Travel with Respect
At Tribes we tailor-make authentic and sustainable holidays. Why? Because we want our travellers to have a positive, engaging and responsible travel experience, and we want to protect as many of the world’s wonderful places, people and wildlife as we can from the effects of thoughtless tourism.
Tribes was the global winner of the Tourism for Tomorrow awards in 2002. As chair of judges, the late great Professor David Bellamy said:
"Tribes Travel makes a great global role model for other small tour operators. … Responsible tourism principles such as these are vital if we are to protect biodiversity and cultural diversity for generations to come."
That was many years ago, however to this day, we strive to keep these principles at the forefront of all we do. We know that flying is a major environmental issue, but if we travel less and make it count more, travel really can be a force for good.
An inveterate traveller, you could say Ali's got ants in her pants (though you might get a slap if you do!) Ali is a Tribes’ writer, supports the sales team and is also the main contact for our sustainable travel policies and charity work.
We believe that, given the facts and opportunity, most travellers would choose to make a positive difference to their world.
Shared responsibility
Protecting the destinations that we want to visit is a shared responsibility. We believe we must do our part as tour operators, but it also falls heavily on the people providing the services on the ground, and of course, as travellers we play a key role too. Here are some suggestions of how travellers can help make a difference.
1
PROTECT WILDLIFE : Wildlife tourism brings funds; avoid damaging animal activities.
2
RESPECT LOCAL PEOPLE : Be aware of cultural sensitivities. It is their home.
3
REDUCE FLIGHTS : Consider travelling less often but perhaps for longer.
4
AVOID OVERTOURISM: Travel off-season for fewer people & better prices.
5
SUPPORT THE GOOD GUYS : Choose hotels which support their people and environments.
6
BUY WITH CARE : Buy locally but beware products of rare species, hardwoods …
7
CONSERVE RESOURCES : Use less water, turn off lights …
8
REDUCE POLLUTION : Reuse water bottles, remove packaging at home …
How you can make a difference
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Before you go
Your holiday decisions -- where you go, how often you travel, the hotels or lodges you stay in, even the season you travel in – can make a huge difference to individual destinations as well as the wider global environment.
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When you are there
We know that Tribes travellers are a caring lot. The respect each of us shows to the people, wildlife, resources and environments of the destinations that we travel to really can bring positive benefits.
Philanthropy
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The Tribes Foundation
Simply by booking with Tribes, you are making a difference. Every booking helps with The Tribes Foundation, the charity we back with admin and funds. Most clients give additional donations which we always put to very good use with one of the wildlife, environmental or social projects we support.
See our foundation website for more details of our current projects and past successes.
www.the-tribes-foundation.org
The Travel Forest
Through The Travel Forest (part of The Tribes Foundation), we plant trees for every client who travels with Tribes, even if you don’t book flights with us. We don’t charge for this, and it offsets some of your travel carbon footprint. To date we have planted over 60,000 saplings in Africa and Peru.
www.the-tribes-foundation.org/projects/the-travel-forest
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