The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) first official “Impact Report” details the progress of its 41 brands as they advance the “How We Tread Right” (HWTR) five-year sustainability strategy. The report includes updates on how the brands are working towards TTC’s 11 sustainability targets, which are anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Anchored to the U.N. Global Goals, HWTR outlines the steps that Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations and Luxury Gold have taken to protect the planet, its people and wildlife.
TTC aims to source 50 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2025. This year onwards, 100 percent of Contiki’s properties are powered by renewable energy. In 2021, 30 percent of the brands shared facilities used renewable electricity, and renewable sources contributed to 28 percent of its business’ global electricity needs.
The brand also aimed at including at least one “Make Travel Matter” experience on 50 percent of TTC itineraries by 2025. Contiki now offers “Make Travel Matter” experiences on 81 percent of its itineraries; Trafalgar on 63 percent; Insight Vacations on 94 percent; Brendan Vacations 50 percent; and Luxury Gold on 77 percent of all itineraries.
All six TTC brands have taken steps to incorporate more conscious travel experiences across their itineraries and branch out into developing regions to leave a positive impact on the local communities that they visit as part of their “Make Travel Matter” experiences program. The majority of itineraries include at least one of these experiences, which are aligned with the SDG of ending poverty, improving education and gender equality, reducing inequalities and supporting sustainable cities and communities.
From reducing carbon emissions and mitigating food waste to switching to renewable energy and focusing on local suppliers, Contiki and Uniworld are focused on taking steps to preserve the planet while traveling.
Beginning in 2022, Contiki, converted to 100 percent carbon neutral at no costs to guests. To strengthen their efforts to be as sustainable as possible, the Contiki Chateau de Cruix in France and the Contiki Haus Schöneck chalet in Austria have both switched to 100 percent renewable energy. The accommodations have also been working to engage with local suppliers and the Austrian chalet has donated excess food to local farms to help feed the animals as part of an ongoing program.
On a locally hosted rail or driving tour with Brendan Vacations, travelers can visit Killarney National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where they will cycle through the middle of the Three Lakes. This visit supports the preservation of the natural landscape.
Animal welfare is a central part of TTC’s goals, which is directly aligned with the SDG to improve life below the water and on land. For instance, on Trafalgar’s “Wonders of Kenya”, travelers can learn from rangers at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy about its endangered wildlife and conservation efforts. On Contiki’s “Northern Thai Highlights”, travelers can visit the Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center that provides sanctuary for the animals and allows visitors to interact with them. In India, with luxury tour operator Luxury Gold, travelers can connect with a naturalist in Ranthambore National Park where they will embark on a search for tigers and other wildlife on “Essence of India with Ranthambore”.
For more information, visit TTC.com/hwtr.
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