Sustainable Tourism Policy

At Cosmopolitan Adventure Tours we are concerned about the wellbeing of the communities and the environment we visit. At the same time, Cosmopolitan Adventure Tours assesses its performance and its suppliers’ performance in terms of sustainability. This policy has been created with the help of Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC Partnership) is a coalition of 32 organizations. It has been initiated by Rainforest Alliance the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). the United Nations Foundation and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

View Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

Terms of the Policy

CAT, the natural environment and it operators:

• We propose ecologically friendly trip, minimizing the use of motor transportation whenever possible and suggesting: biking, hiking and the use of local transportation (bus and train).
• Our tours are never the same. So we reduce our negative impact on the environment visited.
• Diffuse a code of conduct to the operators including rules about staff management, wildlife observation, cultural and traditional sites
• Choose the most responsible operators when customizing our trips
• We always work with local Tour operators.
• We support local businesses and use their incredible sources of knowledge

CAT and our clients:

• We listen carefully to our clients’ needs and desires to customize the perfect voyage for them. Every tour is unique!
• With final documents we send information about the cultural customs, geography and history, health care, security and places’ comfort to anticipate any problems or disappointment caused by a misjudgement of the destination.
• Our knowledge of  so many countries is one of our main strengths!
• We send a code of behaviour to our clients before their travels
• We include a code of behaviour with final documents.
• We list local restaurants, local business and local contacts whenever appropriate.
• We assess the clients’ satisfaction after each trip and seek corrections if needed.

CAT and the communities:

• We donate part of our tour’s profit to local educational or welfare groups.
• We support schools, children’s homes, hospitals and cultural associations.
• We visit them and collaborate as much as possible gaining an insight into the real life of the community.

Ecotourism in a Changing Climate

Here are some practical tips and resources on how to reduce travelers’ climate footprint.
Things you can do to conserve energy when you travel:

Fly Wisely:
Air travel is often the most energy consuming aspect of your travel. Plan your trip so that you minimize air travel, and choose, whenever possible, to stay longer in a destination instead of making many short trips.

Travel Light:
Pack only what you need, and don’t bring things that will become waste. By reducing the weight of luggage travelers can significantly cut green house gas emissions.

While You Are There:
Turn off all the lights and air conditioner/heater when you leave your room, and unplug unnecessary appliances. Reuse plastic water bottles.

Greener Way To Get Around:
Utilize public transportation (bus, train, city car, etc.) and alternative modes of transportation (walking, bicycle, non-motorized vehicles, horse, camel) as much as possible. It’s a more sustainable way to get around, and also a healthier and more enjoyable way to get to know the place you are visiting.

Eat Local:
Reduce your ‘food miles’ by choosing local.  Visit a local farmer’s market, shop at a locally owned grocery store and choose locally owned restaurants that buy local. Locally produced foods are a tastier and more sustainable option.

Save Water:
Use the minimum amount of water needed for a shower/bath, don’t let water run while shaving, brushing or washing, and check if the hotel has a linen reuse program – if so, reuse your towels and bed sheets by placing the card to indicate you don’t wish to have them washed every day, if not, request hospitality staff not to change them every day.

Charge Your Trip Sustainably:
Whenever possible, utilize options that do not require batteries. Buy rechargeable batteries for your essential travel items such as cameras, razors, and flash lights.

Offset the Unavoidable Footprint:
Contribute to a credible carbon offsetting program to support conservation, renewable energy, and other energy saving projects.

We seek to use only suppliers who are mindful of their environmental needs.  Please help us by praising their efforts or suggesting changes to improve it.

We invite your comments and suggestions – write to us and tell us how YOU, as a climate-conscious traveler, are responding to the challenge of climate change!

Cosmopolitan Adventure Tours , Creating Tours since 1965

• We strive for zero waste on our tours by using reusable water bottles, plates and cutlery.
• We actively recycle and compost waste we do produce and help close the loop by buying recycled products.
• We choose socially responsible partners who care about the impact of their operations.
• We contribute to the conservation of the natural, welfare and cultural heritage of the areas we visit by donating a portion of our proceeds to non-profits of diverse size and backgrounds.
• Sustainable tourism practices are visibly demonstrated and taught on all of our trips.
• We choose local, organic and fair-trade products when available.
• We promote self-propelled adventures: cycling, skiing, rafting, etc
• Transportation to and from activities are in fuel efficient vehicles running on Bio-Diesel