Leading global tour company Trafalgar and Switzerland Tourism are embarking on an industry-leading partnership designed to advance both organizations’ shared vision of a sustainable and equitable tourism industry.
This first-ever “Swisstainable” travel itinerary from a global tour brand adheres 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.
“Travelers 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.”
Trafalgar’s “Contrasts of Switzerland” is an eight-day journey through Zürich, Saint Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva and Lucerne, and includes sustainable 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, travelers 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.
Small, women-owned local businesses in Zurich are directly supported in this itinerary.
During a walking tour led by a local guide through old-town Zurich, travelers 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, has 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.
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.
“This partnership will further help us to position Switzerland as one of the most sustainable travel destinations in the world,” explained Pascal Prinz, director of Global Accounts and Emerging Markets of Switzerland Tourism.
The first departure of this fully ‘Swisstainable’ itinerary from Trafalgar was on 30 April. To learn more about the “Swisstainable” program, visit www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/planning/about-switzerland/sustainability/.