What does circular travel really mean — and why did Joker, ViaVia, and Route 2030 develop a guide for it?
Joker
Travel is changing, and circular thinking is playing an increasingly important role. Joker, ViaVia, and Route 2030 jointly developed Spectaculair Circulair: a practical guide that helps travelers and guides avoid plastic, reduce CO₂, and travel more consciously. This blog post tells the story behind the project—and why circular tourism is more relevant than ever.
Why tourism needs a new approach
Tourism is a source of wonder, encounters, and inspiration. But it also has a downside.
Every year we produce more than 300 million tons of plastic worldwide, half of which is single-use plastic.
Tourism contributes to this — from packaging to to-go consumption.
The sector is also responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions , mainly from transport.
It is a paradox that is becoming increasingly clear: The same industry that teaches us to enjoy nature and culture also threatens that beauty.
For Joker and ViaVia this is not a reason to travel less, but rather to travel better .
From idea to travel guide: the birth of Spectacular Circular
Together with Route 2030, the question was posed: How do we make circular travel accessible, concrete and usable for everyone who departs, accompanies or designs trips?
Step by step, the project evolved into a travel guide unlike any other. Not preachy. Not theoretical. But practical, cheerful, relatable, and above all, hands-on .
The focus sharpened around two pillars:
Consciously dealing with CO₂ emissions
Not to ban travel, but to encourage smart choices: alternative transport options, more conscious planning, more compact thinking.
Travel without disposable plastic
From water bottles to snack packaging: small changes that make a massive difference when thousands of travelers implement them.
The Spectacular Circular Travel Guide: a compass in a circular travel world
The guide not only provides you with insights, but also a mindset. You'll discover:
why circularity is much more than recycling,
how you, as a traveler or tour guide, can make a big difference with small choices,
and how circular design, planning and behaviour can enrich a journey.
You will find there:
practical tips ,
concrete alternatives to disposable ,
inspiring cases of circular initiatives ,
and tools to apply circular thinking when designing new journeys.
The tone is light, inviting and curious — no heavy theory, but a guide that makes you want to travel differently .
Impact: from awareness to movement
The project led to more than just a publication. It sparked a movement.
More awareness about plastic and CO₂
Tour operators, guides and travellers gained a clearer picture of their own impact.
Broadly applicable guidelines
The guide is used both within and outside Joker and ViaVia — a stepping stone to sector-wide change.
Stronger support for circular tourism
What started as a guide grew into a common language around sustainable and circular travel.
Travel hasn't become less adventurous. Just… different. More conscious. Smarter. More circular. And that's where the difference begins.
Conclusion: Circular travel is not a limitation — it's an invitation
Circularity doesn't require us to enjoy life less. It requires us to look differently and make more conscious choices .
With Spectacular Circular , Joker, ViaVia, and Route 2030 prove that sustainable choices are not only good for the planet, but also for the quality of travel itself.
Do you also want to apply circular principles in your organization or product range?
Route 2030 is happy to help you get started with tools, guidance, and regenerative/circular strategies. Contact us for an exploratory conversation.
Download the guide here. It's going to be spectacularly circular!