Trafalgar and sister brands release new impact report highlighting notable progress on climate action

Trafalgar and sister brands, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver and Contiki, all part of The Travel Corporation (TTC), released its third annual Impact Report. The report outlines progress against the group’s five-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right (HWTR), which was launched in September 2020 and features 11 measurable goals developed to advance TTC’s commitment to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®.

TTC’s 2023 progress is led by the group’s decarbonisation efforts which are critical to its net zero commitment. In 2022, TTC launched its industry-leading Carbon Fund, exemplifying Trafalgar and sister brands’ financial commitment to achieving net zero, or near zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.

2023 saw the brands reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 31%, and Scope 3 emissions by 5% from its 2019 baseline. In its first year, more than USD 1.88 million was channelled to decarbonisation projects. Carbon Fund investments include the installation of new solar panels at offices in Bondi and Alexandria, and the implementation of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel for Contiki and Trafalgar in Europe, supplied by Atlas Reizen, the latter reducing Contiki trip emissions by up to 40% where HVO biofuel is available.

In another industry-first step to address its footprint, Trafalgar and sister brands ended the purchase of branded merchandise designed to be gifted to guests and partners. Branded merchandise given out by Trafalgar and sister brands were discovered to produces 6.5 million car-driven miles worth of carbon emissions every year. Funds for branded merchandise are now allocated to nature-based climate solutions already supported by the groups TreadRight Foundation, TTC’s not-for-profit, including GreenWave (North America) and Rainforest Rescue (Australia).

“Sustainability is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity to preserve, innovate, and build a resilient world for future generations to enjoy. Our third impact report makes two things clear – we are not standing still as there remains an incredible amount of work to be done,” says Nick Lim, CEO (Asia), The Travel Corporation. “I’m immensely proud of TTC leadership for taking such bold action, particularly through prioritising investments in carbon reductions through TTC’s Carbon Fund, and how our teams have embraced this transition happening as a business and to our sector.”

Key highlights of the 2023 Impact Report:

PLANET 

• $1,880,533 of our Carbon Fund invested in or allocated to more than 13 decarbonisation projects.
• Reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 31% and Scope 3 emissions by 5% from its 2019 baseline
• Established a Net Zero Trip Roadmap, measuring the carbon footprint of 700+ trips and outlining how TTC will reduce trip emissions by 27.5% by 2030
• 54% of our electricity was sourced from renewable sources, an increase of 10% from 2022
• Reduced printed brochures by 80% from 2019

PEOPLE

• 441 MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences offered across Trafalgar, Insight vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver and Contiki
• Of our 3,000 employees, 100% across the globe signed our Code of Conduct, demonstrating a universal commitment to our ethical standards
• Contiki’s New Zealand Trip Managers & Drivers began an extensive training program to strengthen crew competency in Māori history, culture, customs
• Completed 10,862 volunteer hours across TTC, reaching 83% of our 2025 goal

WILDLIFE

• Audited 600 wildlife experiences and safari lodges to ensure 100% compliance with our Animal Welfare Policy