Travellers get to ride the Glacier Express during the eight-day “Contrasts of Switzerland” holiday.
LEADING global tour company Trafalgar is embarking on a partnership with Switzerland Tourism to advance their shared vision of a sustainable, equitable tourism industry with a “Swisstainable” travel itinerary.
The new “Swisstainable” travel experience supports Switzerland’s natural and social resources and Trafalgar’s commitment to achieve net zero, which include choosing low-carbon travel options.
Trafalgar Asia managing director Mae Cheah said in a press statement, “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.
“We are excited to become the first global travel company to develop a tour entirely serviced by “Swisstainable” suppliers.
“This directly supports our climate goals and a number of wonderful community-driven projects in Switzerland.”
In honour of the partnership, Trafalgar is offering “Contrasts of Switzerland”, an eight-day journey through Zürich, St Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva and Lucerne.
The journey includes “Swisstainable” accommodation, experiences, meals, a new Make Travel Matter Experience and greener transportation considerations such as replacing vans with trains on the Glacier Express and Golden Pass Train Line.
Travelers can enjoy nature up close and experience the local culture as they travel through the majestic Swiss Alps to the top of Matterhorn, the streets of medieval Lucerne and other spots of interest.
On this itinerary, travellers will enjoy a Make Travel Matter Experience that directly supports small, women-owned local businesses in Zürich.
During a walking tour through old-town Zürich led by a local guide, travellers will get to know more about the medieval history of the city and also current topics of social solidarity.
They will learn more as well 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 Zürich.
Trafalgar, through parent company The Travel Corporation (TTC), has long been a leader in prioritising 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 programme of Trafalgar, as well as sister brands Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.
Switzerland Tourism global accounts and emerging markets director Pascal Prinz said, “Switzerland Tourism is proud to turn sustainable philosophies into action thanks to the partnership (with TTC).
“We are delighted to see Trafalgar launching their first fully “Swisstainable” itinerary called “Contrasts of Switzerland” and as part of our partnership, we are working to encourage even more Swiss suppliers to join the “Swisstainable” movement.
“This partnership will further help us to position Switzerland as one of the most sustainable travel destinations in the world.”
The first departure of this fully “Swisstainable” itinerary from Trafalgar will be on April 30.
For details on TTC’s climate commitments, go to www. treadright.org and impact.ttc.com
Learn more about the “Swisstainable” programme at www.myswitzerland.com/en-my/planning/about-switzerland/ sustainability
