The Australian Financial Review’s inserted magazine, Sophisticated Traveller, is going green this weekend with a bumper Eco Edition issue demonstrating the strength and interest in sustainable travel.

The 76-page issue is ST’s biggest yet, offering a deep dive into how to travel more wisely and sustainably, providing answers to questions from how much carbon you emit flying from Sydney to London to what is the most effective way to carbon-offset your flights, and how expedition ships to Antarctica are locked in a technology race to each do their utmost to ensure they’re as environmentally friendly as possible. 

Not only does ST explore the biggest issues around sustainability and travel, the magazine itself is printed on sustainable paper – FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC-accredited (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and recycled Nova 75gsm paper. The cover, which features an image of a glamorous tent under the starry night sky in Byron Bay, is printed on 150gsm paper which is also PEFC-certified.

ST Editor, Fiona Carruthers, said: “Between the bushfires and prolonged drought leading to increased climate change warnings over summer, as well as the more recent travel disruption from coronavirus, the tourism industry is reeling across the globe, not only in Australia. 

“Suffice to say it’s been a tough time for this major industry which employs one in 13 people in Australia alone.

“The past few months have got most of us thinking hard. How can we travel more sustainably? Travel smarter? Discover the best of what’s right on our back porch and support local tour operators? How do we think outside the box a little more? What are the best ways to offset our carbon footprint when we fly, sail or take a road trip? And how do environmentalists organise their travel calendars?

Available in the February 21 edition of The Australian Financial Review and in the February 22 AFR Weekend, the ST’s eco issue features stories on where to eat green and vegetarian, Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler’s tips on where he’s travelling in 2020, and the first visit to New Zealand’s new, yet to open, Britomart Hotel in Auckland which is billed as the “greenest” hotel in NZ, with a five-green-star rating.

The magazine also includes a seven-page reverse back on the gems of Western Australia, in which Perth’s Megan Gale reveals her 2020 goals for sustainable living.

Launch of inaugural AFR Reader Journey

The eco edition of ST launches the inaugural AFR Reader Journey: an expert-led 10-day tour of Argentina with one of Australia’s best-known polo players, Rob Archibald, and ST Editor Fiona Carruthers. The tour, in partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, includes a visit to the private ranch of champion polo player Nacho Figueras, plus VIP seats to the final of the Argentine Open.

Travelling in December, the exclusive AFR Reader Journey will begin outside Buenos Aires in the opulent Estancia La Bamba de Areco, one of Argentina’s oldest colonial estates, before going to the north-west, with guests invited to some of the most exclusive wineries in the country. The final four nights of the journey will be spent at the luxurious Four Seasons Buenos Aires.

“Our exciting new venture, AFR Reader Journeys, offers our subscribers and readers the chance to come along to enjoy first-hand the incredible experiences we have access to in the line of duty,” said Carruthers.

“In a very “real time” sense, this initiative builds on the solid high-end travel coverage provided by the Financial Review through our beautifully produced stories featured in the quarterlies Sophisticated Traveller and its sibling title, Luxury magazine, and also in our weekly Life & Leisure liftout,” said Carruthers.

“Journalists tend to be curious types, with enviable little black contact books. Hence, we make great travel companions – or so I’m told!” The inaugural tour to Argentina in partnership with Abercrombie & Kent combines delightful excursions to many vineyards, points of architectural and historical interest with leisurely walks and biking.

Led by one of Australia’s finest polo players, Rob Archibald from Scone NSW, it’s a true bucket list itinerary. The last weekend includes the final game of the fabled Argentine Open – thrashed out between the top polo teams in the world – as well as a near impossible to get personal invitation to spend a few hours at the stables and home of world champion player Nacho Figueras (who has also been a face of Ralph Lauren Black Label since 2005).

For more information:
Miranda Ward
Communications Manager
miward@nine.com.au

Thursday, February 20, 2020