Virtuoso Insights - August/September 2008 - (Page 2) the World of VIrtuoso Welcome to our world . . . a world of more than 6,000 travel advisors around the globe, working with you to create distinctive, life-transforming experiences. This month, we look at sustainable travel practices and exciting adventures available throughout the Virtuoso network. Network News at Virtuoso, our goal is to promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, and we’re proud to work with a wide array of travel providers and partners who engage in responsible travel practices. here are just a few examples. tips for traveling green Our friends at Sustainable Travel International offer these simple tips for traveling more responsibly: offset Your Carbon Footprint — estimate you vacation’s carbon emissions with stI’s carbon calculator (www. sustainabletravelinternational.org), then invest in any number of offsetting programs, from reforestation to renewable energy projects. give Your House a Vacation — While you’re away from home, preserve resources you won’t be using. set lights to a timer, adjust your thermostat, and put a hold on your newspaper delivery. support the Local economy — Instead of packing items such as lotion and shampoo, buy them in your destination (this will help you get through airport security more easily, as well). Visit locally owned restaurants, shop farmer’s markets for locally grown food, and buy fairtrade souvenirs. use public transportation — After booking your trip, ask your Virtuoso travel advisor for information on accessible public transportation. Virtuoso, stI team up for greener travel As part of our ongoing effort to promote environmentally responsible travel, Virtuoso is a proud partner of Sustainable Travel International (STI), a non-profit organization that is pioneering the charge for sustainable tourism development. With a credo to “leave the world a better place,” STI promotes responsible travel and sustainable development by offering a host of innovative programs ranging from eco-certification to travelers’ philanthropy. As a corporate sponsor, Virtuoso currently participates in STI’s carbon offset program, which takes action against global climate change by supporting high impact carbon offset and renewable energy projects around the globe. View of verdant Volcán de Agua – Antigua. Viaventure goes Carbon Neutral The leader in innovative vacations throughout Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, Viaventure is at the vanguard of environmentally conscious travel there, as well. The company has joined forces with Sustainable Travel International to become Guatemala’s first carbon neutral tour operator, offsetting all of its greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy projects. In addition to making its office operations completely carbon neutral, Viaventure also offers its clients the option of making their entire vacations climate impact neutral: They can offset emissions from their international flights, travel via community operated transportation, and participate in other sustainable practices. But Viaventure doesn’t stop there. The company also makes regular donations for each of its clients to the non-profit Viaventure Foundation, which also collects contributions from travel providers and guests on a voluntary basis. These funds go to a variety of grassroots charities, from micro-credit plans to reforestation projects. 2 Virtuoso insights
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