As part of their itineraries, TTC’s global tour operators – Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold (all UK) and Contiki (New Zealand) – are curating immersive activities called Make Travel Matter Experiences. Here, tourists learn from Native communities about their histories and cultures.
“Learning about Indigenous cultures not only gives travellers more of an appreciation for the traditions that have influenced our lives for thousands of years, but also supports those who work so hard to keep these cultures alive and make huge contributions to the tourism industry as a result,” says TTC president Melissa DaSilva.
While Contiki’s Canada and the Rockies excursion invites guests to a fireside chat on First Nation land, Insight Vacations’ Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes trip includes witnessing a smudging ceremony as well as cultural songs and dances.
New for 2023, Trafalgar’s National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas tour features a visit to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe reservation, where travellers will dine on a traditional Lakota meal while learning about its unique flavours and ingredients. After that, guests will explore the medicinal and ceremonial attributes of wild edibles via a nature walk.
Meanwhile, Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Australia adventure takes visitors on an educational walking tour through historical neighbourhood The Rocks in Sydney.
TTC’s learning-focused experiences cater to the 78% of US millennial travellers seeking trips with an educational edge (Condor Ferries, 2021).
