Our Ecotourism Guidelines
Our Ecotourism Operator Standards span across the globe, with the goal of always evaluating and improving how our tours are run from the ground up. As part of our philosophy to operate responsibly at all levels of the company, we strive to follow and continually improve upon the following criteria:
Tour Operation
We work closely with all our partners to be aware of our Ecotourism Operator Standards. Operational choices such as the use of local transportation on the majority of our tours provide travellers with a closer connection to the people and places they visit. Here are some other ways we operate our tours in a responsible manner:
* Employ local guides, suppliers and operators in the destinations we travel.
* Provide economic benefit and leadership opportunities for people involved in community-based tourism as a way to encourage and support the preservation of natural and cultural heritage.
* Maintain small-group sizes to limit negative social and environmental impacts.
* Homestays are incorporated where possible.
* Training and employment opportunities are provided to local cooks and porters in Peru and we ensure fair payment and working conditions of all G.A.P Adventures porters and sherpas.
* We support the local economy by visiting local restaurants and markets.
* When local transportation is not viable local operators are contracted to provide private transportation on our comfort and overland tours.
* UNESCO World Heritage Sites and community-based ecotourism initiatives are incorporated into our tours.
* No use of suppliers that support exploitative practices. For example, we don’t condone selling endangered species products or harming threatened habitats.
* Instead of staying in large foreign-owned all-inclusive resorts or hotel chains, we aim to support the local economy by staying in small-scale hotels where possible, otherwise, the best feasible option is employed.
Related Information:
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