The polar regions are beautiful but fragile and they are at risk both from our presence there and our polluting actions at home. It is of utmost importance to us that our holidays directly benefit the communities we visit and that we minimise the adverse effects of our travels on the wildlife, landscapes and ecosystems which we travel to experience.
Here are some of the ways we are striving to lead the way in responsible tourism and in UK business practise. |
 | Operating in an environmentally responsible manner - In the Office |
| | * Our office is powered by 100% renewable electricity supplied by Green Energy UK.
* We don’t burn fossil fuels commuting.
* We reuse our paper as many times as possible and then recycle or compost it.
* We aren't recycling unless we buy recycled - so all our paper and ink cartridges are recycled.
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 | Linking our Holidays with Conservation |
| | * Our aim is always to leave places as we found them.
* We base our practice on the WWF priciples for Arctic Tourism.
* All our Antarctic operators are members of IAATO
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| Supporting the Preservation of Wilderness and Biodiversity |
| | * Pristine Wilderness is a non-renewable resource. Our holidays visit places that are 'off the beaten track' but when a place is too fragile to visit without damaging it, we don't go there.
* We support and use areas of managed wilderness such as national parks and nature reserves, respecting rules governing certain activities in order to protect the wildlife and peace of a place.
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| Using natural resources in a sustainable way |
| | * Our small groups really are small! Most of our holidays are designed for 2-12 people. This means that the 'footprint' of each trip is minimised.
* We try not to approach close to wildlife while we are watching them - bring a good pair of binoculars and a long lens instead!
* In order to see more wildlife (and to avoid noise pollution and terrain damage) we prefer to travel on foot or ski, by kayak, sailing, dog-sledging or other non-motorised transport.
* Some of our holidays include fishing or hunting. We encourage our guests only to take what they require and to abide by the local regulations. |
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| Minimising consumption, waste and pollution |
| | * Rubbish disposal facilities are limited in polar regions so please leave all unnecessary packaging at home.
* We use recycling facilities where they exist.
* Where there are no rubbish disposal facilities, we take our rubbish out with us.
* We request that guests use biodegradable toiletries.
* We are conscious of the energy required for heat, light and warm water on our holidays and try to keep these to a minimum - without privation!
* Wherever possible, we select accommodation which is in keeping with local traditions and with sound environmental credentials. |
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| Respecting Local Cultures |
| | * Life in the polar regions can feel like living on a frontier and values are different from those at lower latitudes. We ask our guests to respect this and travel with an open mind.
* Most of our Arctic tours are hosted by local people. This gives our guests a unique insight into the culture and perspective of the north. |
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| Respecting Historic and Scientific Sites |
| | * We ask our guests NEVER to disturb or remove any articles from historic sites or places under scientific observation, even if they appear unimportant.
* Where appropriate we enjoy arranging visits to scientific stations to learn about their research projects. |
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| How local communities benefit from our holidays |
| | * By using local people as guides and hosts for our small-group Arctic holidays, we not only benefit from their enormous experience but also contribute directly to the local economy, foster the continuation of traditional skills and reduce our carbon footprint by not flying one of us out there!
* Where the communities can support it, we like to purchase our supplies locally and we encourage our guests to buy souvenirs from local artists. |
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| Very Special Staff |
| | * We run The Polar People because we know and love the polar regions. We hope that our passion shines through!
* Our local hosts and guides live and work in the polar regions - this is their home and they are the true experts!
* We select our ship-based holidays for their small passenger numbers which results in more time exploring ashore and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere on-board - plus excellent on-board staff who are leaders in their fields. |
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| Make your Trip an Opportunity to Learn |
| | * We enourage our guests to find out about the places they'll visit, before their holiday. Glacier Books is an excellent source of new and second-hand books on polar subjects.
* For skiers, we recommend www.crosscountryski.co.uk as a useful source of practical information.
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| Safety First! |
| | The safety of our guests is our highest priority but our travels are adventurous and as such are not without hazards.
* Guests must follow the safety advice of our leaders at all times.
* Guests must be honest about their capabilities when selecting a holiday.
* Guests must accept the risks involved in their holiday and undertake to act responsibly.
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| Tailor-made Insurance |
| | To make sure that your insurance covers you for the activities you'll be doing, we've teamed up with SportsCover Direct Insurance who cover a range of adventurous activities and even offer top-up cover in case you just need to add an activity to your standard insurance.
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| Why not prepare for your Polar adventure by training in the UK with one of our partners? |
| | Dare 2B Challenged is an excellent outdoor provider run by our friend David Smith in North Wales. He'll introduce you to mountain walking, climbing, kayaking, coasteering and more!
See also www.angleseytourist.co.uk
The Cairngorm Biathlon & Nordic Ski Club offer great introductions to nordic skiing and roller skiing to get fit for the snow. |
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| See our Reviews on Trip Advisor |
| | Read unbiased opinions about hotels
and holidays at TripAdvisor.
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