What: The Travel Corporation Has Revised Its Sustainability Goals
In 2020, The Travel Corporation (TTC) launched a sustainability strategy with the goal of going carbon neutral by 2030. Now, the company has announced that it is taking its climate action commitments to a new level, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (replacing its original goal of carbon neutrality).
TTC’s plan focuses on reducing emissions across its portfolio of brands (including Red Carnation Hotels, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Trafalgar, Contiki and more) instead of relying on carbon offsets, as well as generating and utilizing renewable energy at its offices and facilities. A newly created internal carbon fund with revenue from TTC brands will also be used solely for net-zero initiatives.
Why It Matters: Swift, Measurable Action Is Needed to Combat Climate Change
TTC understands that swift and far-reaching measures are needed to combat climate change. By setting these goals for its 40 travel brands, the company is showing itself to be a leader in the industry when it comes to environmental protections and change. What’s more, TTC’s net-zero targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, and the company has announced that it will publicly report on its carbon fund and its progress against these targets — providing proof that the group is putting its money where its mouth is.
Fast Facts: More Details on TTC’s Climate Action Plan
- TTC revised its climate action plan from five points to four: measure, reduce, restore and evolve (“restore” has replaced the previous “remove” and “offset” pillars).
- TTC’s nonprofit TreadRight Foundation will prioritize nature-based carbon removal solutions that restore the planet, addressing both climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity.
- The new decarbonization plan includes five key areas of focus: reduce energy use and transition to low-carbon technology at Red Carnation Hotels; generate and use renewable energy across all offices and facilities; reduce fuel emissions from Uniworld ships; secure zero-emission vehicles for tour brands; and reduce the carbon footprint of trips.
What They Are Saying: “We Need to Reduce Emissions”
“Our focus is to identify a way forward that marries what the science is telling us with solutions to enable our decarbonization,” said Shannon Guihan, chief sustainability officer and head of TreadRight for TTC. “We need to reduce our emissions, and the surest way to do that is through direct investments into our business and our operations.”
“Climate science tells us that we need rapid and deep emissions cuts if we are to achieve global net-zero and prevent the most damaging effects of climate change,” added Luiz Amaral, CEO of the Science Based Targets initiative. “The Travel Corporation’s net-zero targets match the urgency of the climate crisis and set a clear example that their peers must follow.”
