Our Commitment to Responsible Travel
At 1stcycling LTD we are passionate about providing exceptional cycling tours in Croatia while minimizing our impact on the environment and maximizing the benefits for local communities. We believe that travel should be a force for good, and we are committed to operating our tours in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Here’s how we put our Responsible Travel Policy into action:
Environmental Responsibility:
- Minimizing Our Footprint: We strive to reduce our environmental impact through careful planning and operational practices. This includes minimizing waste, promoting recycling, and choosing environmentally conscious suppliers whenever possible.
- Respecting Local Ecosystems: Our cycling routes are designed to appreciate the natural beauty of Croatia while respecting local flora and fauna. We encourage our guests to be mindful of their surroundings and to avoid any actions that could harm the environment.
- Sustainable Transportation: We prioritize the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transport and encourage our guests to embrace this eco-friendly way of exploring Croatia. For any necessary vehicle transfers, we aim to use efficient and well-maintained vehicles.
Support for Local Communities:
- Local Partnerships: We actively collaborate with local businesses, including family-run restaurants, wineries, and accommodation providers, to ensure that your tourism spend directly benefits the Croatian economy.
- Authentic Experiences: We are dedicated to providing our guests with authentic cultural experiences by connecting them with local traditions, cuisine, and heritage. Our tours often include visits to local producers and opportunities to interact with community members.
- Fair Employment: We are committed to fair wages and good working conditions for our local guides and any contracted staff, adhering to the principles of decent work. We also prioritize quality over quantity in our tour sizes. Our small group tours (often running with 2-3 people even for an 8-person capacity) ensure a more personalized experience and better support for our local partners.
- Community Engagement & Contribution:
- Employment Opportunities: By hiring local guides and staff, and partnering with local businesses, we directly contribute to local employment. Furthermore, we are proud that some of our tour preparation work will be managed by an NGO that supports disabled people, providing meaningful employment opportunities. We already use this NGO on another project not connected to tourism.
- Developing Community Links: We are continually seeking opportunities to support local community initiatives or environmental projects in the areas we visit. For example, we often stop by local places to taste locally grown juices and freshly made products.
- Transparency with Guests: We are transparent with our guests about how their tour contributes to the local economy and responsible tourism practices.
Our Ongoing Commitment:
1stcycling LTD is dedicated to continually reviewing, improving, and expanding our sustainable travel practices. We will actively seek feedback from our guests, local partners, and organizations like Responsible Travel to ensure we are making a positive impact. We commit to regularly assessing our operations against these policy points and transparently communicating our progress.
We invite you to join us in our commitment to responsible travel and experience the beauty of Croatia in a way that respects and supports its people and environment.