Catalan Pyrenees hiking vacation

Planet

Since 2006 we have been awarded Silver accreditation under the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) as a tour operator promoting sustainable tourism in the South east of England. We are a family run operator based in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The walk passes an RSPB center from where rare wildfowl and migratory birds can be viewed, the stunning shingle and wildflower landscape of Dungeness, and chalk downland where rare species of butterflies and orchids can be seen.

We use locally based taxi companies to transport luggage and reduce mileage. Transport by train or coach is available to start and finish points.

We are committed to operating a Responsible Travel Policy (RTP) that is supportive and in sympathy with the local communities and environment. This is in line with the stated aims on all our vacations which invites its customers to ‘discover hidden Kent, its history and its people’. We promote use of local services and the return of all packaging to us for re-use/recycling.

We provide information about equipment including ensuring that reusable water containers are used on the walk. Our office premise uses solar power, and we have a sustainable energy supplier. Information packs are provided in fully recyclable packs, and printed on recycled paper,. Printer ink cartridges are recycled.

We promotes purchase of locally sourced food for packed lunches either from the accommodation provider or from farm shops, rural inns and tea shops en route. Breakfast is taken at the accommodation, and evening meals on site or in walking proximity.

People

We actively encourage all customers to use public transport to access the Kent Downs (AONB).We advise customers where they can purchase locally produced food and produce along the route of their walk and encourage them to use local services. We give details of local restaurants, within a short walk or on site, for evening meals.

We are working in partnership with the North Downs Way trail to provide locally based guides.

We work in partnership with local accommodation providers on the route, and endeavour to use those with Green Tourism accreditation where available.

We work with the Green Pilgrimage Project- Kent Downs, committed to sustainable tourism, conservation and landscape management We support the Woodland Trust and donate proceeds from sales of our founder's book 'The Pilgrims' Way'.

Visitors are encouraged to visit local heritage sites and given historical background information. We meet customers at the end of their walk to gain feedback about how they were welcomed at each stage of their journey, and use this information to decide on future partnership working with accommodation providers.