Armstrong Group (Rocky Mountaineer Vacations & Gray Line West) www.rockymountaineer.com

 

 

Having built a reputation as the most spectacular train journey in the world and winner for three years in a row of the World Travel Awards leading travel experience by train, a Rocky Mountaineer Vacation is on many people's "bucket list".

 

In recognition of these and its many other sustainable tourism efforts, Tourism British Columbia awarded Armstrong Group, the owner of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations,  with its 2007 Foresight Sustainability Award as an “industry leader in the development, implementation and advocacy of innovative and sustainable tourism policies and programs. By exhibiting outstanding vision, particularly in the midst of formidable challenges in the operating environment, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations demonstrates not only bottom-line success, but also adds significant value to the province in a social/cultural, economic and environmental context” (Tourism BC).

 

A key component of Armstrong Group’s commitment to sustainability is its Caretakersprogram was developed to help form the vision for environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility and economic sustainability within the company:

 

We are dedicated to economic, social & environmental sustainability and we pledge to:

• Contribute to the economic and social well being of the regions through which we travel
• Take significant steps to protect the environment we share and contribute to the protection of Canada's natural resources.
• Use energy wisely and minimize our climate impact
• Develop programs and policies that support and acknowledge the history of Canada's heritage & traditions, in the regions in which our businesses operate.
• Develop positive long-term relationships with community stakeholders.
• Support and enhance employee retention programs that allow Rocky Mountaineer Vacations to recruit, hire and retain the best employees and be a company of choice in the tourism sector.
• Educate our staff, guests and suppliers about our sustainability goals and objectives and encourage their participation.
• Be a role model in the tourism sector for sustainability goals and objectives and participate in the mentoring of other organizations.

Also as part of Caretakers, Armstrong Group initiated a wide-reaching environmental audit that provided a blueprint for the many ways the company could minimize its impact on the land.    Examples of best practices include creating an internal “Green Team” with representatives from across the company, instigating a company- wide recycling program, significantly reducing its onboard waste, and partnering with the Pacific Salmon Foundation with an 8-year financial commitment that includes restoring salmon spawning channels, onboard education of guests and fundraising through the sale of “Fraser the Bear”.  

 

More information may be found at: http://www.rockymountaineer.com/sustainable_development/