by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Tue December 12, 2023
TTC Tour Brands, which include Trafalgar, Contiki, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations and Costsaver, is getting rid of its branded merchandise as a step towards its net zero sustainability goal.
TTC Tour Brands has a four-step Climate Action plan with goals that are validated by Science-based Targets Initiative. Getting rid of their branded merchandise will prevent the equivalent carbon emissions of 6.5 million miles of car driving annually.
The brands will no longer order branded merchandise for gifting. All leftover and outdated merchandise will be rehomed to local charities or for internal fundraisers, where the proceeds will continue supporting sustainability initiatives.
The funds allocated to merchandise will go as donations to nature-based solutions projects to offset 1.5 million miles of car driving emissions by December 2024, including GreenWave’s Kelp Climate Fund Project and Rainforest Rescue’s Daintree Project.
The GreenWave project pays for kelp planting across North America’s regenerative ocean farms, while Rainforest Rescue’s project helps restore one of the world’s oldest rainforests in partnership with the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.
“Learning how much carbon emissions are created from our branded ‘stuff’ was an eye opener for us. While we all love to represent our favorite travel brand with fun swag from t-shirts to tote bags, we know we can do more by using those resources to donate to sustainable projects we’re passionate about,” says Melissa DaSilva, President of TTC Tour Brands, North America.
“It’s our responsibility to fully commit to practices that leave a positive impact on the places we visit and the people we meet along the way. As the first in industry to make this commitment, it is our hope that our fellow companies follow in our footsteps in the ongoing journey towards a more sustainable future.”
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