Responsible & Sustainable Adventure Travel
Adventure travel Trade Association VALUES statement
As an organization, we formally adopt the Values Statement declared by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). The ATTA, of which we are a member, is an organization that nurtures and professionalizes the responsible and sustainable development of the adventure travel industry.
In defining the adventure travel sector, the ATTA believes adventure tourism contains three main components for the traveler: 1) physical activity, 2) a connection to nature and the environment and 3) an immersive cultural experience. As tourism is one of the largest employers on the planet, it has a major impact on peoples’ economic well-being and the planet’s health. Furthermore, adventure tourism is inextricably dependent on human- and nature-capital; protection and promotion of these resources is key.
As an ATTA member, we are part of a community that supports and engenders these efforts. While we believe that no organization is perfect in its actions regarding responsibility and sustainability, it is our intent to move towards such goals. Thus, we and the ATTA declare our affirmation and support of the following key issues:
TOURISM ETHICS
We affirm and agree with the UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
We believes in the protection of children from harmful effects of tourism and is a signatory of TheCode.org
RESPONSIBILITY
We believe in the universal standards put forth by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (Based on the UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism), and that tourism businesses and destinations should adopt the criteria specifically in these four areas:
Demonstrating effective sustainable management
Maximizing social and economic benefits to the local community and minimizing negative impacts Maximizing benefits to cultural heritage and minimizing negative impacts
Maximizing benefits to the environment and minimizing negative impacts
COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES
ATTA Members — when working under the auspices as aforementioned — treat each other and travelers with respect and professionalism and conduct business with safety, honesty and integrity. As a community, we will do our part to seek to improve our own organization’s compliance with the points noted above. As a community, we will wherever possible seek to assist other organizations and professionals within the association to achieve success- both in the pursuit of the values noted above and in business.
Climate Action Leaders in Travel Pledge
Changing operational processes. I will learn the most carbon-intensive aspects of our business operations. I will explore innovative practices and alternative options to reduce the footprint of our daily operations. These may include energy usage, single use plastics, materials used in business development, or others.
Re-evaluating food supply chains. I will better understand the footprint associated with the food we offer as part of our business. I will identify pathways to source locally, reduce meat consumption and eliminate food waste.
Offsetting emissions. I will measure emissions generated by the daily operations of our business, and offset our carbon footprint in full or in part as I am able.
Limiting the reliance on carbon-intensive transport. I take responsibility for the travel needs of our target markets, particularly of long-haul air travel. I support transitions to low-carbon transport development such as trains, where possible.
Taking action beyond offsetting. I recognize I play a part in a global system that is operating beyond its carbon capacity. I will do what I can to go beyond offsetting, and contribute to carbon removal through Direct Air Capture.
Re-evaluating material supply chains. I will analyze the supply chains of all materials that we use for our business operations, including outdoor equipment and single use materials. I will extend this knowledge when advising travelers on their travel supplies.
Doing more than just my share. I will go beyond addressing the impacts of my organization’s emissions and strive to be carbon positive through carbon offsetting and removal at a minimum of 2x the carbon impact of my business.
Educating travelers. I will take every opportunity to build awareness for the potential for personal transformation to benefit climate change with travelers, engaging them with ideas and opportunities for positive action.
THE ALASKA POSTER PROJECT Mission
We aim to positively impact the environment and communities of the places we visit by making a few simple changes to the way we travel.
Celebrate, Respect, and Support the Local Culture, Communities, and Economy
Dine in locally-owned restaurants and shop for locally-made crafts and souvenirs, which are not always cheaper, but purchasing them contributes greatly to the local economy.
Leave No Trace
Better yet, leave each area that you visit cleaner than it was before by picking up trash you come across and disposing of it properly.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never buy fur products or souvenirs like shells or coral which contribute to species endangerment.
Say NO to Plastic
Always carry a reusable water bottle and a tote bag with you that you can use instead of plastic bags while shopping. Carrying reusables and recycling are simple and effective ways to make a positive impact.
Advocate for Sustainable Tourism
Speak up and let businesses know that you’re interested in sustainable travel and want to know their sustainability initiatives and goals.
Share and Help Spread the Word
The more we talk about the way we travel, the more we reinforce how important it is to travel green. Share your experiences with fellow travelers, on social media, and with friends and family.
Together, we can make a BIG impact!
