Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
All the hotels we use are locally owned and run. We also only ever use local guides. This not only benefits the surrounding community and boosts the local economy; it also ensures that our clients have a more authentic experience during their trip. On our chosen island destination off the coast of Bahia, we fully back the concepts adopted by AMABO – a local NGO - which aims to develop tourism in a way which minimises negative effects on the environment whilst maximising benefits to the local community.
AMABO’s objectives include the promotion of social, cultural and economic development without putting the local environment in danger. The organisation has been instrumental in securing donations of medicines and supplies for the local Public Health Clinic, has raised almost £10,000 towards the restoration of the local church, and also runs vocational courses for island residents which include motor boat mechanics, fish smoking techniques, cookery, waiting and chambermaid courses. In addition to this, it is also concerned with the development of realistic, sustainable ecotourism which provides an invaluable boost the economy of this small island community. This kind of ecotourism aims to makes use of, in a sustainable manner, the natural and cultural resources of the local area. It also aims to form an environmental consciousness, stimulate local conservation and promote the well-being of the local population. AMABO also runs local community education courses similar to those financially supported by us in Rio de Janeiro.
Owned & run by a Brazilian, the small, 4 bungalow pousada we use on the island does its part to maximise the positive impact it has on the local area in various ways. The pousada relies on the sea breeze as opposed to electricity to air condition its rooms as well as using the sun to heat its showers. Both of these measures have a huge impact on its levels of energy consumption. In addition, all the staff employed at the pousada are island locals, many of whom have learnt their trade through attending courses run by AMABO.
Our chosen guide in the Chapada Diamantina - as well as being a local - is fiercely protective of the local environment. He is incredibly knowledgeable and leaves all our clients with a fantastic understanding of the local environment and community as well as good understanding of why preservation and sustainable ecotourism are key factors in maintaining this unique area for future generations.
£20 from every holiday we sell goes to support a project run by Regua aimed at protecting and replanting the Atlantic rain forest in Rio state and a Rio based NGO which provides educational courses for the community of Vidigal – one of the city´s favelas or slums.
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!
