Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
Community
As a part of our continued commitment to responsible tourism, we operate this trip in a way that aims to reduce impacts and to give as much back as possible to the local communities.
We use all locally owned and run accommodation. As well as the environmental impact being minimal as there is no heating or linen provided it also offers cultural insight into Middle Eastern Christianity and helps support a very small nearby community. It also includes a night camping in the desert in Wadi Rum. This camp is run by local Bedouins, so this is a unique cultural experience and contributes directly to helping a local family. Care is taken to try not to have a big impact on the local Bedouin way of life.
We use a locally owned operator as well as local leaders and we use local guides at all the historic sites helping to provide local employment. We have worked closely with our operator to help train staff in all aspects of their jobs, to help improve their knowledge and future prospects and this includes Responsible Tourism training.
Environment
The leaders will give a briefing including Responsible Tourism issues to help you understand how you can help reduce you impact and maximise the benefits to the local communities from your visit. There is a committed effort to encourage a reduced use of plastic from water bottles, packaging etc. The group size is limited to 18 to reduce cultural and environmental impacts.
We have at our offices worked to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction of energy use and energy conservation measures. We also actively try to reduce the waste produced by having active reduction and recycling policies in place. We run annual staff workshops on Responsible Tourism.
Global warming is a reality and to help you make a difference by reducing the carbon dioxide that is produced when you travel we offer a chance to carbon balance your flights. We encourage all our clients to do this and do so for all our staff travel. Go on do your bit!
This tour operator was the first to get access to China over 30 years ago and the first to take a truck to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. They have since expanded into 91 countries. Their product is driven by their clients because they listen to feedback and have to constantly evolve to provide a greater experience and better value. The exclusive centres they use have been grown organically and are often owned by ex-leaders. The holidays remain innovative, though you will now be travelling in a Mercedes 16-seater sprinter coach rather than a rusty old Bedford overland truck.
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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!
