Contiki has been the global leader in bringing 18-35-year-old travellers together and sending them away to discover the world for half a century, but in the past year, it became a travel company thattemporarily couldn’t travel. So, while its newly renovated French Château and Austrian Ski Chalet are empty and preparing to welcome back guests, the brand is taking advantage of the ‘down time’ and getting ready to embrace the new world. In celebration of Earth Hour, Contiki has proudly made the #SwitchForNature, announcing its two ‘special stays’: The Château De Cruix in France and the Haus Schöneck chalet in Austria, have moved to renewable energy, and both stays will be run on 100% renewable energy by January 1, 2022. The #1 youth travel brand is ready to welcome back travellers while prioritizing genuine impact for the environment, all with a simple aim to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®.
“We were already aligned with our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, to ensure sustainable travel, but now we’ve taken it to a whole new level, kicking some serious sustainable goals to ensure we’re aligned with the Global Goals set by the United Nations,”saysSheralyn Berry, president of Contiki Canada. “This has also been driven by our travellers and their need to travel consciously,” she concludes.
Around the world on March 27, communities, businesses and homes will switch off for an hour of no power during Earth Hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., as a symbol of commitment to protecting our planet. Earth Hour is strong movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in support of switching to a renewables-based economy.
Contiki is showing its commitment to action on Goal #1 of its sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right, by switching to renewable energy at these two owned ‘special stay’ properties. Guests can be confident they’re supporting the mission set out by WWF to protect our planet when they stay with Contiki.
Set within the rolling green hills of the Beaujolais wine region, the legendary Château De Cruix has been wowing travellers for decades. Now, after a luxe refurbishment, the sixteenth century property is looking spectacular. Complete with elegant rooms, a bar, pool, cinema room and picturesque vineyards as a backdrop, this is the place to be. Over in Austria, Haus Schöneck is nestled in the quaint Austrian Tyrol village of Hopfgarten: the gateway to one of the world’s largest ski regions, and the perfect location for various mountain activities throughout the year.
Contiki’s How We Tread Right #GOALS:
Goal #1: 100% of electricity used at the Château and Haus Schöneck is renewable. Currently, 100% of the electricity at Schöneck is renewable and powered by water, using environmentally friendly “under earth” gas. The Château will be running on 100% renewable energy by January 1, 2022.
Goal #2: Reduce food waste by 50% across the properties by 2025. In the future, staff training will include management of stock and portion control, internally tracking food wastage and adapting the menu to incorporate more local ingredients. Bio bins are already in place at Haus Schöneck, with the scraps being turned
into fertilizer that is used on the fields to generate new food. Any leftovers such as old bread, fruit and veg is taken to a local farmer to feed the chickens, horses, goats and pigs.
Goal #3: Increase local and organic products to our supply chain by 2025 with locally sourced produce such as fruit, vegetables and meat. Starting a garden to grow herbs and a few more items.
Contiki has certainly made itself useful, problem solving during a pandemic with greater alignment to Contiki Cares – offering accommodation and trips of a lifetime for conscious travellers, giving back to communities for the benefit of people, planet and wildlife.
