All of our impact efforts are anchored to the UN Global Goals, a set of priorities developed by the United Nations in 2015 as a guide to creating a better future for people and our planet by 2030. They have since become the language of sustainability for governments and businesses, ours included. Consisting of a total of 17 Global Goals, each goal relates to an area of development, and provides clear targets and indicators. The Travel Corporation used the Global Goals and their framework as a roadmap to identify where we can make the most impact, and our strategy How We Tread Right has targeted 11 Global Goals of focus.

Our TreadRight Foundation was launched in 2008 and is dedicated to encouraging sustainable change at a grassroots level. It’s also focused on our pillars of Planet, People and Wildlife, TreadRight. In total, we’ve funded over 60 sustainable tourism projects across more than 26 countries.

In 2022, as we doubled down on our response to the climate crisis, TTC committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. In support of those efforts, TreadRight is refocusing its efforts to prioritise support for nature-based solutions to climate change. An excellent example of this is Trees For Life, our newest nature-based solution focused on rewilding the Scottish Highlands.

Why have you chosen to champion sustainability in 2024?
Our dedication to responsible travel is not a recent development; it has been ingrained in our practices for over 15 years. The TreadRight Foundation, initiated more than a decade ago, is a testament to our long-standing commitment. In 2020, recognising the need for a comprehensive approach, we introduced a five-year sustainability strategy with 11 measurable goals aligned with the UN Global Goals. Demonstrating our proactive stance, we set the ambitious target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, using 2019 as the baseline year.

Building on this commitment, in 2022, TTC proudly became the first global tour operator to have all three targets – near-term, long-term and net zero – validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. Additionally, we established an industry-first internal Carbon Fund to further bolster our efforts towards sustainability. While our actions speak volumes about our ongoing commitment, we recognise the need to amplify awareness and discussion around these initiatives. It’s not just a 2024 endeavour for us; it’s a continuation of the responsible journey we’ve embarked on long before.

What marketing advice or selling tips do you have for travel agents looking to sell more responsible travel?
As advocates for responsible travel, I encourage you to leverage our Make Travel Matter Experiences to captivate your customers. These immersive impact journeys not only provide travellers with unique and enriching encounters but also actively contribute to UN Global Goals, such as Goal 15 for conservation. Educate your customers on the importance of scrutinising wildlife policies and sustainability goals when choosing travel options. Share compelling stories of destinations, weaving in the positive impact of responsible travel. Utilise social media and collaborate with influencers to amplify our shared message. Highlight our certifications, partnerships and customer testimonials to build trust. Promote packages/operators that share similar values. By embracing these strategies, you not only enhance your sales but contribute significantly to the global movement for sustainable and responsible tourism.

As part of our TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes initiative, we’re seeking agent Ambassadors to champion promoting and selling responsible tourism. How are you planning on supporting these agents in their journey?
In our commitment to the TTG Sustainable Travel Heroes initiative, we eagerly welcome agent Ambassadors dedicated to promoting responsible tourism. Our strategy to support these Ambassadors involves an educational approach that goes beyond buzzwords. We plan to empower them with a genuine understanding of sustainability and responsible tourism, utilising practical, real-world examples derived from our own business practices. To achieve this, our own dedicated team of sustainability champions will play a pivotal role. Leveraging their collective expertise, we aim to provide our Ambassadors with valuable insights, comprehensive information and practical tools, ensuring they not only comprehend but effectively champion the true essence of responsible tourism in their journey.

Will you be offering these TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors any additional benefits in 2024?
We will be offering each Ambassador a 50% discount on any TTC Tour Brand (Contiki, Costsaver, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold) trip to Europe.