G.A.P Adventures wins Green Tourism Award

Since G.A.P Adventures inception in 1990, the tour operator has pioneered a triple bottom approach of actively managing and reporting on all dimensions of company performance (social, environmental and economic) and weighing each of three equally in terms of importance.

They have since become the largest adventure tour operator in the world, while adhering to its own set of strict, sustainable credentials – offering authentic, cultural travel experiences in a low impact and sustainable manner.

The 2008 Green Tourism Award at BETA’s British Youth Travel Awards recognizes travel organizations that maximize their positive impact on the environment as well as the local communities’ infrastructure in which they operate. Candidates for the honor are required to demonstrate proven commitment to sustainable best practices.

G.A.P Adventures supports local communities throughout the world via its own non-profit foundation, Planeterra, which allows G.A.P. travelers to get involved with various international projects during the length of their trips, ranging from children’s education programs to animal conservation efforts, as well as water infrastructure projects.

“G.A.P Adventures’ work through Planeterra enabling young travellers to see the world from a meaningful perspective by interacting with local communities,” said Richard Edwards, Director of Planeterra. “It effects lasting, positive changes in awareness and attitudes, and ultimately in the success of the community projects to which they contribute. Receiving this award confirms that the dedication and enthusiasm behind our joint projects is leaving a positive legacy.”

G.A.P, acronym for the “Great Adventure People”, offers in excess of 1000 small group adventures in 100 countries with trip styles that range from the more competitively priced services to upmarket trips and tours throughout the world.

With a large focus on Asia and Africa, G.A.P. launched more than 250 new trips for 2008, including, for the first time, special photography and festivals trips. In 2007, G.A.P.’s “Planet Positive Project” planeted 1 million trees in 18 months.

Other successful Planeterra initiatives include the Seva eye camp which offers surgical support to correct cataracts and had a very successful result in Tibet this year.

For more, visit www.gapadventures.com.