When we go on holiday we need to respect local laws but also we have to be responsible for the actions that we take to protect the environment and also protect local cultures.
Make Holidays Greener Week is a consumer campaign that has been launched by the sustainable tourism charity The Travel Foundation, which aims to engage consumers with the idea of ‘greener’ holidays by challenging them to do three simple things when they next go on holiday that will help benefit local people and protect the environment in their holiday destinations.
Suggestions for a greener holiday include:
Buying locally
By buying locally made souvenirs, or eating and drinking in locally owned bars and restaurants, you are contributing to the local economy and you will have a more unique and special experience of the destination you have chosen to visit.
Removing all packaging before you go on holiday
By removing the packaging from items you take on holiday you are helping to reduce pressures on local sanitation services and landfill. Many countries are currently unable to cope with high levels of waste, and do not have recycling services like we do in the UK.
Turning off lights and air conditioning
Decreasing energy consumption wherever possible will reduce the pressures placed on local supply and help ensure you have power when you do need it.
Below we have included a selection of offers from some of our favourite green hotels…
Anse Chastanet has received the prestigious Travelife Gold award for its commitment to sustainability, and nature is incorporated into the very design of the hotel, with trees growing through some of the rooms! The dinner menu at Emerald’s Restaurant is entirely vegetarian, with the organic produce grown locally at the hotel’s farm in the Soufrière hills, and there is a range of rainforest and birdwatching tours on offer.
Exclusive offer: Book by 15 July to stay 5 nights between now – 31 October and receive 2 additional nights free plus a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to All-Inclusive. Call Global Holidays on 0845 299 4450.
Tortuga Bay, Dominican Republic
Tortuga Bay is part of the Puntacana Resort, which runs a number of environmental and community projects, such as the 1,500 acre Ecological Park, set aside for scientific research and the conservation of native and endangered species. The Puntacana Foundation, established in 1998, promotes sustainable economic growth through investment in schools, health care and sport.
Special offer: Stay 5 nights between now – 22 December and receive 2 additional nights free. Call Global Holidays on 0845 299 4450.
Fairmont Mayakoba was designed with environmental conservation and sustainability in mind, and is Rainforest Alliance verified. Projects include Flor de Tajonal , a bee conservation programme, and the hotel also works with a community-based Mayan tour operator to protect environmental and cultural heritage inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Special offer: Stay between now – 31 October and receive a special reduced rate on Bed & Breakfast basis, plus 7 nights for the price of 6. Call Global Holidays on 0845 299 4450.
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