21/08/2010

NEW INITIATIVE TO INCENTIVISE & REWARD SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
- WWW.MUCHBETTERADVENTURES.COM LAUNCHING OCTOBER 2010 -

This October sees the official launch of www.muchbetteradventures.com, an adventure travel resource and social enterprise which aims to work with the global adventure community to find, support and reward small, independent and ethical adventure/activity providers.

Set up by Alex and Ed, two young adventurers in their 20’s, appearance on the site is offered free to carefully screened providers who can demonstrate a genuine on-going commitment to sustainability. This will enable them to remain free of bias or green wash, help cut costs and generate business to reward sustainable practice.  

From local operators, guides, guest houses and camp grounds to conservation organisations and community groups, members will then be able to receive direct enquiries from customers, promote their region and provide the best local advice through collaborative blogs and newsletters.

While volunteering on various community tourism and conservation initiatives in South America, Alex witnessed the huge barriers and tight margins small operators and not for profits face when working with small budgets and limited online expertise. Simultaneously Ed, while working in the European ski industry, was becoming increasingly frustrated with its’ environmental impact and the general lack of awareness.

Both Alex and Ed believe the answer to these issues comes in their unique approach. Ed explains: “We ask all potential members what they are already doing in areas of sustainability and what they plan to do next. If we are happy with their commitment, we make free membership available and offer low cost voluntary upgrades. We provide resources and advice, then check up on those plans every year to make sure they are progressing. As we are not financially dependent on our members, we can honestly say that we are independent and unbiased - something not many others can claim.”  

Their reception so far has been very positive. They already have 80 members onboard, are working closely with Sustainable Travel International and the Travel Foundation, and report traffic growth of 40% over the last month, despite no official marketing or PR.

Muchbetteradventures.com will also be encouraging the adventure community to shape the selection by suggesting great places they have been and leaving reviews. “This is about the adventure community coming together to build the ultimate travel resource for both consumers and the trade, whilst, at the same time, encouraging and rewarding true commitment to environments and communities”, says Alex.

To complement this offering, muchbetteradventures.com is in the process of developing an online adventure shop, which will provide the ‘muchbetter’ gear choices for adventures. They are also discussing sponsorship opportunities with larger businesses interested in backing this unique initiative.

For further information visit www.muchbetteradventures.com

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