ALWAYS USE LOCAL SERVICES WHERE POSSIBLE
Where possible we use locally owned and run accommodation. We use local equipment and vehicles when we can and hire them from local qualified agencies. In most destinations we aim to purchase our food from locally produced sources. We employ local guides and whenever possible arrange for them to give cultural talks about the area to promote inter-cultural understanding and encourage people to respect the society they are visiting.
ENCOURAGE OUR STAFF AND PAX TO RESEARCH IN ADVANCE
We encourage participants through our Tour Managers, pre-event literature and daily briefings to act in a responsible way and respect the local customs e.g. appropriate dress code, use water sparingly, ask permission to take photographs etc. We always bear in mind environmental and cultural issues when looking at the charity challenges we develop. We ensure that our events are appropriate to local conditions and operate within the limits set by local infrastructure.
REGULAR REVIEW
We regularly review our suggested packing lists to make sure they contain equipment which help prevent potential damage to the local environment. As a responsible tour operator we recognise that it is our responsibility to ensure all of our participants are as up to date as possible about the destination they are visiting. This includes entry requirements and visas, vaccinations, training, currencies and any cultural differences to be aware of in advance.
NO SINGLE USE PLASTICS
We take responsibility for maintaining the environment and not leaving litter behind. We take our own bin bags to destinations where they are difficult to procure. We are also moving towards a total ban on single-use plastics on any of our overseas events. This is a goal we hope to achieve in the next 12 months. All participants are instructed to bring reusable containers and where possible all water provisions are provided from purified local sources.
LEARN FROM OUR EXPERIENCES
We take note of any changes to the local environment through our Tour Manager event reports and act accordingly. If we are concerned about any destination-specific issues we will discuss and feedback to our ground agent to ensure a swift solution and avoid any repeat circumstances. We also send out in-depth surveys post-event to make sure we capture as much feedback as possible from our participants to try and learn if there is any more we can do.
ANIMAL WELFARE
None of our itineraries include or in any way help to facilitate the mistreatment of animals. In any destination we travel to we travel to and with each and every ground agent we use we ensure that their policies towards animal welfare align with our and are always a top priority.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
In the build up to the challenge and on the events themselves we constantly remind participants to follow the classic travelling mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Whether it be in the planning stage to purchase second-hand items and keep our equipment well maintained or on the events itself to purchase items with less packaging and to always purchase reusable over disposable items.
