Quest Nature Tours Sustainability

We believe travel to be an enriching, life giving experience that brings the traveller in touch with the broader world. In every trip we offer, we embed a deep rooted commitment to preserving our natural world and respecting indigenous cultures informs every trip we offer.

We strive to be socially and ecologically responsible as we travel and invite our guests to join our efforts. We believe that our tours should respect and benefit the local communities in the many countries we visit.

• We evaluate every new destination we offer in consideration of local economic, environmental and cultural issues
• We use local suppliers wherever possible
• We develop long-term relationships with our overseas partners so as to build an ongoing economic relationship
• We evaluate the nature and scale of our tours to ensure that they are appropriate to local conditions
• Where appropriate, we seek out local involvement and provide economic support for projects that benefit local communities

When people travel with us, we hope they will enjoy themselves and, at the same time, learn about the environment and become as committed as we are to preserving it. When we pay for food, accommodations, local leaders, park entry fees, and services, we are supporting the development of nature reserves and research areas and the financing of anti-poaching and habitat protection programs.

We think we have the best travellers. Travellers who are socially aware and environmentally conscious, who bring a healthy curiosity about the world to every trip they take. Our guests frequently have questions about the world they explore and how to approach some of the challenges along the way. Here are a few tips for responsible travel as a guideline:

• Use our suggested reading lists to learn more about where you're going. This will help you to get some perspective on history and contemporary issues.
• Learn a few words of the local language. This can go a long way to easing your way into a foreign land and breaking down barriers.
• Consider what you put in your suitcase. Leave excess packaging at home. Since many places we visit don't have facilities for recycling, make sure you remove items from their packaging before packing.
• Pack clothing that is culturally appropriate. Many of the places we travel to are accustomed to more conservative dress than we might be used to at home. By respecting local standards, you're showing that you're a good guest.
• "Pack an open mind." That's staff member Kerry Tattrie's best advice to all our travellers. Yes, we do things differently at home and our concepts of time, among other things, may be very different. Ask your leader if you're unsure or curious about what you see.
• If you would like to make a contribution to local communities as you travel, ask your leader about what's appropriate and how your contribution can be put to best advantage. If you would like to know about bringing school supplies or other items from home to donate abroad as you travel, please consult our office for specific suggestions.
• Photography is a wonderful way to capture special moments. Please always ask before taking someone's picture - a simple smile and camera raised with a questioning look can do the trick (or better yet, learn this phrase in the local language).
• Bargaining can be fun and a great way to interact with local vendors. But please consider the value and not just the price of what you want to buy. Determine what the object is worth to you and pay accordingly. Purchasing local arts and crafts is an excellent way to contribute to the local economy.
• We strive to minimize our impact when visiting a wilderness or protected environment. That means staying on marked trails and out of areas that are out of bounds. And we urge you to take out everything you take in. Dispose of litter in purpose built containers or bring it back with you to your hotel for disposal.

Many of our clients want to do more when they return from a trip. We encourage your support of environmental and social projects around the world and welcome your suggestions and comments on how we can improve. Check back soon to read about our exciting upcoming initiatives that are currently under development.