We passionately believe that Responsible Tourism can be of immense help to local communities; providing income, positive cultural exchanges and an incentive to protect the natural environment. Recognising that there is always room for improvement, we continually strive to narrow the gap between principle and practice.
Prior to our tours, we liaise with local community leaders to ensure we are welcome and in a manner that minimizes negative social and cultural impact. We visit local development and community projects specific to the region, encouraging our clients to donate and/or assist such projects in appropriate and sustainable manners.
In Thailand’s most underprivileged communities, educational programs tend to remain highly anaemic. We realized inline with our social responsibility program, that not only did we have the capacity to help change this, but we had the obligation to do so. By working to improve educational programs within the region, there is a corresponding positive trickle effect. We are committed to being a catalyst for this effect by raising awareness and financial support. Every catalyst needs ignition and we found ours in the fall of 2006. It came by way of creating a cycling event called “The Tour of Hope.” The Tour of Hope is a 26 day cycling tour from Singapore to Bangkok, Thailand, tasked to raise money for two significant purposes: to fund educational programs for underprivileged regions in Thailand, and for cervical cancer research and treatment within Asia. All proceeds from the event were donated to JHPIEGO (a John Hopkins University non-profit affiliate).
Through sensitive hands on experience, we encourage cross cultural interaction and education between clients and the local communities. This is achieved by limiting tour group sizes, which also minimises any social and environmental impact. We also assist in the development of local infrastructure such as rural pathways.
We make sure that where and whenever possible our tours positively benefit the local community. We stay at locally owned accommodation and visit cottage industries for local handicraft souvenirs, generating income for local businesses. We employ and train local guides, drivers and assistants on all trips to ensure that the local community benefits not only short term but with increased employment opportunities for the future.
Adopting a “carry in – carry out” policy, we actively engage in environmentally responsible practices to minimise tourist impact upon the local habitat. From biodegradable soaps to re-usable water containers, we provide clients with the best information and means to help them identify and implement effective ways to positively protect local nature and communities. It is a vital ethos that can be passed on and abided by all, long after the trip has ended.
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