Spitsbergen Summer vacation on Svalbard

Planet

We always encourage those who travel with us to take care of the environment in which they are visiting as they would their own by making use of litter bins and recycling options and by traveling with a reusable water bottle to reduce the plastic waste and to enjoy the pure, high quality water available in Svalbard.
Our local partners in Svalbard are highly focussed the local environment and are continuously working towards the reduction of energy consumption and waste levels. All of their guides are well-versed in the important policies in place that regulate Svalbard and help to protect the flora and fauna of the Arctic environment and strive to increase visitors’ knowledge and understanding of the vulnerable Arctic nature and the protective policies in place.

This program utilises the new hybrid electric catamaran in Svalbard, the MS Bard, which allows guest to explore the pristine Arctic fjords in silence and free of environmentally harmful emissions. Not only does this style of travel help preserve the environment by reducing pollution, it also helps preserve the natural state of the animal habitats here by eliminating the noise pollution that accompanies traditional boat travel.

While polar bears are occasionally spotted during fjord cruises around Spitsbergen, it is illegal to promote or conduct designated polar bear spotting or hunting tours. Svalbard has very strict laws around protecting the safety and habitat of this endangered species. All of our guides are trained in these laws as well in safety and protection methods.

The hotels available to use in this program are environmentally focused and offer local, environmentally responsible produce in their restaurants. In addition, the hotels are also imploring their guests to make green choices by reducing services such as daily towel and linen changes.

People

The communities found on Svalbard are very unique. The archipelago is not naturally habited by humans and people are not permitted to give birth on the islands. As a result, no native population exists. Every single person in the local communities on the archipelago have decided to move there to work and support the community itself. This fosters an incredible sense of cohesion within a very diverse and international group of individuals.
Our local Svalbard ground agents employ only local guides and drivers thereby keeping all moneys paid to staff in the local community. Where possible, food served to guests at all the hotels and lodges is sourced locally thereby providing a further income to local residents.
We emphasise the natural beauty and purity of Svalbard, stressing the importance of treating both the countryside and the local people with respect. Wherever possible locally owned and family-run accommodations are used, and visitors are encouraged to visit locally owned and run attractions.
Our partners in Svalbard play an active role in implementing the safety regulations and environmental tourism policies in Longyearbyen through their representation of the local tourist board and also have a long history of cooperation with the local search and rescue services of the Red Cross.