By encouraging travellers to behave in an environmentally responsible way, eco-friendly tour operators offer relevant information and advice on how travellers can minimise their impact on the ecosystem as well as how they can contribute to the protection of fragile ecosystems.
“Ecotourism involves visiting natural areas with the objectives of learning, studying or participating in activities that do not bring negative effects to the environment; whilst protecting and empowering the local community socially and economically." (Ecotourism Resource Centre)
Experience the Real Morocco. Friendly, independent tour operator specialising in small-scale, traditional accommodation ("riads" and "kasbahs") providing an experience of authentic Morocco whilst respecting local customs and culture. www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/
The Watkin Bunkhouse is a converted stone built barn for 30 people. It also operates as YHALlangattockMountain. They are a Visit Wales 5 star graded bunkhouse and also accredited as walker and cyclist friendly. The bunkhouse sleeps up to thirty people in seven fully en-suite bedrooms. There is a massive dining room/seating area and a wonderful outdoor space opening out onto ancient woodlands. There is under-floor heating throughout, excellent drying facilities and ample hot water. Their green credentials include being Green Dragon Accredited and having the surrounding land in the Tir Gofal management scheme. Outside the door is ancient woodland and rare marsh and the building even has its own floor dedicated to bats. Contact: green@wernwatkin.co.uk 01873 812307
Volunteer Latin America provides free and low cost volunteer work in Central and South America. They inform international volunteers about some of the best grassroots volunteering opportunities in the environmental and humanitarian sectors. www.volunteerlatinamerica.com/
Great GreenTravel is devoted to the green, environmentally conscious traveler. They comb the web looking for the finest eco-friendly destinations! www.greatgreentravel.com/
West Wales vegetarian guest house, Cardigan Bay. Awarded Green Dragon Level 2 for Environmental Management. A Georgian mansion nestled amongst 18 acres of woodland and gardens - a haven of rural seclusion. You can stay B&B or hire the venue exclusively for small group holidays, civil partnership ceremonies, residential courses and workshops.
They host several workshops each year including Belly Dancing, Salsa Music & Dance workshops, Wildlife and Walking weekends; Reiki Practitioners Courses, etc...Vegetarian catering can be provided for your event. Why not visit Cardigan Bay for a relaxing break? www.overtherainbowwales.co.uk
The West Usk Lighthouse is a unique B&B, situated between Newport and Cardiff, near J28 of the M4, overlooking the Severn, Usk and the Bristol Channel. The rooms are wedge-shaped, en-suite with some rooms overlooking the sea. There is a waterbed, some 4-poster beds; the lighthouse is ideal for couples, families and hen nights! It is a relaxing place, with a floatation tank, sauna, hot tub on the roof and many complementary therapies. Breakfasts are as much organic as possible. By the way, there's also an authentic mongolian yurt in the grounds and there's a dalek in the entrance hall for special effect! www.westusklighthouse.co.uk
Vegetarian visitors to West Cork. Self catering apartments exclusively for vegetarians & vegans. Peaceful wooded surroundings. Private entrance, cooking & en-suite facilities. TV in each apartment. Organic vegetables & whole-foods available. Begin your stay on any day of the week and stay any number of days. Individuals, couples, families & groups welcome.
Farm & Cottage Holidays provide self-catering holiday accommodation across the West Country and became members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme in 2007. Their recent step working with the Wildlife Trust was driven by their responsibilities for the environment and they view this as a real long term commitment to the sustainability of the West Country for all to enjoy for many years to come. For more details and to browse Farm & Cottage Holidays’ full collection please visit their website www.holidaycottages.co.uk
AllPointsEast offers small group adventure holidays Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Yunnan and Sri Lanka.Whilst recognizing that there are ‘must see places,’ AllPointsEast also realise that the modern day traveller has a desire to uncover each country’s best kept secrets – off the beaten track. Their small group tours (maximum 12 people), ensuring genuine interaction with local people. Current holders of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (UK) Best Green Tour Operator award and Malaysian Tourist Board (UK) Best escorted tour to Thailand. www.allpointseast.com
Discover and explore rural South West England with these award-winning walking holidays. Foot Trails are the UK's leading walking specialist for rural South West England offering inspiring walking off the well trodden track, accommodation in gorgeous country inns and delightful discoveries such as unspoilt villages, castles and Roman villas on route. Search the website for a wide choice of relaxing walking holidays including small group guided, Inn to Inn, car free and dog friendly. Gift store and vouchers also available. Holders of the Big Tick for Rural Action, Business in the Community and Gold Green Tourism Business award.www.foottrails.co.uk
The Chestnuts is that rare place where luxury and sustainability meet. The original part of the Cotswold stone house was built in the 1800's and has been extended to form the tranquil, contemporary space you see today. The cottage has two large lounges, each with its own double sofa bed, a beautiful light and airy kitchen/ dining area and three double bedrooms and bathrooms. The cottage can sleep up to ten guests. Beautiful organic body products are supplied in all of the bathrooms and you can snuggle up under goose down duvets and linen sheets. Just two miles from Burford The Chestnuts is well placed for exploring the Costwold area and further afield. www.thechestnuts.net
Ecotribal has been estabished in 2004 after a long period of gestation, including 28 years travelling and working in South America, accumulating experience in anthropology, sustainable development, teaching, tourism and journalism. This work has led to strong direct links to rainforest communities, particularly in the Peruvian Amazon. www.ecotribal.com
Hill Cottage is 400 to 500 years old and is steeped in local history, it has been completely and sympathetically renovated and restored and recently awarded 4 stars by ETC. Hill Cottage sleeps up to 8 people. www.selfcateringcottagesdevon.co.uk
Deepdale Farm has been a family farm for four generations. Each generation has developed the farm further, taking on new land and expanding the business interests. Alister Borthwick and his son Jason Borthwick now run the farm, with Alister doing the day to day farming and management. Jason is part-time involved mainly in the marketing and diversification.www.deepdalefarm.co.uk
