There?s a lot of talk these days about sustainable travel. That usually seems to mean eco stewardship and wildlife conservation. But elephants and polar bears aren?t the only animals that matter.
Some of the leaders in luxury travel do far more than pay lip service to the idea of looking after the people who live nearby. (Of course you?ve hired from the surrounding community?who else are you going to hire") These five lodges and companies (some of which I?ve traveled with as their guest) have worked hard to provide guests with a meaningful cultural experience and to have a significant impact on their neighbors? well-being without unraveling their traditional way of life.
A First Nations ceremony at Nimmo Bay
Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, British Columbia This adventure resort is spectacularly remote, and the family that runs it has focused on sustainability since the beginning, in 1982, long before the idea became so fashionable. Along with the hydroelectric power system and ethical seafood sourcing, they?ve also strived to develop an ongoing positive relationship with nearby First Nations villages for cultural and naturalist tours. They started their Wil?a’mola (?we all travel together?) initiative 10 years ago to include First Nations culture, guides and experiences for all of their guests. Now they?re working with the younger generation of First Nations eco-preneurs to help them build sustainable tourism businesses such as Sea Wolf Adventures, which offers re...