A magnificent combination of historic sites, seaside resorts and unmistakable scenery makes Turkey a must-visit destination for more and more tourists each year. Fortuitously located at the juncture of Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and bordered by the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black seas, Turkey boasts a dynamic mix of cultural influences and unique range of natural landscapes, both in great need of protection.
In keeping with that, Unlimited Holidays, a young tour operator based in Kalkan, in the southern Mediterranean region of Turkey, has signed on as a local partner of the Green Path Transfers global network of local eco-friendly airport transfer partners and ground transportation operators. This business decision has placed Unlimited Holidays at the forefront of efforts to commit to greener, more environmentally responsible transport options.
Just one area of activity amongst many others, the transfer services operated by Unlimited Holidays run between the Dalaman and Antalya airports and destinations in Kalkan, Kaş and Fethiye.
Preserving Environmental Resources
For Unlimited Holidays, which launched its operations in 2010, the partnership with Green Path Transfers builds on a commitment to preserve the natural environment and the communities in which it operates.
Since his start more than a decade ago as a professional tour guide in Antalya, Kalkan and Kaş, Mehmet Yildiz, founder and manager of Unlimited Holidays, has always been thinking about responsible travel initiatives in Turkey. According to Yildiz, his interests and the company’s participation in the green transfers industry stem from his commitment to preserving his country’s environment in a balanced fashion that takes into account the economic gains from tourism.
“Every small and big company has to take care of the environment,” he said. “We have studied this business and l am earning my living in this business, but if it’s so developed and so polluted, who will come to this kind of country in future? I want to attract more people who care for nature and the locals around. It’s not only for us, it’s for the animals, trees, etc. That’s why we are a partner in Green Path Transfers.”
In its turn, “Green Path Transfers looks forward to our future success in Turkey through our partnership with Unlimited Holidays,” commented Adrian Cordiner, the company’s CEO.
Delivering Sustainable Solutions
As an official Green Path Transfers partner, Unlimited Holidays has vowed to reduce its carbon emissions. The company’s current vehicle fleet consists of three-passenger diesel-powered cars and 14-passenger vans run on ‘euro-diesel’, a type of low-sulphur fuel that produces lower emissions than regular diesel fuel.
Further to this, the company intends to switch from diesel fuels to low-emission liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for its vehicles. Later on, the company even intends to build an entire fleet of low- and zero-emission cars. “I can promise to use the lowest carbon emissions vehicles for the cars l’ll buy in the future,” Yildiz said.
At the moment, one of the main constraints to going green is the high taxes associated with hybrid vehicles in Turkey. Yildiz is nevertheless confident that with the new government’s stated intention to support hybrid-vehicle use, things will change. “They’ll reduce taxes on hybrid cars,” he said, “but l think it will take at least five more years for companies to start using zero-carbon emissions vehicles.”
Unlimited Holidays’ deep respect for the local environment is reflected in more than just the company’s stance on green transport. Yildiz and his team also use non-toxic, chemical-free cleaning agents and commute to work on mopeds or electrical bicycles.
Exploring Local Sights
In addition to airport transfers, Unlimited Holidays provides travellers with a range of services, including guided sightseeing, adventure and luxury tours; hotel and villa reservations; and car hires. The regional focus is Kalkan, Kaş and Fethiye, including attractions like the sunken city of Kekova, Fethiye Market and even a lazy but luxurious day at sea via private yacht.
For ecotourists and travellers in search of their next adventure, Yildiz has a list of must-see sights in Turkey. Among his top picks are Kalkan, listed as one of the most romantic European escapes by the British newspaper The Independent; Kaş, a diving resort and site of the oldest known shipwreck in the world; Patara Beach, a long, beautiful beach and a protected habitat for the Caretta turtles who lay their eggs there; and last but not least, the Taurus Mountains, home to the tallest natural-grown cedar forests in the world.
To learn more about Green Path Transfers and how to be part of carbon-neutral travel arrangements that emphasise green technology in a growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com.
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The Travel Word is the online mouthpiece of the WHL Group and draws on a vast pool of ideas generated by local tour operators, partners, suppliers and more. Our blog - http://www.thetravelword.com - showcases responsible, sustainable and local travel. We are committed to inspiring mindful and independent travellers headed off the beaten path with local businesses making responsible and sustainable decisions about their destinations. Through anecdotes, articles, profiles, opinion pieces and news, our local voices aim to inform travellers about unique and ethical ways to experience a destination, travel responsibly and help sustain the distinctive qualities of a place.
Contact: media@thetravelword.com
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