Global leading tour company, Trafalgar and Switzerland Tourism are embarking on an industry leading partnership designed to advance both organizations’ shared vision of a sustainable, equitable tourism industry with the development of the first-ever ‘Swisstainable’ travel itinerary from a global tour brand. Adhering to the destination’s commitment to sustainability, the new ‘Swisstainable’ travel experience supports Switzerland’s natural and social resources and Trafalgar’s commitment to achieve net zero, of which low carbon travel options are a key tactic.
“Travellers today are very mindful about responsible tourism. Our partnership with Switzerland Tourism is a perfect example of how we are working towards net zero by striking a balance between the realities of our environment with the needs of local communities,” said Mae Cheah, Managing Director of Trafalgar, Asia. “We are excited to become the first global travel company to develop a tour, which is entirely serviced by “swisstainable” suppliers, and hence directly supports our climate goals and a number of wonderful community-driven projects in Switzerland.”
In honour of the partnership, Trafalgar is offering an 8-day journey, Contrasts of Switzerland through Zürich, St, Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva and Lucerne, that includes ‘Swisstainable’ accommodations, experiences, meals, a new MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and greener transportation considerations such as replacing vans with train travel on the Glacier Express and Golden Pass Train Line. Throughout this itinerary, travellers will have opportunities to enjoy nature up close and experience the local culture while consuming regional products as they travel through the majestic Swiss Alps, to the top of Matterhorn, the streets of medieval Lucerne and more.
On this itinerary, travellers will enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that directly supports small, women-owned local businesses in Zurich. During a walking tour led by a local guide through old-town Zurich, travellers will learn about the medieval history of the city and current topics of social solidarity as well as learn about the ethical production and conscious consumption of chocolate. Guests will also be introduced to the work done by those at Essen für Alle (Food for All), which distributes food to immigrants and refugees living below the poverty line in Zurich.
Trafalgar through parent company, The Travel Corporation (TTC) have long been a leader in prioritizing measurable positive impact. Through the company’s detailed Climate Action Plan, Trafalgar became the first tour operator to have validated net zero targets with efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The brand is currently mid-way through their 5-year sustainability strategy, a marquee program of which are its MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, which are immersive impact experiences that align with the ethos of ‘Swisstainable’. This new three-year partnership aims to introduce a range of ‘Swisstainable’ products within the Switzerland program of Trafalgar as well as sister brands, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.
