RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL POLICY

POLICY AIMS – OVERALL AIMS OF THE POLICY AND THE COMPANY’S ETHOS AND MISSION STATEMENT 

Seable’s mission is to provide accessible and tailored holidays to the visually impaired community. We believe in inclusive trips designed to enhance well-being through bespoke activities and dedicated assistance. 

REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS 

One of our core focuses is on reducing carbon emissions during our trips. We achieve this by favouring lesser-known areas and supporting small businesses to bolster local economies and promote sustainable tourism. Seable consciously avoids chain hotels, opting instead for homestays, locally owned accommodations, and B&Bs. This not only keeps costs low but also provides an authentic experience for our clients.

In destinations like Lanzarote and Turin, we take it a step further by collaborating with local charities to offer activities such as kayaking and tandem cycling, bypassing larger organisations. Additionally, our shift to downsized office spaces and embracing remote and hybrid working has not only reduced operational costs but also allowed us to work asynchronously which has ultimately enhanced the well-being of our team members. 

PROTECTING AND RESTORING NATURE

We pride ourselves on engaging local guides in all our trips, often venturing into national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. For instance, destinations like Mount Etna in Sicily, Mount Vesuvius in Naples, and the Timanfaya Volcano protected area in Lanzarote are regular features on our itineraries.

In Thailand, we avoid businesses that promote abuse and mistreatment of elephants and promote rehabilitation services for mistreated animals instead, however, we are continuously looking to improve. Here are the goals for 2024-2025 that we intend to implement. 

1. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

• • Increasing locally led group tours to reduce flying tour leaders’ emissions where possible while continuing to support internal employment at Seable Holidays. 
  • Prioritising direct flights where possible to minimise air miles.
  • Emphasising train journeys over domestic flights in itineraries.
  • Working with ground guides to ensure appropriately sized vehicles for our clients. 

2. SUSTAINABLE EXCURSIONS

• • Introducing more low-impact activities and human-powered excursions.

3. ALTERNATIVE MEAL OPTIONS

• • Including vegetarian and vegan meals on all group tours.

4. WELFARE OF WILDLIFE

• • Ensuring all wildlife interactions are non-invasive and respectful.
  • Avoiding activities that exploit or misuse animals, domestic or wild.

5. SUPPORTING SMALL ORGANISATIONS

• • Offering local trained chaperones on every trip. 
  • Collaborating with small, family-owned businesses and local charities.
  • Partnering with organisations that champion sustainable tourism in underdeveloped areas.

6. COMMUNITY CENTRED TOURISM

• • An example of our commitment to community-focused travel is especially clear in our international trips to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Here, we actively contribute to local development by alleviating poverty, preserving culture, and protecting environments. For instance, our visits to villages like Ban Dok Buua and Phayao in Thailand allow us to witness firsthand how residents achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency through initiatives such as weave-making classes.