Tel. +44(0)1273 600030 (UK)
On this exciting short break in the Arctic Circle we partake in winter activities such as dogsledding and reindeer sleigh riding. Using only local suppliers on these excursions we make sure that the animals are well looked after and not required to pull over-loaded sleds in line with ETOUR (European Tourism Research Institute) guidelines.
Winter activities in Lapland are regulated by ETOUR, a voluntary organisation that seeks to maintain high environmental and winter activity standards. Our ground handling agent in Sweden is part of ETOUR and is very proactive in adhering to the rules regarding animal welfare, preservation of the local environment, limits on group sizes (our maximum group size on this tour is 14) and educating the local guides in environmental matters.
Our local agent also does lots of work with local schools and is currently providing financial support for an ‘anti-bullying programme’. They also offer local schools the chance to do winter excursions into the wilderness for little or no cost. This encourages the schools to do more outdoor trips and talks by the agent’s guides help the children learn more about this pristine environment and local wildlife.
The hotels that we use on this tour are locally owned meaning more of your money goes directly to the local people. The Icehotel is also very unique, every year 97% of it returns to nature in the spring melt; no other hotel in the world can match that!
As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost.
This small group operator is just celebrating its 30th year and was originally set up to enrich people’s lives through adventure travel. The directors have roots in overland trucking and are determined to keep a pioneering spirit alive. They believe what sets them apart is the strong relationships they’ve developed with local suppliers and tour guides over the years. A tour leader who thinks creatively can turn a good experience into a fantastic one and open up a place so that travellers gain insight into a completely different way of life. They operate in many different countries and try to avoid a blanket approach – their aim is to get customers involved in the projects they visit and to forge lifelong friendships.
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