The definition of responsible travel varies, but for us it is about having a positive environmental and economic impact on the places we visit and a social-cultural exchange with the people we meet.
Responsible travel is not some niche market, it is an ethos that should be at the heart of all travel.
"I feel that we were encouraged to be as eco-friendly as possible with regards to products/toiletries etc and this benefitted the environment. I also feel that Quest has a good attitude towards sustaining business and good relations with locals"
Amy Combes - Bolivia Animal Santuary Project, 2007
Positive Impact in the Community
We use local accommodation, employ a local workforce, buy local food and support local businesses to enhance our impact on the community.
We always aim to pay what is a fair price rather than seek out the cheapest deal.
We integrate into the local community, supporting it wherever possible.
One example is on our Brazil Coastal Rainforest Project where shop owners put 5% of the profits from sales to QUEST groups back into the community.
Wherever we are, our long term funding of projects enhances local pride, breaks down divisions, attracts tourism and creates enhanced, sustainable livelihoods.
Positive Impact on the Environment
QUEST projects are Carbon Footprint Approved.
QUEST works hard to be green throughout the organisation.
That means planting trees in the Borde Hill Estate to offset our past Carbon Emissions and also having 'Climate Neutral' Operations. Being a 'Climate Neutral' company is acheived by offsetting our Carbon Emissions with recognised projects through Rainforest Concern, Excellent Development and Climate Care
It also means that QUEST expects all of its team members to offset the carbon produced from their flights through Climate Care (as we do with all of our staff flights) and so we encourage everyone joining us to do this.
Of course, on many projects the teams plant many trees themselves; nearly 1000 on our summer Brazil Coastal Rainforest Project alone.
So whether it is promoting zero litter policies overseas or recycling in the UK office, QUEST is constantly improving its positive impact.
Positive Impact for Everyone
QUEST Research and Education Department offers free presentations to schools and universities on subjects such Responsible Tourism, Cultural Awareness and Conservation and promotes these values throughout its operations overseas.
All our team members are invited to attend a pre-departure weekend and receive training sessions from experts who specialise in teaching Responsible Tourism and Cultural Awareness.
In addition, volunteers experience a two day ‘in country’ orientation package and on-going training to reinforce this message from our professional leaders.
QUEST always works closely with local partners on a day-to-day basis and a great deal of effort is put into the planning, execution and impacts of our groups’ presence.
Our local partners are also fully involved at the planning stage to ensure their expectations are managed and met throughout the long-term projects. We keep up to date with international developments through organisations such as Tourism Concern.