UNWTO, please visit Tourism for Development 2017.

Busabout, HAGGiS & Shamrocker

In the fight against climate change reducing carbon emissions has to be the top priority. This said, carbon offsetting is another small thing you can do to make a difference.

It's carbon emissions in the atmosphere that are causing climate change and reducing these emissions comes down to doing simple things like turning off appliances, driving less, and buying local produce. For those emissions that can't be reduced, carbon offsetting allows you to contribute to projects that are working to reduce carbon emissions in other ways.

We have partnered with the following organisations that allow you the option to calculate the carbon footprint of your travel and contribute towards projects that will reduce the C02 emissions.These voluntary schemes invite you to pay a contribution based on the amount of carbon likely to be generated from your travel. You can choose to offset your air travel, coach travel or the energy consumed on overnight stays.

Green faqs

  • How do i impact on climate change?

    Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted when fossil-fuels are consumed. Each time we drive a car, fly in a plane, use electricity, or generate waste these fossil fuels are burnt and CO2 is added into the atmosphere - warming the earth and causing climate change.

  • What can I do to help avoid climate change?

    We can all take simple steps to reduce the amount of CO2 we produce. For those emissions we can't reduce, we can neutralise. 'Neutralising' means paying someone to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere on your behalf.

    By neutralising your carbon emissions you are supporting projects which lower the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Some of the most effective ways to do this is by supporting energy efficiency projects and the development of renewable energy sources, such as those offered by our partner organisations.

  • How do I know the carbon projects are effective?

    Each of the carbon projects we support are independently audited and meet high quality standards such as the Gold Standard or the Kyoto Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The Gold Standard is an independently audited, globally applicable best practice methodology for project development that delivers high.

  • Eco Tips
    • Take a string bag - perfect for carrying food from the market
    • BYO water bottle and drink the tap water
    • Recycle! Most hostels and budget hotels have recycling facilities so make sure you use them
    • Buy a wind-Up phone/laptop charger. You'll never have to worry about plug points again!
    • For short-haul travel, check out ferries, train and coach options before you book a flight

Save vernazza

Following the mudslides of October 25, 2011, we wanted to find a way we could give back to the community. We’ve teamed up with Save Vernazza, a non-profit organisation created by three locals who are former backpackers themselves.

Being Green 

Travel impacts on the places and communities we visit and we have a responsibility to minimise this and 'give back'. You'll be happy to know that travelling by coach emits less carbon and other harmful greenhouse gases per passenger than other forms of transport.In fact it's the most carbon-efficient way to travel above aeroplanes, cars and even trains.​

Carbon Emissions Grid

Car 0.2069 kgs CO 2 / passenger km
Air 0.0826 kgs CO 2 / passenger km
Rail 0.0534 kgs CO 2 / passenger km
Coach 0.0300 kgs CO 2 / passenger km

Source DEFRA (UK Dept. for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs)