With conservation and environmental awareness increasingly on travellers’ agendas, we are proud to support sustainable tourism by working with operators who exist in harmony with the environment and the communities that surround them.
I have listed four leading sustainable tourism operators for you to consider for your next holiday. We’d be delighted to help you plan your next trip to a spectacular part of the world, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be helping to make a difference.
andBeyond
The ethos of andBeyond is summarised as ‘Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People’, and these are values that are deeply engrained in everything that the company does.
Flagship projects include Rhinos without Borders - an initiative aimed at combatting rhino poaching in Africa. A rhino is killed on average every 8 hours in South Africa. The relocation plan established by andBeyond has seen 77 rhinos moved from South Africa to the safety of Botswana where poaching is almost unheard of and the animals have been gifted to the Botswana national parks.
Another key initiative is the Green Turtle Monitoring Program on Mnemba Island, which involves island staff monitoring adult turtles and their nesting sites. The team ensure that these nesting sites are undisturbed and help facilitate the hatchling turtles on their entry into the water for the first time.
Where to stay
Mnemba Island Lodge – experience the conservation projects of andBeyond first hand on Mnemba Island, whilst enjoying a true barefoot luxury holiday. The island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and home to some incredible dive sites. Stay in one of 12 bandas set just a few steps back from your own private beach.
Soneva
Soneva are renowned within the travel industry for their luxury eco-tourism. Holders of the prestigious ‘Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark’ in recognition of their commitment to social and environmental sustainability, Soneva resorts go the extra mile to ensure their business operations do not harm the local environment and benefit the surrounding community. Energy efficiency is a top priority - to that end, the Soneva Fushi resort in the Maldives has installed a range of innovative technologies to help reduce its carbon footprint, including a 70kW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant and natural Ventilation systems.
Where to stay
Soneva Fushi – the original ‘barefoot luxury’ resort in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi offers guests a truly luxurious destination hidden among dense foliage within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This award-winning resort is the perfect place to get away from it all without sacrificing comfort and luxury.
The Brando
The Brando resort is located on the stunning island of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia. The resort’s mission is to provide the most luxurious, authentic and enriching travel experience available anywhere in the world in an environmentally sensitive, sustainable and culturally rich manner.
Notable environmental features include the use of one of the world’s first Sea Water Air Conditioning systems and power provided by a host of renewables including a coconut oil (biofuel) power station. The island is also home to its own Ecostation - a hub where scientists from around the world can lead research into sustainable interdependence.
Staying at The Brando
The Brando - Arriving by air you will be instantly taken aback by the stunning beauty of Tetiaroa. Sumptuously furnished villas include a media room, walkthrough dressing areas, private terrace, swimming pool and outdoor bathtub.
Nomad Tanzania
Since its inception over 20 years ago, Nomad Tanzania has stayed true to its ethos of ‘life, love and the pursuit of wilderness’ by investing in local people and conservation via The Nomad Trust. The trust supports vital projects across Tanzania with funds raised through their tourism operation. In addition to supporting local communities, running conservation projects and raising awareness of vital projects across the country, Nomad Tanzania ensure their camps are eco-friendly without comprising the guest experience.
Where to stay
Greystoke Mahale – Stay in one of just six wood and thatch bandas, set on the edge forest line at the bottom of the Mahale mountains. The big draw here is a trek with the habituated chimpanzees that reside in the nearby forest. After a day of adventure, guests can return to a starlit dinner on the beach. This is without doubt an unforgettable destination.
For more information on any of these properties please call +44 1993 899 430.