A Spotlight on Ocean Vertical

Adrian is acutely aware of the current pressure on people and of the bounce back from the expectations that came out of covid, with mass tourism, and people retreating back to less sustainable holidays on the rise. 

Having an adaptive and flexible approach, Ocean Vertical have looked to diversify their product range, bringing in more group and corporate clients, without deviating from the alignment of their purpose. With corporate groups, they can really see a difference in attitude and behaviour toward nature and in being more sustainable, not just in individuals but across whole teams and indeed “non green” businesses. They ensure people still have an intimate, safe experience that is rooted to and connected with nature and the wild elements.

Embedded in all their experiences is explicit inspiration about the environment within which the adventures are taking place and the impact on wildlife and nature. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is central to their ethos and is shared with guests, varying location of where activities take place frequently to ensure impacts are minimised. 

As sustainability is infused across all aspects of the business, Ocean Vertical not only encourages guests to give back to nature through donations and voluntary work but as a business they actively organise the annual “Blue Friday''. A day where they become volunteers and undertake active conservation projects themselves. 

In this they encourage previous guests and other partners to participate. Now in its 4th Year, it grows in reach and collaboration and is something the Outdoor Tourism sector could replicate and expand on. 

Working with businesses with a similar ethos is imperative for Ocean Vertical to remain true to their purpose.

Networking, sharing, learning and working with others is a valuable asset that should not be underestimated across rural economies. It is reaching new customers that's a bit of an inhibitor to the business at the moment, to ensure its economic survival. But the main challenge is ever seeking to improve the sustainability of the business, staying true to their purpose and ethos, whilst still being financially viable.

Rewarding and incentivising business to choose more sustainable products and practices, given the current financial premium on these, would “accentuate the positive “ effort towards net zero and go some way to  “eliminate the negative” choices that are in fact moving the tourism sector away from a more sustainable future.