TTC Tour Brands has announced the first investments being made by its Carbon Fund, including biofuel for its coaches and renewable energy for its properties.
The portfolio, which includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, has also unveiled a new partnership for its philanthropic arm, TreadRight Foundation, which is now supporting the Daintree Rainforest Rescue project in Australia.
Both the Carbon Fund investments and rainforest partnership are supporting the Climate Action Plan and net zero ambition of parent company The Travel Corporation (TTC).
Kelly Jackson, TTC Tour Brands’ EMEA managing director, said: “Our core mission, which is centred on Making Travel Matter, is built on the foundation of safeguarding our planet, its people, and our wildlife.
“These investments are deeply ingrained in every facet of our operations and journeys.
“From the initial steps in transitioning our Contiki coaches to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) biofuel in Europe to our newfound partnership with Daintree Rainforest Rescue as a nature-based solution ally, we are fully committed to advancing our decarbonisation objectives.”
The youth travel brand Contiki is partnering with GoodFuels, a manufacturer and supplier of HVO biofuel that is completely produced by certified feedstock labelled as waste or residue. This will reduce Contiki’s trip emissions by 20% in Europe where HVO biofuel is available.
TTC Tour Brands is securing 100% renewable electricity for four properties in North America – three offices, as well as Old Town, TTC’s entertainment district in Kissimmee, Florida.
In Australia, it is installing solar panels at two offices to reduce reliance on the grid and generate clean energy, while the data centre in Bondi will be powered by renewable energy.
In 2021, Contiki secured 100% renewable electricity for its head office in Bromley, UK.