Thomson and First Choice are set to introduce a new programme for primary schools focusing on elements of sustainable tourism from both an environmental and social perspective. Forming part of the Holiday Forever campaign, the scheme enables primary school children to learn about the importance of protecting the natural environment and culture, both in the UK and in some of their favourite holiday destinations.

Aimed at Key Stage 2 school children aged 7 to 11, the programme will launch in approximately 1,000 schools across the UK and will help teach children how they can make a sustainable difference whilst on holiday. Eight activity sheets have been designed to complement elements of the national curriculum in the subjects of History, English, Geography and Science. The scheme has been developed in collaboration with the National Schools Partnership, a specialist agency providing education partnership solutions to companies, charities and the public sector.

This is the latest piece of activity in Thomson and First Choice’s sustainability programme, Holidays Forever, and works towards fulfilling our commitment of engaging half a million children in sustainable tourism.

Activity sheets on destinations such as Kenya will allow children to think laterally about eco-systems and the needs of animals and humans, whilst spotting the problems that climate change and the deterioration of land will cause. Children will be able to learn more about sustainable tourism and the issues that our holiday destinations face, including some projects that Thomson and First Choice are involved in. Top tips for children to try while on holiday include encouraging recycling, reducing water usage and packing lighter.

Penny Truman, a Primary School Teacher said: “This is a genuinely informative and fun set of resources that will help open pupils' eyes to the excitement of travelling the world and to the need for ecological awareness and responsibility.”

Christian Cull, Director of Communications at Thomson and First Choice, states: “We are committed to raising awareness and converting that into actions, by making it easy for our customers to make sustainable choices when holidaying abroad.”

The scheme was launched in schools on 8 June. As part of this programme, a competition will also be running where five lucky families can win £2,000 worth of holiday vouchers.