Recently updated on June 27th, 2025 at 11:20 am
When we set our bold 5-year sustainability goals, we knew it would take partnership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to making travel a force for good. Now, the results are in—and they speak volumes. Trafalgar, alongside our TTC sister brands, hasn’t just made progress. We’ve exceeded at 7 out of the 11 targets we set. From cutting emissions to dialling up meaningful experiences, these are the five standout ways we crushed our sustainability goals. And yes, we’re just getting started.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past five years. Exceeding nearly all our targets proves what’s possible when purpose drives progress – and we truly believe we’ve raised the bar for what responsible travel can and should look like.”
– Gemma Myhill, Global Head of Sustainability Marketing & Growth
1. 85% of Trafalgar itineraries include a Local Dining Experience
Food has always been a powerful window into a destination. That’s why Trafalgar now includes at least one Local Dining Experience on 85% of all itineraries. Whether you’re breaking bread with the Landi family in Tuscany, feasting on farm-to-table fare in Costa Rica, or enjoying a seafood lunch with a Greek fisherman, these meals bring guests face to face with local culture. Our Be My Guest experiences, in particular, let guests step into family homes, vineyards and heritage farms to hear stories, share traditions and eat what the locals eat.
2. Nearly every Trafalgar itinerary includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
In 2024, Trafalgar reached a major milestone: 98% of our tours now include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. These are experiences chosen not only for their immersive value, but for their measurable positive impact on communities and the planet. From visiting social enterprises that uplift women in Southeast Asia, to learning Indigenous traditions at The Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery
in Australia or supporting marine conservation in Croatia, these moments do more than show you a place—they make a difference.
3. Going Swisstainable: new partners, greener travel
Trafalgar has expanded its Swisstainable commitment in 2024 by partnering with more hotels certified under Switzerland’s national sustainability program. Even better? From 2025 onwards, the majority of Trafalgar’s trips to Switzerland will use Swisstainable-certified transport providers for their core touring. Guests can explore the Alps with lower carbon emissions and higher peace of mind.
Our Switzerland trips use many Swisstainable providers, with our standout Contrasts of Switzerland tour being fully Swisstainable, where guests experience sustainability in action throughout the whole itinerary: from eco-conscious alpine lodges to efficient, scenic railways.
4. A greener menu at the Laggan Hotel, Scottish Highlands
It’s not just about where you travel, but what you eat when you get there. In partnership with Costsaver, we worked with the Laggan Hotel in Scotland to co-create a fully vegetarian, seasonal menu tailored to our group guests. Nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, this hotel is part of our tour through the Scottish Highlands. The new menu not only reduces food-related emissions, but celebrates regional produce and Scottish culinary heritage. The result? A dinner that’s both climate-conscious and unforgettable.
5. 100% renewable electricity for our offices worldwide
As of 2024, Trafalgar’s offices run on 100% renewable electricity—eliminating a major source of our operational emissions and becoming cleaner and greener. This milestone is part of a larger commitment by The Travel Corporation (TTC), our parent company and the umbrella group for all our sister travel brands, who have collectively transitioned their offices around the world to renewable power sources.
What TTC has done globally
We’re proud to stand alongside our sister brands as part of a company-wide push for climate action. Here’s what we achieved together so far:
- Launched a global Mental Health First Aiders Program in 2024 so that team members can access peer-to-peer support trained in mental health first aid.
- In 2024 alone, TTC invested USD 353,307 in decarbonization projects via our industry-first Carbon Fund—bringing the total investment to over USD 2.23 million since 2023. This helps us trial biofuels, improve transport efficiency, and cut emissions across our global operations.
- TTC partnered with VisitScotland and The Travel Foundation in a 3-year initiative to reimagine low-impact tourism across an entire national supply chain—driving real change in one of the world’s most visited destinations. This collaboration is already shaping more sustainable practices for businesses, visitors and destinations across Scotland, including our switch to a greener menu at Laggan Hotel.
- Eliminated branded merchandise, alongside our sister brands, through the “No More Stuff” initiative, redirecting funds to support nature-based climate solutions with GreenWave and Rainforest Rescue. As part of this campaign, we’ve also cut printed brochures by 89% compared to 2019.
- Logged 8,066 employee volunteer hours in 2024—bringing our total to 32,916 since 2020.
- Review all our itineraries alongside TTC to cut down travel distances and switch to rail where possible—especially in Europe.
- Ensured 100% of animal experiences across all brands meet TTC’s Animal Welfare Policy.
- TTC launched 22 new itineraries to developing regions in 2024—a 34% increase from 2019—broadening access while supporting local communities.
The journey doesn’t stop here. As we look to the next 5 years, Trafalgar, alongside TTC, remains focused on delivering experiences that enrich, not extract. Whether it’s swapping plastic merch for reforestation donations, adding new MTMs in developing regions, or building greener menus with local partners, we’re committed to a future where travel helps the world thrive. Watch this space.