Trekking and Hiking
Worldwide

Responsible Travel

About Us | AITO Quality Charter | Responsible Travel

High Places takes its responsibilities to sustainable and responsible tourism seriously

We are aware that every trip has an impact and we do all we can to ensure that this is sensitive to the local environment and benefits the local community. We want our clients to appreciate and respect other countries, their institutions, traditions, religions and heritage and we are committed to creating positive long-term relationships with the communities and places we visit.

To ensure we meet these aims, we work with local people, using local staff and supporting locally owned accommodation. Treks and group logistics are organised to have minimal impact on the environment: groups are limited (max 12); wood is only used for fuel when other resources are not available; cleanliness of water sources is protected at all times; trek leaders are rigorous in ensuring that all litter is removed from campsites and properly disposed of.

As members of AITO, the Association of Independent Tour Operators, we uphold their guidelines on Responsible Tourism:

Protect the environment - its flora, fauna and landscapes
Respect local cultures - traditions, religions and built heritage
Benefit local communities - both economically and socially
Conserve natural resources - from office to destination
Minimise pollution - through noise, waste disposal and congestion

Awarded 3- star status by AITO

We have been awarded three star status by AITO for our commitment to Responsible Tourism. The award objectively evaluates company performance on a number of criteria including involvement in local communities, day-to-day trip logistics and responsible business practice.

ClimateCare
We urge our clients to contribute to Climate Care - www.climatecare.org - to offset flight emissions.

High Places is a member of Tourism Concern
Tourism Concern's mission is to ensure tourism always benefits the local communities they do this through a wide range of exciting and innovative projects. From working with communities in destination countries to reduce social and environmental problems connected to tourism, to working with the out-going UK tourism industry to find ways of improving tourism so that local benefits are increased. www.tourismconcern.org.uk

High Places supports the IPPG (International Porter Protection Group)
The IPPG works to improve the conditions of mountain porters in the tourism industry worldwide. This means porters carrying for individual trekkers, organized groups, climbing expeditions and those who supply lodges. High Places supports the work of IPPG and endorses its five recommended guidelines. www.ippg.net

Responsible office practices
We also try to minimise the impact on the environment in our UK office. For instance:
Our brochure and stationary is printed on recycled paper
We re-use or recycle office waste paper
We make sure office equipment is turned off overnight

About Us | AITO Quality Charter | Responsible Travel

Contact Us
High Places
Globe Centre
Penistone Road
Sheffield
S6 3AE
UK

Intl Tel: +44 114 275 7500
Fax: 0114 275 3870

0845 257 7500

treks@highplaces.co.uk

www.highplaces.co.uk