CONVENTION TRAVEL GREEN PAGE
Welcome to our Tread Lightly section - for those of you who wish to treat staff and clients to a great time, and keep your carbon footprint in check.- 94% of UK businesses put climate change in their top ten priorities
- 40% believe that reducing their carbon footprint is an important part of their brand
- 25% businesses have made their suppliers reduce their carbon footprint.
Responsible Tourism minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts. By contrast, it makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, and to the maintenance of the world's diversity.
This is why Convention Travel have put together these fresh, green options, exploring the possibility of rail, rather than air travel, and, if flying, picking hotels with sound ethical policies. They each offer something exceptional, which proves that we can all enjoy sustainably good times that don’t cost the earth.
We hope to inspire you and prove that going green can also be fun…
The English Option by Rail
The environmental case for taking the train over the plane is a no brainer. Rail travel produces 90% less carbon emissions per passenger mile. Train journeys are relaxing, avoid the stress of airports and allow you to enjoy beautiful landscapes. With high speed, first class rail travel a perfect way to unwind over a meal and drink with colleagues, why not make the journey part of your incentive trip?
For shorter breaks, or for those of you who are looking for something closer to home, there are some tempting escapes within our very own shores, such as multi-award winning Matfen Hall in Northumberland.
The impressive gothic hotel is situated in a 220-acre organic estate, and whilst golf is hardly eco-friendly, Matfen Hall’s 18 greens are greener than most with flora and nesting boxes around its course.
To boost its eco credentials even further, the hotel also has a strict buy-local and energy saving policy and will not require a flight to get there.
Matfen Hall offers golf tuition breaks and residential spa escapes, as well as a 16 metre UV filtered pool, a salt grotto, and its own award winning leisure club. Inspirational courses such as Team Building Through Art and Team Building Through Well-Being can also be arranged.
Matfen Hall
186mph to Northern French glamour
Last year Eurostar moved to St. Pancreas International, making the journey time from London to Paris a mere 2hours and 15 minutes. The 19th Century station has been transformed into a stunning destination in itself. Think of check-in chaos at the airports whilst you sip a glass of vintage champagne in style at Europe’s longest Champagne Bar.
Alternatively, the futuristic new station at Ebbsfleet International in Kent now offers a second gateway to Europe, with almost half of Eurostar trains calling there.
Once in France, the TGV offers exceptional service at an impressive 186mph, making the journey time to the bustling northern coastal resort of Deauville a highly accessible and desirable destination.
Deauville offers a wonderful range of attractions and activities for a dynamic short trip. Sailing; a day at the races, including the Lucien Barriere Deauville Polo Cup; the Jazz Festival in July, and wonderful shopping are just some of the attractions.
In October, the Paris to Deauville Rally for Vintage Cars and the International Horse Drawn Carriage Competition are both spectacles worth an Autumn jaunt.
We’ve found a charming, authentically French boutique hotel. Formerly the old Mayor’s house, this independent and friendly establishment has a sumptuously decorated interior and lush green garden offers a peaceful retreat from a hard day out at Deauville’s famous Clairefontaine Racecourse. For winning glamour, the Casino offers a great night out.
The Casino at Deauville
Horse and trap racing, Deauville
A stunning hotel to unwind in
When it’s OK to fly
Here are two examples of destinations which will require air travel, but which make a truly positive impact on their local environment.
Sun and Spa in Catalonia
If you are looking for sun and Spa, but without the jet lag, a short flight to Reus in Spain will deliver you to the beautiful costal area of La Selva del Camp.
Just one hour south of Barcelona, we’ve found a 5 Star hotel which values the heritage and sustainable development of Catalonia; has a sound environmental policy, and is a luxury option for the eco-conscious. The hotel has its own gourmet restaurant supporting local produce, and various tours of the area can be arranged for wine and whisky tasting.
Situated in this Spanish wine region, the stunning 1920’s building has been restored and modernised by the famous architect Domenech Montaner.
It provides an outdoor pool; fitness centre; Japanese garden for relaxation; meeting and conference rooms for up to 300 people and a Spa offering hydrotherapy and beauty treatments.
Two of the region’s best golf courses are close by and for the more adventurous, mountain biking is available.
Thalasso therapy at the Spa
The sunny outdoor pool
Catalonian style fine dining
Responsible tourism in South Africa
Five Star Tree Hugging
Grootbos Nature Reserve promises ‘five star luxury in harmony with nature’. Situated just outside Cape Town, Grootbos incorporates the largest Milkwood forest in the world, as well as stunning flora and wildlife to bring you back to nature.
Guests stay in lodges, each with it’s own large wooden deck with views over rolling Fynbos Hills and Milkwood Forests.
Gourmet meals are served in a magnificent restaurant overlooking Walker Bay are, of course, complemented with wines produced in the region.
Eco-friendly outdoor adventures include horse riding, shark cage diving, whale watching and fishing.
Conferencing, tailor-made events and special team-building activities such as strategic treasure hunts and beach olympics can be arranged!
The Grootbos Foundation, supported by the Eden Project amongst others, includes the Green Futures Horticultural and Life Skills College. Established in 2004 the Foundation’s mission is to conserve the biodiversity of Grootbos, and promote sustainable, nature-based livelihoods through eco-tourism, research, management and education projects.
Luxury bathrooms with fantastic views
Each suite has its own deck
The dining room at Grootbos, with telescopes at look out points
Southern Right Whale, Cape Town
Celebrating success at the Green Futures Horticultural and Life Skills College.
For more information on any of these trips, or to discuss other options, please don’t hesitate to call Convention Travel on 01483 304184. Our team is always ready to put together bespoke incentive trips to meet your unique requirements.
