Treading lightly - Responsible tourism at The Ultimate Travel Company

As a company run by people with a passion for travel, we are aware of the vital support that tourism can provide to communities and fragile habitats throughout the world. We are also aware that tourism can have a negative impact on the people and the environment, and are committed to doing what we can to work against this. Whilst there is much that we still need to do, here are some of the projects we have undertaken to date...

• the 'environmental audit' of all aspects of our business has been completed.
• our principal overseas suppliers have signed up to a strict ethical code which sets out our expectations for employment standards - put simply, that all are treated fairly and with respect.
• as a specialist operator we cannot compromise on research trips, but we fully offset our carbon emissions by contributing to a small but innovative tree planting scheme in southern India.
• our London office has made the switch to renewable energy with Ecotricity, and we now dispatch all company literature in recycled and recyclable packaging.
• following the success of a 'plastic bag free trek' in the Himalaya last June, we now provide all our clients with a Fair Trade cotton shoulder bag, which is made by women who have been rescued from human trafficking and exploitation in Nepal.

We are very proud of our continued commitment to these issues which is something that we feel, sets us apart from other travel companies. If you would like any further information about anything you have read here, please do not hesitate to contact us.