ASA made a commitment to formalise a Sustainability Policy in early 2024. Working with partners “Green Tourism” we are currently in the process of pre-assessment.
We recognise the balance of showcasing our unique destinations, and the impact tourism can have on those locations. Working with a number of recognised sustainable partners we aim to contribute positively, minimising any negative impacts. By adopting more sustainable approaches in our office locations, our teams also strive to make a more positive impact to our environment. We invite all our partners to ask their clients to do their part whilst in destination by supporting local communities and businesses, responsible recycling and adopting a “leave no trace” approach when touring. Most itineraries can also be adapted to rail / local transport travel and smaller group touring options if required. When private driver/guide options are required we will seek to use local guides & drivers, some of whom are already using electric / hybrid vehicles. A number of walking and bike tours are also available in many key destinations, in addition to specialist, expert led foraging and “ghillie” experiences.
We cater for any dietary requirement your clients require and also work with a number of local restaurants using locally or responsibly sourced ingredients for both food and drink.
When visiting our offices we encourage all our supplier partners to make use of public transport (it is the quickest after all!), directions and details of which can be found here for our London office, and here for our Edinburgh office.
In 2019 ASA became a premium partner (Oak level) with “Trees for Life” – a rewilding charity based in the highlands of Scotland. https://treesforlife.org.uk/about-us/ We make annual donations linked to our general room night production across all destinations. This in turn contributes towards the impact international tourism has on the planet. We are under no illusion this fully compensates that impact, but it is our small contribution towards it. After all, large trees grow from baby saplings! In February 2024 we also included a “tree-per-employee” to our staff benefits package to acknowledge the current team, and our future generations, commitment to the environment. Their trees were planted retrospectively in June 2024, and will continued to be added to as the team grows. https://treesforlife.org.uk/groves/asa-dmc/
