Tag Archives: The TreadRight Foundation

International, News, Promotions

Want to have local food while on travel! TTC partners VizEat!

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Want to have some authentically local food while travelling abroad, but are afraid of what hotels serve in name of local dishes? Also, you might be interested in having local food in authentically local environments such as homes, but don’t know how to in a new city! Here is a brand new initiative.

The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) award-winning family of brands including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Contiki, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Busabout and Evans Evans partnered globally with VizEat, the innovative and immersive food experience platform, bringing travellers together by offering immersive culinary experiences with their 22,000 local hosts in 110 countries. In 2014, the app was first launched in Paris and it has now become the world’s most popular meal sharing platform with guests being welcomed into a global network of hosts’ homes while making authentic connections with both locals and travellers.

TTC’s travel brands will be able to connect their guests to these VizEat hosts who are trained chefs and home cooks where they will share their delicious meals and learn about new cultures with other travellers  and foodies from across the globe. They will sample regional specialties and traditional cuisine in unique locations with a relaxed ambience. Travelers can enjoy a pasta making class in Rome, embark on an interactive market tour in Barcelona, indulge in a wine and cheese tasting party in Paris or join a Tuscan chef’s table and sample gastronomic delicacies.

“Our partnership with VizEat will enable our guests from across our 30+ TTC travel brands to discover amazing and fun culinary experiences in each destination which we visit while also interacting with the local people and creating unforgettable memories,” said Brett Tollman, Chief Executive Officer of The Travel Corporation. “We also share similar values by offering experiential experiences and meeting like-minded travellers from around the world.”

Beginning this summer, TTC’s guests will have an opportunity to enjoy these immersive food experiences on selected trips or as optional experiences through the assistance of their knowledgeable Travel Directors and Tour Managers.

“We’re thrilled to announce this global partnership with TTC and this marks a great opportunity for more travellers worldwide the chance to uncover immersive culinary experiences with locals wherever they go,” said Jean-Michel Petit, Chief Executive Officer of VizEat. “It’s a great match for both of us: TTC family of brands plans the most memorable experiences for their clients and VizEat is aligned in this search for unforgettable and authentic moments.”

The Travel Corporation (TTC) is a highly successful international travel group. No matter what your taste, whether you are a family or a couple, a group or traveling solo – TTC offers something for everyone. Its multi-award-winning portfolio ranges from luxury hotels and boutique river cruises, to independent holiday package companies and a variety of guided travel experiences.

Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit that works to help ensure the environment and communities we visit remain for generations to come. Founded by Brett Tollman, Chief Executive Officer, TTC, to date TreadRight has supported more than 40 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. As an official Diamond Sponsor of the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, TTC is dedicated to bringing the industry together with a shared goal of benefitting local communities and the environment.

VizEat website and apps are now available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Chinese. Anyone can sign up to become either a host or a guest. The mobile apps for VizEat are available for download for iOS and Android. Apple selected VizEat in the TOP 3 Apps of 2016 and  CEO Tim Cook went for a VizEat lunch in Paris early February.

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India, News

A gigantic support for India’s elephants from Treadright

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The TreadRight Foundation, created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands has announced that it will support TreadRight Heritage Initiative partner Wildlife SOS – India this coming Earth Day. For every booking made on Saturday, April 22, 2017 with TTC’s family of award winning brands around the world including Contiki, Insight Vacations and Trafalgar, The TreadRight Foundation will donate US$1 to Wildlife SOS – India to help save elephants in abusive or harmful situations.

Each dollar donated by TreadRight to Wildlife SOS as part of the Earth Day campaign will go directly towards supporting the organization’s land fund for the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, India with the goal of expanding the existing rescue centre in order to provide space to house 50 more elephants that are in need of rescue.

“Working with Wildlife SOS in India as one of our TreadRight Wildlife Initiative partners, we’ve had the tremendous opportunity to fully appreciate the remarkable effort and care their entire organization commits to saving elephants,” says Brett Tollman, Chief Executive, TTC and Founder, TreadRight Foundation. “That is why our travel brands across the planet are participating in this important Earth Day campaign, helping Wildlife SOS secure the land required to care for elephants still desperately in need of rescuing from harmful situations.”

Asian elephants in India suffer from a lack of elephant welfare awareness and public awareness, which sadly results in the exploitation of elephants for street begging, circus performances / entertainment and temple processions. Wildlife SOS in India aims to help rescue and rehabilitate elephants in distress, including those being used illegally under deprived conditions.

Wildlife SOS currently offer medical services to elephants in need, and train their handlers on humane treatment and management. They also run two elephant conservation and rehabilitation centres in India.

“Wildlife SOS is dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Asian Elephant in India, which remains the last stronghold of these magnificent mammals in the wild,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS – India. “Awareness and training workshops for law enforcement, elephant owners and caretakers are vital to changing age old mindsets and policies that have allowed elephants to continue to be harvested from the wild and held in cruel captivity. We are grateful to The TreadRight Foundation for extending their support to Wildlife SOS to help save the Asian Elephant.”

In addition, TTC, TreadRight, and Wildlife SOS will publish “A Guide to Ethical Elephant Experiences” featuring important tips to help responsible travellers know what to avoid, to ensure their elephant experiences are rewarding for people and elephants alike.

International, Promotions

10 Unexpected delights to discover in Europe this winter

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Europe in Winter, what springs to mind? Rainy grizzly grey skies, huddling under blankets and endless cups of tea – right? WRONG. Forget the preconceptions and the naysayers, as Europe throughout the winter months (we’re talking Autumn, Winter and Spring) is literally where it’s AT. Here are 10 unexpected delights Europe offers up in Autumn, Winter and Spring (our new favourite seasons FYI):

1 – INDIAN SUMMERS

image002Just as the seasons turn, the leaves become golden and the days begin to drawn in, BAM – Indian summer hits. Known as a period of unusually dry, warm weather occurring in late Autumn, Indian Summers are Europe’s last summer hurrah. Make the most of the warm days and balmy evenings with alfresco drinks along the Seine, sunset strolls along the canals of Amsterdam and snap happy times at the Colosseum or the Vatican, capturing sunsets of epic proportion.

2 – OKTOBERFEST

image003Admit it, wearing a dirndl whilst listening to German folk music and eating bratwurst is up there on your 10 things to do before you die list. Or at least it should be. Oktoberfest is the beer festival of beer festivals, but is also so much more than just beer swilling and um-pah-ing. Explore endless market stalls, release your inner child at the fun fair or chat to locals about the history of the festival whilst chomping on every type of sausage known to man.

3 – ANCIENT CASTLES

image004If Game of Thrones has done one thing, it’s make us wish we lived in a land where castles and dragons were as common as studio flats and internet cats. The dragons we admit defeat on (sadly), but the castles are alive and kicking. Our top pick? It has to be Edinburgh castle. Over 2,000 years old and built atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh castle is one of the most haunted locations not only in Scotland, but the whole of Europe. Look out for the missing piper, the ghostly drummer and the tortured prisoners of centuries past.

4 – MULLED EVERYTHING – BUT MAINLY WINE

image005AKA our winter drink of choice. There’s literally nothing better than exploring the twinkling Christmas markets of Munich or Berlin or cosying up after a hard days skiing with a steaming hot cup of fruity cinnamony alcoholic goodness. As your Grandmother used to say, it’ll warm you to your cockles! Best enjoyed with some German cakey treat and a roaring, crackling open fire.

5 – ICE SKATING ON (YES ON) THE EIFFEL TOWER

image006When it comes to the Eiffel Tower and ice skating, you have two options. 1 – you can skate UNDER the Eiffel Tower, looking up at the magnificent beast or 2 – you can skate ON the Eiffel Tower, directly a part of the magnificent beast. Both options are obviously pretty cool. Option 1 is the Trocadero rink and the bigger option of the two, ideally positioned near a Christmas market. Option 2 is a once in a lifetime experience, skating on ice 57 metres up the tower itself. Tough decisions (#firstworldproblems).

6 – AUSTRIAN DELIGHTS

image007Ever wanted to wake up amongst the snow-capped mountains of the Alps, carve powder all day then unwind at night to the backdrop of good friends and a crackling open fire? Thought so. Exclusive to our ski Austria trips, you can stay in a Contiki owned traditional Austrian Gasthof (AKA a super cool wooden lodge). Complete with yummy local food and your very own on-site team, life in the Austrian hilltops is pretty damn awesome.

7 – HOGMANAY

image008New Years Eve is celebrated all over the world, but for a totally unique experience, try out Hogmanay in Edinburgh. Steeped in tradition, Hogmanay celebrations can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon times (or in other words, a LONG time ago). The legendary street parties are reminiscent of ancient folk lore, which states each New Year should be brought in with warm hospitality to friends and strangers alike. The music’s also pretty great, with the likes of Django Django, Chvrches and the Pet Shop Boys playing last year.

8 – SPLURGING IN LONDON

image009London is known for many things – the Queen, big ben, big red buses. But topping all these things is the SHOPPING (ladies, you know you agree). From the lavish and wildly expensive (Harrods, Selfridges) to the very best of the high street (Topshop, COS, Whistles), London is a shoppers paradise whatever your budget. To make your money go further, plan your spree in early January so you can literally go wild during the biggest sale season of the year. Credit cards at the ready.

9 – AMSTERDAM FLORALS

image010Spring is a beautiful season across all of Europe, but at the first hint of sunshine it’s Amsterdam that really turns on the WOW factor. Flowers bloom, parks and gardens wake up from their winter sleep and the world famous Keukenhof Gardens opens its doors. With the warmer weather, why not indulge your active side by hiring a bike, heading out of town to explore Old Holland or even hitting the beach. Or you could just chill on a sun terrace and soak up some Spring rays.

10 – ALL THE FOOD IN SPAIN

image011If you’re a little bit of everything kind of person, a trip to Spain in Spring will be right up your street. The weathers warm and lovely, unlike the intense heat of the summer months, so you can stroll around the markets of Barcelona, Seville and Madrid at your leisure before taking up residence outside a tiny tapas bar, tasting everything and anything on the menu.

Contiki brings you more of such fascinating journeys. Contiki is the world leader in youth travel experiences, a brand that is all about discovery, epic moments and making every second count. Their journeys unlock the local way of life in each and every destination we visit, and with over 300 trips in more than 50 countries, we see every day as the start of a new adventure.

Contiki is also a part of a joint initiative with The TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation established by The Travel Corporation to encourage sustainable tourism within our own family of brands and in the places we visit. To date, TreadRight has donated more than US$2 million to sustainable tourism projects around the world.

Adventure, International, Promotions

5 things you’ve just gotta do in New Zealand

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It’s the adventure capital of the world, a land of indescribable beauty and the place where ULTIMATE bucket lists are made. So where do you start with a ‘what to do in New Zealand’ list? Right about here. These are the 5 things you’ve just gotta do.

1 – CATCH A THRILL AT SHOTOVER RIVER

Shotover River in Queenstown
Shotover River in Queenstown

A 75-kilometre long stretch of water with rushing rapids is just asking to be taken on by the adventure-lover, right? At Shotover River in Queenstown, you will literally have the ride of your life as you zip down the canyons in a jet boat, making sharp turns and doing 360 spins. This, folks, is not an experience to be missed. And if that isn’t enough to make your heart drop to your stomach, head upstream to the Canyon Swing, where you will jump from a cliff 109 metres high, flying over the river on a 60m freefall before completing a few massive swings. With over 70 swing styles, you can do everything from sit in a deck chair to hang upside down from your feet to shooting down a slide.

2 – TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF MILFORD SOUND

Milford Sound
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is New Zealand’s top tourist destination and it’s not hard to see why. With incredible landscapes of waterfalls, mirrored waters, tall peaks and lush rain forests, this fjord has been named by some as the 8th Wonder of the World (not to mention one of the key filming locations for Lord of the Rings). You’ll spot incredible wildlife like penguins, whales, dolphins and the rare species of blue duck which is native to New Zealand.

3 – GO DEEP IN THE WAITOMO CAVES

Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves

While I’m not one for creepy-crawlies, a visit to the Waitomo Caves should be high on everyone’s bucket list. The site is home to thousands of glow worms, which are native to New Zealand and radiate their beautiful glow throughout the dark caves. Take a boat tour through Glow-worm Grotto in two million year old caves and marvel at the glowing strands of worms overhead.

4 – HIKE THE GLACIERS

Franz Josef glacier
Franz Josef glacier

Located on the South island’s West Coast, this destination for adventure seekers offers up twin glaciers for you to hike: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Want to up your bucket list game? Opt to do a heli-hike tour of Franz Josef glacier, where they’ll take an exciting, scenic flight to the top then strap on their gear and head out on a two-hour guided hike of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure you pack your camera, because this hike will take your senses into overdrive.

5 – GO FOR A DIP IN THE HOT SPRINGS

Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs

After experiencing all of the heart-pounding adventure activities that New Zealand has to offer, take some time to relax in the warm water of the natural springs scattered throughout the country. On trips through New Zealand, travellers go on an included excursion to Hanmer Springs, a legendary hot spring location set amidst forests and mountains. The freshwater hot pools range in temperature from 28-42 degrees Celsius, so you can relax your muscles after a few days of climbing glaciers and luging down mountains.

Life’s an adventure – make it count with absolutely #NOREGRETS

Contiki holidays bring you many of such fascinating trips. Contiki is the world leader in youth travel experiences, a brand that is all about discovery, epic moments and making every second count. Their journeys unlock the local way of life in each and every destination we visit, and with over 300 trips in more than 50 countries, they see every day as the start of a new adventure.Contiki is a part of a joint initiative with The TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation established by The Travel Corporation to encourage sustainable tourism. Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has helped support more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide.