Good Vibes
Here’s how travel is building a better tomorrow.
Virgin’s Forest
Hats off to Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s prestigious collection of luxury accommodations, for raising awareness of — and money for — mangrove conservation.
Visitors to Necker Island, Sir Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Islands, are being encouraged to make a contribution to the environment by taking the mangrove conservation tour.
In 2017, Hurricane Irma destroyed 90 percent of the territory’s mangrove population. Virgin Limited, in partnership with the non-profit organization Unite BVI, is working to repair the damage.
The tour’s goal is to support the re-planting and protection of the important mangrove ecosystem. Guests are able to see firsthand that we can all make a difference.
Pandaw Supports Medical Action Myanmar
It’s always good to report on cruise lines that not only provide luxurious vacations for their guests, but also take strong action in making the places they visit better.
Pandaw Cruises, an acknowledged leader in luxury river cruising, has established Pandaw Clinics — facilities dedicated to getting quality medical care to those who suffer most in the war-torn nation of Myanmar.
With the help of the benevolent organization Medical Action Myanmar (MAM), Pandaw has, to date, established seven clinics in the Pagan region alone. They treat more than 5,000 patients a month.
Staff at the clinics volunteer their time so all donations go directly where they’re needed, not to adminstrative offices.
Recently, MAM managed to raise nearly $10,000 in just 12 days to serve Myanmar’s most remote and vulnerable communities.
Partnering with Pandaw and other generous people and organizations who donated prizes, MAM held its first Big Prize Draw back in July.
Prizes included two tickets to see Olly Murs live at Newmarket Racecourses, four tickets to “We Will Rock You” by Queen and Ben Elton, and a walking tour of Yangon for two.
The cash value of those three prizes alone totals more than $1,835.
Expedition Line’s Landmark Impact Report
Australia’s No. 1 expedition-travel company has just released its firstever environmental impact report, leading the way for a more conscious travel industry.
Aurora Expeditions, long known for taking guests to the world’s most untouched areas, recognizes its responsibility to protect those fragile places. “We are incredibly proud to release our inaugural Impact Report, which outlines our commitment to sustainability and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel,” says Michael Heath, the line’s CEO.
The report reviews the company’s program of initiatives and objectives.
Among its goals are achieving 100 percent climate-neutral status, reduction of plastics, and a concentrated focus on better water conservation and waste projects.. management