GREEN VISIONS

With global warming dominating headlines, it’s easy to be pessimistic about the impact of travel on the environment. But at Bales we’re great believers in the positive effects of tourism – notably providing income for poor communities, and backing conservation by demonstrating that delicate habitats and their animal inhabitants are worth more to local people intact.

We also recognise that our responsibilities start at home: ensuring our business is as green as possible by reducing waste and energy consumption; encouraging recycling; working with suppliers who share our environmental policies; and offsetting the carbon emissions from staff flights. We’re happy to give details if you’d like to know more.

In addition, we support a range of organisations and projects worldwide that work to protect the environment, help local communities and ensure fair treatment of all people involved in tourism. You can see this work in action in many of our destinations – here are just a few examples.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands represent a unique, fragile environment, home to huge iguanas, seals, albatrosses, boobies and countless other rare species. Bales supports the Galapagos Conservation Trust, which works to protect the islands from threats such as invasive introduced species (including pigs, goats and various plants) and illegal fishing; a current project campaigns against the fishing of sharks for their fins.

A cruise around the islands is an unforgettable experience; visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an insight into the work of the Charles Darwin Foundation – and a chance to meet a giant tortoise. Talk to our Latin America experts on 08456 345 118.

Rajasthan, India

The tiger is one of the most recognisable endangered species: large, powerful – and in trouble. Ranthambhore National Park is one of India’s premier tiger reserves – but poaching and population growth threaten its wildlife.

Bales supports Friends of Conservation and the Prakratik Society. The latter works with local communities to reduce their reliance on wood from the park, to help livestock management and to improve their facilities – important ways of increasing support for conservation. You can visit a Prakratik project during a holiday in Rajasthan with Bales; talk to one of our India experts on 08456 345 114.

Kenya

Wherever we travel, Bales always endeavours to work with local guides and companies to ensure money stays in local communities. We support the Travel Foundation, which develops numerous projects worldwide to help people help themselves, through cultural tours, cooperative businesses and special excursions. A new community market near Mombasa is a prime example, enabling craftspeople to increase their income by selling their wares direct to visitors rather than through a middleman. Visit the market as part of your Inspirational Journey to Kenya – for details, talk to an Africa expert on 08456 345 113.