© Amity Tours

Amity Tours: Leading the Charge Towards Zero Waste Tourism in Chile

18 November 2024
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The global tourism industry is facing a pressing challenge: the increasing environmental impact of travel. As the world grapples with the issue of waste management, Amity Tours, a leading adventure tour operator in Chile, is taking significant steps to address this problem head-on.

A Growing Waste Crisis - Each year, billions of tons of solid waste are generated worldwide. This figure is projected to rise dramatically in the coming decades, posing a serious threat to our planet. In Chile, the situation is particularly alarming, with over 40% of all waste ending up in unsanitary landfills. This irresponsible disposal contaminates groundwater, rivers, and ultimately, the Pacific Ocean.

Amity Tours' Commitment to Sustainability - Since its inception in 2003, Amity Tours has been committed to sustainable tourism practices. The company organizes adventure travel experiences in Chile's pristine wilderness areas, where responsible tourism is paramount. Recognizing the growing waste crisis, Amity Tours has made sustainability a top priority.

The Zero Waste Challenge - In 2019, Amity Tours launched the Zero Waste Challenge, a bold initiative to become the first zero-waste tour operator in Chile. The company has implemented a range of strategies to minimize waste and reduce its environmental footprint:

Waste Reduction - By carefully planning itineraries and minimizing the use of single-use plastics, Amity Tours has significantly reduced waste generation.

Recycling and Composting - The company has established robust recycling and composting programs to divert waste from landfills.

Educating Travelers - Amity Tours educates its travelers about the importance of sustainable tourism and encourages them to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Partnering with Local Communities - The company collaborates with local communities to promote sustainable waste management practices and support recycling initiatives.

© Amity Tours

A Model for the Industry

Amity Tours' commitment to sustainability serves as a model for the entire tourism industry. By demonstrating that it is possible to operate a successful business while minimizing environmental impact, Amity Tours is inspiring other tour operators to follow suit.

As the global tourism industry continues to grow, it is imperative that businesses adopt sustainable practices. By reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting local communities, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of our planet. Amity Tours is leading the way, proving that sustainable tourism is not only possible but essential.

Our journey toward sustainability has been exhilarating and transformative from the start. We have embraced the “Adventure – People – Nature” concept, a trinity that defines our mission and frames every adventure we design. “Adventure” means discovering Chile through unique experiences that respect and celebrate the country’s natural beauty. “People” reflects our commitment to local communities, creating experiences that also benefit those who call Chile home. And “Nature” is our promise to protect and preserve the landscapes we love so dearly.

The HuellaChile certificate distinguishes us as leaders and reinforces the urgency of our conservation message. Under ISO 14064-1:2019, we have quantified our greenhouse gas emissions and taken significant steps to reduce them. We have implemented waste reduction practices, resource reuse, and rigorous recycling. Furthermore, we have woven these practices into the very fabric of our operations, from our headquarters to the most remote corners of Chile, where we take our travelers.

Every member of the Amity Tours team embodies our ethos. They are ambassadors of sustainability, carrying the “Adventure People Nature” banner with every action. We celebrate our team not only for their professionalism and knowledge but for their passion and love for Chile. They are the ones who make it possible for our company to stand out both nationally and internationally, highlighting Chilean culture, landscapes and nature, its food, and above all, its people.

Looking to the future, Amity Tours remains committed to continuous improvement. We are already planning new ways to be even more sustainable, to measure and reduce our carbon footprint, and to share our practices with others. We strive to be a shining example of what is possible in the tourism industry.

Finally, we invite everyone – companies, travelers, and communities – to join us on this journey toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference, step by step, toward a world where tourism is not only possible but flourishes in harmony with our natural environment. With each new dawn, Amity Tours commits to being an agent of positive change, and this HuellaChile certificate is just the beginning.

Contributing members are responsible for the accuracy of content contributed to the Member News section of AdventureTravelNews.

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