Global Gypsies Tours & Training
Touring & training company based in Perth, Western Australia specialising in nature-based 4WD holidays to the Australian Outback. We offer unique remote area expeditions with clients self-driving their own or hired 4x4’x travelling ‘tagalong style’ in small convoys led by an expert guide. This type of travel enables clients to explore the Aussie Outback – independent, but not alone! 4WD tuition, Safari Hostess, quality catering, camping fees, park entry fees, pre-planned itinerary, Pre Departure Meeting & Kit & services of a professional Tour Guide included. We can arrange hire vehicles, camping gear & two-way radio for participants. Limited seating available for passengers in escort vehicle. Professional 4WD, towing & Tour Guiding courses also available.
Member since: 27 Oct 2009
How the minimum criteria of the responsible travel standard was met...
Economic responsibility
- We are a regular contributor to the following organisations: Royal Flying Doctor Servi, Carbon Neutral (to whom we donate a percentage of our profits), Greenpea, Various Red Cross Disaster F, Salvation Army, Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary (we have ‘adopted’ a baby orangut), Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kenya (we have ‘adopted’ a baby elephant)
- We employ six part-time staff; use local guides & suppliers whenever possible while on tour; include activities run by local operators in our itineraries & encourage our clients to participate in optional local tours & activities.
Environmental responsibility
We adhere to the following environmental guidelines:
4 Wheel Drive practices:
- Use only approved 4WD tracks; never drive on virgin sand dunes or areas of reclamation, reforestation or revegetation.
Environmentally Responsible Waste Disposal
- Ensure clients never throw rubbish from their vehicles; include “Keep Australia Beautiful” car rubbish bags in Pre-Departure Kits.
- Encourage clients to leave their campsite neat and tidy on departu and use designated camp grounds/caravan parks whenever possible.
Environmentally Responsible Resource Management:
- Use biodegradable soap, dishwashing liquid and shampoo when bush camping and encourage clients to do the same and take adequate water supplies along; try not to deplete water supplies in remote areas.
- Do not light campfires out of seas, and when building a campfire in season, build it only in a small enclosed space in the designated area and using the firepit facilities provided.
Social responsibility
- We have worked very closely with WAITOC (WA Indigenous Tour Operators Committee) to attract Aboriginal participants to our Safari Guide Workshops tour guide training programs in order to establish two-way communication & knowledge sharing.
- In December 2004, we ran an indigenous learning and friendship experience for potential Guides run by two Aboriginal ‘graduates’ of our Safari Guide Workshops program. Held over a full day, this “Campfire Culture” session included story-telling, tool making, a traditional meal prepared by the students and time for participants to interact & converse on an informal basis.
- An important part of our agreed KPI’s to fulfill this contract is to involve the local indigenous community in the Tours & Activities Program as much as possible with the end goal of having one or more experienced indigenous Tour Guides operating from the Retreat once they feel they are ready to take on this role.
