NATURALLY RESPONSIBLE
We have always taken pride in our level of concern and commitment to the natural surroundings and the local people we encounter on our travels. As such, we have formalised our responsible tourism policies and operational procedures into a comprehensive effort to address how our holidays may affect the environment, and the economic and social welfare of the places we visit.
By training both our tour leaders and travellers on the philosophy of 'leave no trace', constantly reviewing operational processes, and working with locals to give something back to the communities we come into contact with; we endeavour to operate tours that create a positive impact on the lands we visit and a lasting impression for those who travel with us.
Tourism Cares For Tomorrow
With our focus on leading the industry in Responsible Travel we've continued our involvement in the non-profit organization Tourism Cares. In April 2008 we sponsored seven staff members as volunteers to participate in the fantastic cause of cleaning up and restoring historic Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans. We provided additional support to the community by delivering a vehicle filled with donations including tents, stoves, sleeping bags and food to help underprivileged children and support the remaining displaced residents from the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. For additional information or to make donations, please visit
www.tourismcares.org
American Hiking Society
Additionally, Grand American Adventures is a proud supporter of the American Hiking Society. Established in 1976, the society is the only national voice for hikers - dedicated to promoting and protecting America's hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. The society represents millions of hikers who are committed to preserving beautiful hiking trails and the surrounding environment as an important legacy for future generations. For additional information, or to make donations, please visit
www.americanhiking.org
Tour Leader Training
Our Operations Department has produced a
Responsible Travel Guideline
that is incorporated into all training materials and reviewed on a regular basis. Issues addressed include water conservation and waste disposal, minimizing campfire impact, and respect for the local peoples.
Teaching Travellers
We have produced a
Grand American Adventures 'Travellers' Code of Conduct'
to help prepare and inform our travellers of the various positive or negative effects they could have on a destination. Tips on everything from how to handle wildlife encounters, to how you can help school children in Mexico.
Working With Locals
The vast majority of our itineraries are led by local guides using local suppliers for transportation, accommodation and activities. Food is usually purchased and prepared locally, without the waste and energy needed for restaurant meals. We also contribute to local charities and projects as founding members of
Tourism Cares for Tomorrow.
Off-Setting Emissions
We are in the process of evaluating fuel consumption and the amount of carbon emissions our vehicles emit into the environment. Our aim is to offset these emissions with tree-planting projects - with an added positive effect on the local economy. In the meantime, we have teamed up with Climate Care so you can offset your flight emissions by logging on to
www.climatecare.org
Looking To The Future
The development of a responsible tourism policy is an ongoing process. There is always room for improvement, and we look forward to tackling issues such as office based conservation, recycling on the road and the reduction of printed materials. (This year's brochure production was reduced by over 100,000 copies!). The future of rewarding travel and tourism depends on the protection and preservation of the destinations visited. We have come a long way over the years, but there is still a long way to go. As they say, a journey of 1000 miles begins with just one step, and we endeavour to address any obstacles or opportunities along the way.
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