WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?
Sustainable tourism attempts to make a low impact on the environmental and local culture while helping to generate future employment for local people, the aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development brings positive experiences for the local people, tourism companies and the tourists themselves.
Tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing economies that does have the potential to put stress on the worlds biologically diverse habitats, the solution to this is to re-focus are thoughts about tourism and try to adapt to enable ourselves to discover a balance between limits and usage, this is sustainable development.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND OUR AIMS
-To provide a top class service to our customers whilst minimizing our impacts on the environment and positively contributing to local communities and the economy.
-To keep up to date with environmental issues and sustainable tourism guidelines as they are continuously changing due to the pattern of the industry and research.
– To pass on our knowledge, passion and expertise for the countries and communities that we travel within.
– Wherever possible we always aim to use local providers such as local guides who are experts in their field, smaller, family run hotels and local restaurants to help development of local economies.
– We travel with small groups, with the maximum group size being only 8 people, there are endless benefits such encountering wildlife, being able to eat in smaller local restaurants or on market stalls, having the opportunity to interact with local people without them being overwhelmed and generally making less of a footprint.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL, DO YOUR PART – 10 TOP TRAVEL TIPS
- So you have booked your holiday, what now? Spend some time researching your destinations; learn about local traditions, cultures, values and religion.
- Learn a few words of the local language and remember, even a few words and smile will make the difference between the local people’s perception of us as tourists.
- Dress modestly, respect that different cultures have different values and this often requires a dress code,
- Avoid restaurants, shops or zoo’s that promote the exploitation of endangered species or illegal hunting.
- Try to shop directly from the source, use local markets for handicrafts and delicious food.
- Respect the environment around you, reduce, re-use and recycle. Bring a refillable water bottle with you, use rechargeable batteries and give unwanted items to charity organizations.
- Listen to and learn from local guides, follow their lead and copy their behavior, always comply with their instructions.
- Refrain from aggressive bargaining. Haggling is part of many different cultures but be aware of local people’s ability to earn money and survive,
- Ask permission before you take photos, remember not to turn paparazzi on local people, put yourself in their shoes or think, how would I feel if somebody were doing the same to me.
- Share tips about responsible travel with friends, family and other travellers.
REMEMBER, TRAVEL IS A PRIVILEGE, RESPECT IT!