TTC Tour Brands ditches branded freebies in sustainability push

Instead of giveaways, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki will redirect funds to projects that fight climate change.

TTC estimates a complete switch could prevent the equivalent carbon emissions of 6.5 million car-driven miles from entering the atmosphere annually. The initial move will save 1.5 million mile equivalents by the end of 2024.

The operator said more of its global brands would adopt this stance in time.

“No one needs ’more stuff’, yet everyone needs to take responsibility for the future of our planet," said TTC Tour Brands managing director Kelly Jackson. "Our industry as a whole is no exception, and we believe the gift of travel should be preserved for generations to come,” 

TTC Tour Brands will donate to projects already supported by their not-for-profit foundation TreadRight, suhc as GreenWave’s Kelp Climate Fund Project and Rainforest Rescue’s Daintree Project. 

Brand offices will re-home any leftover or outdated merchandise to local charities or use it for internal fundraisers, with donations to climate groups.