Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
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Environment:
The owners of all the accommodation used on this tour have a commitment to environmental issues and as you travel between the properties you will find good practices, eg waste being recycled, low power light bulbs, water being heated by solar panels etc. With small numbers of individuals staying in small properties the impact on the environment is reduced, as waste, lighting etc will be minimal. Many of the accommodation options on this tour are homestays and small guesthouses – the longest stay (three nights) is spent at an eco-hotel.
The Dune - The Dune is an eco hotel. There is a very long list of environmental benefits offered by the owner and staff of this hotel including the fact that it was built using reclaimed and recycled materials, not one tree was cut down, all kitchen waste is converted to compost which they use on their organic farm etc, etc.
Community:
The Dune - In addition to the environmental responsibility, The Dune is actively involved with the local communities in the field of education, local capacity building, vocational training and rehabilitation following the 2004 tsunami. These activities are carried out under an Indian trust – ‘Children of the World’ (supported by the French Red Cross).
The ground handling of this tour is provided by our local agent and we supply him with more than 90% of his turnover. All of the drivers and staff are local people. Thus we have fifteen local families that are directly financially reliant upon us. Our drivers have a contract and are paid a monthly wage. This is very unusual in South India where most drivers are normally employed on a commission-only basis (not easy for such seasonal work).
All of our customers are supplied with detailed information about their holiday. We supply general advice relevant to all customers as well as more specific facts about your particular tour. These documents offer our customers lots of advice and guidance including how to obtain an Indian Visa, which immunisations are recommended, how much to tip people, how to dress appropriately and how to behave in National Parks.
We support local charities and invite our customers to do so too (details are supplied with your travel documents).
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
