• This World Tourism Day, category leaders announce bold new plans to support the rebuild of tourism through sustainable product development.

London, 24th September: As the tourism industry looks to rebuild in a post pandemic world, touring category-leader Trafalgar and its sister brand Costsaver have today announced their plans to increase their sustainable travel and tourism initiatives by offering a minimum of one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on every land tour by 2023.

 Since the launch of MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences in 2020, both brands have been contributing directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by offering guests rich, meaningful travel opportunities that have a positive impact on the places they visit. Using a proprietary assessment tool endorsed by industry experts and developed exclusively for Trafalgar and TTC's family of brands, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are assessed against a robust set of criteria directly tied to these UN Global Goals.

Already available on 100% of trips through Asia and with a total of 98 experiences across the globe, the brands are committing to extend the offering to one on every tour. This comes at a crucial time as the industry looks to rebuild after more than 62 million jobs were lost last year* with local communities and small businesses that rely in tourism amongst the hardest hit. This is just one of the many initiatives the brands are making to ensure they do their part to support the rebound of travel after the after the devastating impact of COVID-19.

When speaking about today's announcement, Gavin Tollman, CEO said: 

“As a company with sustainable and responsible travel ingrained in our DNA, we are taking every step possible to secure the future for our industry. In the wake of the pandemic, every travel organisation should be reviewing and assessing their operations in line with the UN Global Goals and this is just one way we are securing a more inclusive future for the people and places we visit and our guests”.

The brands Sustainability Officer Gemma Myhill also reinforced how this positive shift to their strategy will benefit guests:

“With this change, not only will our guests continue to have incredibly rich experiences when they tour with us, but they will also know their travels will meaningfully give back to local communities, wildlife and the planet, no matter the destination they choose”. 

Travellers can identify these experiences by looking out for the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience seal on trafalgar.com and costsavertour.com. Download the brands' full commitment to responsible travel in their How We Tread Right strategy.

Here is a small selection of MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences and how guests can support them:

KENYA: OI PEJETA CONSERVANCY

In Kenya, guests learn first-hand from the rangers at Ol Peteja Conservancy about its endangered wildlife and ecosystem conservation efforts. Ol Peteja is home to two of the world's last remaining northern white rhinos and is a sanctuary for over 110 critically endangered black rhinos.

This experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.

Support this initiative on Trafalgar's Wonders of Kenya tour.

JORDAN: MEET THE TALENTED WOMEN OF IRAQ AL-AMIR

During this truly touching encounter, you'll learn how this female-owned organisation helps to empower local women in rural Jordan financially by providing them with employment and skills making soap, notebooks from recycled paper and colourful pottery. You'll leave inspired by the resilience and determination of these incredible women who're using their skills to improve their lives and that of their community.

This experience directly supports UN Global Goal 5: Gender

Support this initiative on Trafalgar's Best of Israel and Jordan tour.

INDIA: THE SALAAM BAALAK TRUST

India's vibrant capital city of Delhi will take on new meaning as you enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit organisation that aims to provide a caring environment for homeless children. Your tour will be led by one of the successful young people who, as a child living on the streets, was taken in by the organisation and given shelter and an education. Offering unique insight as you Dive Into Culture, your guide will share their own story as they show off the sights of the city streets where they once lived. Giving you the chance to be educated on local issues, this walking tour is an authentic experience far from the main tourist attractions.

This experience directly advances UN Global Goals 1 & 4: No Poverty and Quality Education.

Support this initiative on Trafalgar's Uncover India tour.

BRITAIN: BLACKMORE FARM

Witness the care and passion Ian and Ann Dyer have for preserving farming traditions and history at this heritage listed property. Mentioned in the Domesday book of 1085, enjoy exploring this ancient manor with Ian complete with suits of armour and ancient weapons on the walls then wander the lush green pastures farm before a delicious lunch prepared by Ann.

This experience directly supports UN Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Support this initiative on Trafalgar's Best of Britain tour.

*Economic Impact Report (EIR) from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for 2020

ENDS

About Trafalgar   

As the world's most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar tours the world differently. Guests receive the personal service, attention to detail and travel ease they're looking for, while enjoying unmissable experiences they've always dreamed of. From exclusive access at iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on the places they visit and connects guests to all seven continents like no other. With a three-step wellbeing protocol aligned to standards set by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and risk-free and flexible booking terms, guests can travel with confidence knowing that Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

About Costsaver

Costsaver gives travellers the power to travel how they choose and believes that lasting travel memories shouldn't cost the earth. With 77 (and counting) perfectly planned value trips, Costsaver takes care of all of a guests travel essentials including: 4 & 3 star hotels, many meals, transport and must-see sights; and provides them the building blocks to tailor their dream trip with over 550+ Choice Optional Experiences.  With on-ground support and local knowledge from Destination Experts (your Travel Director, Driver and Local Specialists), Costsaver is the ultimate unpackaged vacation.

For more information and images please contact: elise@ideafarmer.co.uk