Your ECO-ADVENTURE
Our Ecotourism Principles
Your ECO-ADVENTURE
Our Ecotourism Principles
Welcome to Go West Iceland
THANK YOU so much for considering an Eco-tourism company here in Iceland. Despite being a smaller personal family run company and therefore such a small drop in the Icelandic Tourism market, we are placed at the very top of sustainable tourism here in Iceland. No other company puts as much effort into providing sustainable tours here in Iceland and we are serious about protecting our island for the future generations to enjoy.
We know you will really enjoy taking part in the growing movement that is ecotourism by joining us on an Eco-Adventure and help us to shape the future of Icelandic travel.
Our Motto
Our motto is Balance and is expressed in our efforts to maximise your experience but minimise its environmental impact.
Travel without compromising nature, local culture, environment or safety.
Organize our tours in close cooperation with those we visit.
Highlight local history and cultural heritage.
Neutralize our carbon emissions.
Stimulate a fertile interaction between guests and hosts.
“Ecotourism is enriching nature and cultural experiences, facilitated by responsible tourism buisinesses to care for their people, the environment and the communities they are part of.”
carbon emissions Iceland
Kolviður
carbon emissions Iceland
Kolviður
When you book a tour with us, a percentage of that money is always donated to Icelandic Reforestation.
THE IDEOLOGY
The ideology behind KOLVIÐUR is based on carbon sequestration from the atmosphere through reforestation and tree carbon (C) and solved oxygen (O2) into the atmosphere.
THE AIM
Kolviður's goal is increased carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems in order to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, to bind the soil and reduce soil erosion, increase public awareness and corporate greenhouse gas emissions, and promote education on related issues.
By enabling the parties to take responsibility for their own emissions and respond with tangible results achieved. Kolviður will thus encourage Iceland to become the first nation in the world to offset their transportation carbon emission with forestry and land reclamation.
A declaration
Responsible Tourism in Iceland
A declaration
Responsible Tourism in Iceland
Responsible Tourism
Go West is among the 310 companies that have signed a declaration on responsible tourism with the President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson as the project’s patron.
The purpose of the incentive project is to maintain Iceland‘s status as an optimal future destination for tourists by supporting sustainability for future generations of the nation and highlight good practice in sustainability/social responsibility in tourism.
The companies involved in the project aim to:
- Demonstrate exemplary behaviour and respect for nature.
- Ensure the safety of guests and treat them courteously.
- Respect the rights of employees.
- Have a positive impact on the local community.
- strive to be responsible.
“The earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”
sustainable tourism
12 Steps to Sustainable Tourism in Iceland
sustainable tourism
12 Steps to Sustainable Tourism in Iceland
“Whilst having fun, we actively participate in protecting the natural and cultural heritage of our area”
The twelve aims for sustainable tourism are:
Environmental Purity
To minimize the pollution of air, water and land and the generation of waste by tourism enterprises and visitors.
Employment Quality
To strengthen the number and quality of local jobs created and supported by tourism, including the level of pay, conditions of service and availability to all without discrimination by gender, race, disability or in other ways.
Resource Efficiency
To minimize the use of scarce and non-renewable resources in the development and operation of tourism facilities and services.
Physical Integrity
To maintain and enhance the quality of landscapes, both urban and rural, and avoid the physical and visual degradation of the environment.
Local Control
To engage and empower local communities in planning and decision making about the management and future development of tourism in their area, in consultation with other stakeholders.
Economic Viability
To ensure the viability and competitiveness of tourism destinations and enterprises, so that they are able to continue to prosper and deliver benefits in the long term.
Biological Diversity
To support the conservation of natural areas, habitats and wildlife, and minimize damage to them.
Social Equity
To seek a widespread and fair distribution of economic and social benefits from tourism throughout the recipient community, including improving opportunities,income and services available to the poor.
Cultural Richness
To respect and enhance the historic heritage, authentic culture, traditions and distinctiveness of host communities.
Visitor Fulfillment
To provide a safe, satisfying and fulfilling experience for visitors, available to all without discrimination by gender, race, disability or in other ways.
Local Prosperity
To maximize the contribution of tourism to the economic prosperity of the host destination, including the proportion of visitor spending that is retained locally.
Community Well-being
To maintain and strengthen the quality of life in local communities, including social structures and access to resources, amenities and life support systems,avoiding any form of social degradation or exploitation.
All Tours Prices include 11% VAT and Contribution to Icelandic forestry and landcare through the Kolviður Iceland Carbon Fund.
