Norway tailor made holiday

Planet

Essential Norway uses a mixture of transport such as railway, ferry and public coach in order to reduce travellers' carbon foot print.

There is strong support for sorting waste domestically and tourists are encouraged to do the same. Since a deposit scheme for glass bottles and cans was introduced in the country nearly 96% of these are returned for recycling. In the early 21st century the government introduced a manifesto entitled "Sustainable Norway" aimed at the tourist industry to raise awareness of the issue and put sustainability front and centre of new and existing tourism developments.

As an Eco-Lighthouse certified hotel, the Flamsbrygga Hotel is committed to responsible commitments to waster, energy and aesthetics in order to sustain and promote the local environment around the small village of Flam.

Some of the other accommodation used on the itinerary is provided by the Thon group who are a Norwegian company with a strong social responsibility ethos. Each hotels encourages recycling and by doing so guests can earn points to contribute a lottery whose funds support the Norwegian Red Cross. Enironmentally responsible recycling is encouraged throughout to reduce waste and save energy, whilst the food served comes from sustainable sources.

People

An emphasis on locally-owned and staffed accommodation is found throughout Norway, from the larger national chains to smaller, family-run hotels and guesthouses. The Flammsbrygga Hotel is made from a combination of Norwegian wood, driftwood, stone and glass, and the Zander K Hotel in Bergen has been owned and run by a local family and has been for over 100 years. The knowledgeable and local staff are rightly proud of their local areas and are keen to talk about the history and culture of the areas with their guests and recommended local attractions and restaurants serving traditional local cuisine.

Many properties are Eco-Lighthouse certified and committed to sustainable policies in relation to waste, energy and aesthetics in order to support the local environment and maintain it in its natural condition.

By travelling on local public transport tourist have the chance to mix with their fellow travellers as well as meeting locals to share their experiences and learn about the local areas as well as about Norway as a country.

Where possible hotels use locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients for the meals offered in the restaurants and cafes.