Trafalgar and sister brands, Insight Vacations, Contiki, Costsaver,
and Luxury Gold, all part of The Travel Corporation (TTC), have released
their second annual Impact Report, showcasing their commitment to
sustainability and responsible travel.
The report highlights significant advancements and achievements made
in pursuit of their five-year sustainability strategy, "How We Tread
Right" (HWTR), launched in September 2020. Aligned with the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the brands have made impressive
strides in various areas of sustainability, setting a commendable
example for the travel industry.
Key sustainability initiatives:
- Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050: Transitioned from
carbon neutrality to a more ambitious goal of achieving net zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Implemented an industry-leading Carbon
Fund to invest in green technologies for decarbonising their business.
- Renewable energy: Sourced 44% of their total global
electricity needs from renewable sources, installing solar panels on 48
coaches to extend battery life. Special stays like Contiki's two
locations now run entirely on 100% renewable electricity.
- Reducing food waste: All Contiki Special Stays now
boast state-of-the-art food waste systems, contributing to a significant
reduction of 120 tonnes of food waste across TTC, equating to more than
284,000 saved meals.
- Local & organic sourcing: Set a goal to
incorporate at least one local dining experience across 80% of their
itineraries by 2025. Notably, Contiki's French Chateau and Austrian Haus
Schöneck exclusively work with local and organic food suppliers, even
launching a successful vegan-themed trip.
- Sustainable printing: Surpassed their sustainability goal of reducing printed brochures by 50% since 2019, achieving an impressive 64% reduction.
- Elimination of single-use plastics: Banned single-use plastics across all offices since 2017, demonstrating their commitment to reducing plastic waste.
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences: Achieved the goal
of including at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience on 62% of their
itineraries, supporting culture, heritage, and wildlife conservation.
- Developing regions: Increased itineraries visiting
developing regions by 50% since 2021, with Contiki introducing two brand
new trips to such destinations.
- Diversity & inclusion: Launched Woman Only
trips, LGBTQ+ Pride-focused trips, and collaborated with Travel Alberta
to raise awareness of Women in Indigenous communities.
- Volunteer efforts: Contributed 7,471 volunteer hours in 2022, towards the goal of completing 30,000 volunteer hours by 2025.
- Animal welfare: Ensured that every wildlife experience across all itineraries adheres to a comprehensive Animal Welfare Policy.