Doing Good in Malta: Living Our Values as a Responsible Travel Franchise

Last week, our team had the privilege of attending the Advantage Travel Conference in the beautiful coastal setting of St Julian’s, Malta. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain insights, and continue to grow as a forward-thinking travel franchise. But one moment stood out above the rest – and it had nothing to do with the conference room.

As part of our sustainability charter, we took part in an incredible initiative organised by Żibel (https://www.zibel.org), a Maltese non-governmental organisation that is working tirelessly to clean up the Mediterranean Sea. Żibel brings together volunteers to remove waste from beaches and underwater areas around Malta and Gozo, while also educating the local population about the long-term impact of marine pollution.

Our team helped sort through rubbish collected from the ocean, identifying plastic bottles, old fishing equipment, ropes, and everyday waste items. It was shocking to see the volume and variety of trash recovered from what should be pristine waters. This hands-on experience was a sobering reminder of how our oceans are suffering – and a powerful reinforcement of our mission to ensure that travel leaves a positive impact.

At The Good Travel Agent, we are proud to be more than just another travel agency franchise. We exist to show that business can be a force for good, and that even as a homeworking travel agent, you can play a key role in shaping a more responsible travel industry. Sustainability is not an add-on for us – it’s woven into everything we do. That’s why we plant a tree for every holiday booked, promote low-impact travel options to our customers, and actively support initiatives like Żibel’s ocean clean-ups.

Our core value of Doing Good is about more than giving back. It’s about leading the way in creating meaningful change. Whether that means reducing waste, supporting local communities, or simply encouraging more thoughtful ways of travelling, we are committed to making travel better – for everyone.

If you’re part of the travel industry and are looking to align your work with your values, joining a travel franchise like The Good Travel Agent could be the perfect fit. Our community of homeworking travel agents benefit from full training, support, and access to powerful tools – all while helping build a more ethical, sustainable future for travel.

To learn more about our initiatives and get practical tips on how to travel more responsibly, visit the Responsible Travel section of our website. There, you’ll find information on what we’re doing to reduce our impact and how you can be part of the solution, whether you’re travelling or building your own travel business.

We are deeply grateful to Żibel for the work they do and for giving us the opportunity to contribute. It was an experience that reaffirmed our mission and our belief that every booking, every conversation, and every journey can be part of something bigger.

Travel is about more than holidays. It’s about connection, care, and conscience. At The Good Travel Agent, we are proud to be doing things differently – and doing good along the way.