Responsible Tourism Policy
As a company we are committed to creating high quality adventure experiences which are non motorised & human powered shared through local community guides and orphaned youth, while creating awareness of the environmental as well as socio-cultural factors in the region. Discovery programs & learn programs in sports like Kayaking, Sailing, Windsurfing, Stand up Paddle, Kitesurfing as well as Snorkelling. We are located in a remote village in Tamil Nadu near the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biodiversity Park & Palkbay. Our annual initiatives include beach cleanups, marine bio-diversity awareness programs, community vocation acceleration programs, fishermen to life-guard programs, etc.
“In India through economic sustainable practices we can inculcate the values for protection of our socio-cultural & environmental existence. In theory if we were to combine the triple bottom line of sustainability with Maslow's hierarchy of needs for a country like India, the most important requirement would be economic relief for food & shelter. Only once we have addressed this basic need can we create awareness to a receptive audience about socio cultural & environmental sustainability.”
“One of the most powerful tools for sustainability are Awareness & Interpretation”
People
Socio-Cultural Sustainability
Our Socio-Cultural Commitment
To protect local community culture & human rights within our scope of influence.
Practices to achieve our commitment
Creating awareness through training & showcasing to our staff
Creating awareness to our customers on local customs, etiquette & religion
Creating awareness for our local community on interaction with travellers
Training staff on social issues in the local communities they operate
Encouragement to engage customer support toward socio-cultural projects
Planet
Environmental Sustainability
Our Environmental Commitment
Using resources in an efficient and responsible way by ensuring our trips/activities are designed to minimise physical impact on the destination while showcasing the environment positively.
Practices to achieve our commitment
Operating & promoting non-motorised activity, sport & trips since 2011
Training programs for staff, stakeholders & public on cleanliness
Beach cleanups along with schools, District Forest Department & Coast Guard
Environmental awareness programs conducted for schools in the destination
Environmental awareness displays in office, property & public events
Plantation of over 4,000 indigenous forest trees within our property
Composting food waste for the plantation
Reef protection through local engagement with fishing community
Awareness programs on sustainable fishing methods
Biodiversity checklist for species in and around destination
Solar electricity is used to power two of our properties
Solar water heaters used for hot water showers in two of our properties
Printing & paper usage is limited to Government regulations only
Clean filtered water (RO) is provided to all customers to refill provided thermos bottles to minimise usage of bottled water
Construction of accommodation & office with maximum use of natural materials grown on the property itself
Profit
Economic Sustainability
Our Economic Commitment
Supporting host communities, suppliers, key stakeholders & our staff. Wealth distribution is structured in a way that it is beneficial all through the pipeline.
“We spend what we make in the host community while achieving sustainable growth of Quest Expeditions Pvt Ltd & stakeholders”
Practices to achieve our commitment
Employment in the local community for permanent & temporary staff
Contribution to employee health, education & travel benefits
Incentive profit share scheme with employees in activity services
Key stakeholders & staff are encouraged to spending in local community
Procurement of raw materials for construction & operations locally
Training camps for self help groups along with the District Forest Department
Contracting services of transport & accommodation from locally owned operators
Incorporating local eateries and stores on our itineraries
Incorporating local public transport into our trips where possible
Contributing to sporting events along with District Administration
In an effort to replenish fish stocks for subsistence fisherfolk, we have started a marine restoration program; through the installation of artificial reefs. The reef structures provide an ideal substrate for the recruitment and growth of coral polyps. In order to understand the ecological effectiveness of artificial reef systems within the local ecosystem, we conduct rigorous biodiversity monitoring at the reef installations.