TTC Tour Brands On A Mission To MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
TTC Tour Brands is on a mission to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER with the release of its second annual TTC Impact Report showcasing the positive impacts and progress it has made in meeting its sustainability goals in 2022 against its five-year sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right (HWTR).
Launched by The Travel Corporation (TTC) in September 2020, the strategy features 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, designed to address TTC Tour Brands impact on the planet, its people and wildlife. The annual report sets a precedent on greater transparency and accountability on sustainability in travel and tourism.
The report clearly outlines the ways in which TTC Tour Brands is advancing its centerpiece commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
This goal replaced its original goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 and is backed by TTC’s Climate Action Plan and reduction targets. These targets have been validated by Science Based Targets initiative, a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to drive ambitious climate action in the private sector. These commitments are backed by TTC’s Carbon Fund, an industry-leading fund designed to enable investment in green practices and technologies selected for their ability to decarbonize the business.
Melissa DaSilva, President of TTC Tour Brands, North America, observed that: “Decarbonization is the single most important thing we can do in the fight against climate change. As a company dedicated to discovering the world, our neighbours and the local wildlife that bring it to life, we’re deeply committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, if not sooner.”
DaSilva continued: “From the introduction of TTC’s Carbon Fund which makes it possible for our business to reduce our carbon emissions more quickly. Some examples of this in practice include Trafalgar coaches powered by solar panels that extend the life of the coach’s battery, to Contiki’s Chateau powered 100% by renewable energy. We are aggressively moving forward towards our sustainability targets and play our part on the global transition towards low carbon.”
The 2022 Impact Report addresses the progress made by TTC Tour Brands towards the collective goals of TTC to source 50% of electricity from renewable energy sources, include at least one immersive impact experience known as MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences across 50% of the brands’ itineraries by 2025, reduce food waste by 50% across hotels & ships by 2025, incorporate more local food products across the supply chain, and more.
Guy Young, TTC Tour Brands Chief Trade Engagement Officer, made it clear that sustainability is a crucial part of the travel purchase decision.
Said Young: “Helping our customers and key travel advisor partners understand the science and the language behind claims in the marketplace, is a responsibility we take seriously. The steps we’re taking to achieve our goals are grounded in best practices as the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. Our transparency and our commitment are unmatched.”
Highlights of the 2022 Impact Report include:
- Source 50% of Electricity from Renewable Sources by 2025
- Mitigate Food Waste & Increase Use of Local and Organic Across Local Supply Chain
- Include At Least One MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Across 50% of TTC Itineraries by 2025
- Increase Sentiment Regarding Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI)
To review the report, click here.