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"Responsible Tourism is about making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.”
Words from Professor Harold Goodwin, director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism.
As tourism becomes the world's largest economic sector we as responsible travelers can ensure its longevity by practicing ways to minimize ecological impacts, benefit local communities and reduce poverty.
For tourism operators it is about providing more rewarding holiday experiences for guests whilst enabling local communities to enjoy a better quality of life and conserving the natural environment.
There are a number of things that you as a traveller can do towards responsible tourism. Here are just some of them.
Africa Tamed top 12 responsible travel tips
- Before leaving home, learn as much as possible about the countries you are visiting - the religion and culture, the local rules and values.
- Learn some language and don't be afraid to use it - simple pleasantries will help break the ice. Keep practising.
- Learn what's appropriate behaviour and body language. Like the concept of "saving face" in Asia or giving the thumbs up in western or central Europe .
- Support locally owned businesses, hotels, restaurants and other services. Eat local food and drink local brands and brews. Use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient - you'll meet local people and get to know the place.
- Think first. It's best not to eat in restaurants, shop in stores or visit local shows, markets or zoos that promote cruelty or exploitation of endangered species.
- Shop from traditional artisans and for locally made products, helping keep traditional crafts alive and favour local products over imported items. Bargain if that is a local practice, but bear in mind that a small amount to you could be extremely important to the seller.
- Dress respectfully with an awareness of local standards. Dress modestly at religious sites and check what swimwear is suitable for pools and the beach.
- Always ask first before photographing or videoing people. Send them copies of photos to help make it a two-way exchange.
- Please do not give money, pens or sweets to the local people in the communities as it can promote a 'begging culture'. It can create unequal relationships between tourists and locals, with tourists being seen purely as 'givers', and it can also strip self-esteem away from people when they get money for simply being poor rather than having to solve their own issues of poverty through community action. With sweets - local people may not have access to dentists, nor be able to afford them. If you wish to donate we are able to suggest local projects that we support or you may wish to donate via an aid agency. Some local villages can be supported by buying their craft work etc. Pens, note books and other items for children are usually best distributed via a schoolteacher or community leader.
- Leave only footprints... take care of the environment as you would your own home. Take out all you take in to areas away from the cities. Use alternatives to plastic and say 'No' to plastic bags. For cigarette butts, an empty film container makes a perfect portable container.
- After returning home think how you can support programs and organisations that are working to protect the welfare, culture and environment of where you've been lucky to visit.
- Smile - The traveller who wishes to have a happy and successful trip should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as humanly possible. And have fun!
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