4 key strategies Oxalis reduces Scope 1 emissions in tourism

Incorporate walking as a major element in tour design

The majority of Oxalis tours are trekking tours, with walking activities making up the largest part of the journey. In fact, over 70% of Oxalis tour durations consist solely of physical activities such as hiking and climbing.

These activities, of course, generate no emissions at all.

A prime example is the Son Doong Expedition Tour, one of Oxalis’s most renowned trekking tours. This tour lasts 6 days, with 4 of those days entirely dedicated to trekking. Tourists will trek through dense forests and the breathtaking cave landscapes.

The emission-generating activities in these tours are minimal. Emissions mainly come from guest transportation (airport/train station – headquarters – trekking starting point – end point – headquarters).

Thus, the majority of the tour time is dedicated to “emission-free” activities. This helps reduce direct emissions from vehicles. It also provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature. Designing tours in this way also offers guests a unique experience. This allows them to fully immerse themselves in nature.

Transport guests with eco-friendly electric vehicles

Currently, Oxalis owns two electric vehicles, one at the Phong Nha office and one at the Tân Hóa office. This is to reduce emissions from guest transportation while providing a comfortable experience.

The electric vehicle at the Phong Nha office is a 5-seater, used to transport guests from Dong Hoi City to the office and vice versa. It’s also used for internal trips for same-day business purposes.

At Tan Hoa, Oxalis uses a 10-seater electric vehicle. This vehicle is used to transport guests’ luggage during Tu Lan and Hang Tien tours from Tu Lan Lodge to homestays in Tan Hoa Village and back. In heavy rain, the electric vehicle is also used to shuttle guests to dinner at local homes. On clear days, guests have the option to cycle, further minimizing environmental impact.

Oxalis uses solar energy from panels installed at its offices to power these vehicles. This renewable energy not only provides enough electricity for tourism activities but also reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Offer complimentary bicycles for hotel guests

When staying at a hotel, many travelers typically rent a motorbike for convenient transportation. However, at Chay Lap Farmstay, Blue Diamond Camp, and Tu Lan Lodge, guests are provided with free bicycles for personal use or to explore the surrounding countryside.

The bicycles at Oxalis’s accommodations are all high-quality. Many are equipped with child safety seats to ensure a safe and comfortable ride for guests traveling with young children. Instead of using motorbikes, guests can enjoy the fresh air. Take in the natural beauty of the countryside in a peaceful and relaxing way on a bicycle.

At Chay Lap Farmstay specifically, besides bicycles, guests are also offered free kayak rentals (1 hour/day). You can kayak and explore the Chay River from Chay Lap Riverside. This activity not only generates no emissions. It also provides guests with a tranquil experience of Chay Lap Village from a completely different perspective.

Streamline routes for gasoline-powered vehicles

Guest transportation still accounts for a significant part of Oxalis’s direct emissions. Oxalis has implemented route optimization measures to reduce emissions from these vehicles. Instead of assigning separate vehicles for each tour, we combine guests from different tours into a single shared vehicle.

Oxalis’s offices are located northwest of Dong Hoi City along the Ho Chi Minh Highway. This makes it convenient to merge different guest groups into the same journey. Reducing the number of vehicle trips not only helps create a more efficient travel experience. It also saves time for guests.

Join Oxalis in promoting emission-free travel and protecting the environment. Reducing emissions not only preserves the natural beauty of your favorite destinations. It also helps maintain their pristine state for your future visits.

The Oxalis Experience.