Youth group tour operator Contiki says it has achieved “carbon neutrality”, thanks to a climate action plan launched in 2021, and is investing in further carbon removal projects.
All Contiki trips in 2022 will be carbon-neutral so customers will not have fund carbon credits, as the cost to offset every holiday is being covered by the operator.
Tasha Hayes (pictured), sustainability officer and European operations director, said: “Contiki becoming carbon-neutral is massive, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to support this direction, as someone who can oversee and monitor to make sure we stay on track to achieving the ambitious goals we have set out.”
Contiki made its carbon neutral pledge and revealed its five-point climate action plan on Earth Day in April 2021.
Hayes was also appointed as sustainability officer in addition to her operations role in April last year.
The operator also aims to source 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and it is investing in two nature-based carbon removal solutions: Project Vesta and GreenWave.
Since the launch of its first sustainability strategy in 2015, Contiki has invested in energy conservation and worked to reduce its environmental impact.
Contiki’s Chateau de Croix and Haus Schöneck properties are powered by 100% renewable energy and the company uses the most fuel-efficient Euro 6 coaches throughout Europe, while coaches in other regions meet or exceed efficiency standards.
It has launched more domestic trips and lower-carbon rail itineraries, a new vegan tour and options for lower-emission vegan and vegetarian meals on all trips.