We’re proud to announce our partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation.
Extraordinary travel experiences can be sustainable!
A Global Partnership to Help Secure a Healthy Ocean
April 4, 2025 – Bothell, WA – In February 2024, Europe Express, along with its sister companies across the Travelopia Group, partnered with Blue Marine Foundation to advance its commitment to climate action and marine conservation. This partnership is dedicated to conserving and restoring ocean ecosystems, which play a vital role in tackling climate change while preserving the stunning coastlines that define many of the world’s top travel destinations.
In its first year, the partnership has made significant progress. Key achievements include 30 hectares of blue carbon ecosystems restored, 12,500 mangrove trees planted, and 113 community members engaged in marine restoration.
From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Kenya to Indonesia, these protected blue carbon ecosystems have the potential to remove and store thousands of tons of carbon annually. They also safeguard rich biodiversity, including endangered species, while fostering sustainable livelihoods for local communities through conservation training and employment.
“Through our partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, we are able to support nature recovery and carbon removal across many places we and our customers know and love. It gives us the opportunity to help restore the oceans and coastlines that are central to so many of the experiences we offer,” said Parik Laxminarayan, Chief Executive Officer of Europe Express.
One project underway in Greece is researching the carbon removal and storage potential of Posidonia seagrass, which faces threats from anchoring, pollution, and other human activities. Using advanced hyperspectral cameras, this initiative aims to generate cutting-edge data to inform increased protection of seagrass across the Mediterranean.
“We are leveraging innovative technology to better understand the climate value of these ecosystems and enhance marine conservation strategies for the future,” said Maddie Millington-Drake, Senior Climate Project Manager of Blue Marine.
Additionally, a rare sighting of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal feeding within the project area is contributing to new conservation proposals to protect the area.
Europe Express and the Travelopia Group remain committed to driving meaningful impact through this partnership.
“It is a privilege to partner with such a pioneering organization in support of their vital blue carbon and marine restoration work,” said Kasia Morgan, Group Head of Sustainability at Travelopia. “This partnership plays a vital role in pursuit of our own Climate, Nature & Community goals.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kelli Williams
Europe Express
contact@europeexpress.com
About Europe Express
Europe Express is a premier wholesale tour operator specializing in customized European travel experiences for travel advisors. Since 1990, Europe Express has provided travel professionals with seamless, tailor-made itineraries, competitive pricing, and dedicated support—empowering them to deliver unforgettable journeys to their clients. Continuously growing, Europe Express has operated over 300,000 trips for over 670,000 guests, with a dedicated team of over 150 employees located in five countries. Discover more at www.europeexpress.com or follow us @EuropeExpress.
About Travelopia
Travelopia is the world’s leading collection of experiential travel brands. With primary headquarters in Surbiton, United Kingdom and over 2,500 colleagues across 30 countries worldwide, Travelopia welcomes 400,000 guests each year in over 120 destinations. From wildlife encounters to polar expeditions, from cultural tours to yachting adventures, Travelopia’s business is not just about showing people the world, but designing new ways to experience it. Explore at www.travelopia.com.
About Blue Marine Foundation
Blue Marine Foundation is an organisation dedicated to restoring the ocean to health by protecting and restoring marine life. Its mission is to see at least 30 percent of the world’s ocean under effective protection by 2030 and the other 70 percent managed in a responsible way. The ocean is the world’s largest carbon sink. By combatting overfishing, establishing Marine Protected Areas, restoring depleted marine habitats and engaging local communities in marine conservation, Blue Marine seeks to ensure the ocean can continue its vital function of stabilizing the Earth’s climate. To date, Blue Marine has contributed to the protection of over four million square kilometers of the ocean. Find out more at www.bluemarinefoundation.com.
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