CYPRESS, CA — Contiki is doing its part to make the world a greener place, with motorcoach vehicles that run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

Announced today on Earth Day, April 22, the tour operator’s new coaches in Europe will now run on HVO instead of diesel, wherever possible, in an effort to reduce carbon emissions by up to 30-40% on Contiki trips operating in Europe, on Contiki-owned coaches.

HVO is a fuel that’s produced without fossil resources by processing renewable waste lipids. The HVO used in Contiki coaches is made purely from food and plant waste, so nothing is purposely grown to be used as waste. Contiki has set up an HVO tank in its coach yard in Stellendam, Netherlands.

“Reducing our footprint has long been an important focus for Contiki and our sister brands at TTC Tour Brands, so we’re delighted to be making this switch to HVO fuel in Europe,” says Tasha Hayes, Contiki’s Operations Director and Sustainability Officer. “Last year in our Voice of a Generation survey, we found that 70% of Gen Z travellers would choose to travel by coach, if it meant that it was better for the environment. We’re really proud to be leading the way with initiatives that enact positive change within our industry, and have a positive impact on our wonderful planet too.”

In the past year, Contiki has taken several steps as part of its mission to reduce its carbon footprint and reach Net Zero by 2050. Recently, the company announced that all of its exclusive properties in Europe now run on 100% renewable electricity, including Château De Cruix in Beaujolais, France and Contiki Haus Schöneck in Tyrol, Austria.

To learn more about Contiki’s sustainability strategy click here.