easyJet holidays has today announced a new partnership with Conservation Collective to support vital sustainable tourism projects in destinations it operates to. The collaboration aims to support biodiversity conservation and sustainability efforts within popular Mediterranean holiday hotspots.

Conservation Collective is a global network of over 20 local foundations funding effective grassroots initiatives to protect the environment, restore nature and build climate resilience. The partnership will initially see easyJet holidays support vital sustainable tourism projects in Menorca (Spain) and the Cyclades (Greece).

Through this partnership, easyJet holidays is bringing funding and awareness to Menorca Preservation and Cyclades Preservation Fund’s local campaigns.

Tackling Plastic Waste in Menorca

In 2019 the Law on Waste and Contamination Land was introduced, however many hotels still struggle to reduce their use of plastics. With Menorca Preservation, easyJet holidays is working with 10 of its partner hotels to achieve a plastic-free certification: an initiative to eliminate single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives. Certified hotels will receive reusable beach item stations, reducing waste on Menorca’s beaches and improving the health of local ecosystems.

Protecting Posidonia Meadows in Santorini

Posidonia meadows, which soak up 15 times more carbon dioxide every year than a similar-sized area of the Amazon rainforest, play a crucial role in marine biodiversity while also filtering the Mediterranean’s waters, giving them the vibrant blue-green hue they’re famous for. However, these vital seagrass beds are declining across the Mediterranean.

To help protect this essential species, easyJet holidays is partnering with the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) in Santorini to raise awareness among tourists and tour operators about the importance of Posidonia Oceanica. The initiative includes providing webinar training for hotel staff on the ecological significance of this seagrass and ways to safeguard it and distributing educational materials at hotels, and organising for holidaymakers to responsibly visit seagrass meadows.

Matt Callaghan, easyJet holidays’ Chief Operating Officer, said: "We’re committed to making a more positive impact in the destinations we serve, and we know our customers increasingly care about responsible tourism too.

“So, we’re delighted to be launching a partnership with Conservation Collective to enhance biodiversity in some of Europe’s most loved holiday hotspots. By working together, we can help drive real change, ensuring the places that make our holidays so special are preserved for years to come."

Jade Brudenell, Director of Conservation Collective, said: “We are excited to work with easyJet holidays on these important projects led by Menorca Preservation Fund and the Cyclades Preservation Fund. easyJet holidays is bringing crucial funding and awareness to this important work.

“This partnership enables us to engage tour operators and visitors in protecting these incredible destinations together. By supporting these locally driven initiatives, we can turn the tide for tourism to become a good force for nature.”