RESPONSABILITIES OF TOURISTS

we’re going to write about responsible tourism. An indispensable source for the tourism of tomorrow. The environment and the local culture need to be preserved.

 

DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF RESPONSIBLE TOURISM :

Responsible tourism is a “tourism implemented according to principles of social and economical justice and in the whole respect of environment and culture”. (www.aitr.org)

Responsible tourism recognize the centrality of local hosting community and its right to be protagonist in sustainable touristic development and socially responsible of its own territory.

It works according to the positive interaction between tourism industry, local community and travellers.

The first worry concerns the environment:the responsible tourist  must avoid damaging it.

The other factor concerns local people who live in that place: the responsible tourist must have a dutiful behaviour with local community and he must respect their culture.

Responsible tourism is emotional because you learn to respect local people and it’s possible to live an experience of heartfelt holiday.

Responsible tourism creates benefits to hosting people. When hosts are happy, guests will be too.

Sustainable tourism is a form of development that doesn’t compromise the possibilities of the future generation to continue its development, preserving the quality and the quantity of the heritage and the natural reserves. The pursuit is saving an economic development and a social balance.

Three characters of sustainable tourism:

-         environmental resources must be protected

-         a local community must have a profit for this kind of tourism

-         visitors must enjoy their quality experience

 

GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM:

(http://www.untamedpath.com/eco-tours/eco-travel-guidelines.shtml)

 

You should do several things before being a responsible ecotourist during and after your journey to ensure that your experience is in line with the values of “ecotourism”.

Here there are 10 steps to be a perfect ecotourist:

 

1) Prepare your trip:

Learn about your destination place and its local culture, news, customs, language and history.

2) Respect local traditions:

Integrate yourself within the local culture and respect their way to live.

3) Avoid the excesses:

Leave unnecessary valuables at home as they can create barriers and inhibit genuine interactions.

4) Be careful about begging:

Refrain from handing out sweets, pencils or loose change. It had better to donate money to local organisations, which are making a difference in the area which you spend your time. Consider giving healthy local food or essential supplies if you still feel the need.

5) Open your mind:

Approach your adventure with an open mind and try to adapt yourself to the situation.

6) Conserve resources:

Respect the resources in the visited area. Limit your personal consumption of unnecessary water, wood for building fires, specialty foods that had to be transported from afar. Don’t hunt animals in danger or rare plants for leisure.

7) Reduce environmental impact:

Do not remove any object, plants or animal products from nature. Pack out everything that you bring in, especially plastic.

 

8) Choosing a tour operator or guide:

Choose a tour operator that can provide you a completely eco-holiday. Many companies offer luxury accommodation but the less likely is to be true ecotourism.

9) Support local economy:

This is an integral part of true ecotourism. Use local transportation, guides, inns, restaurants and markets.

10) Don’t break off to be an ecotourist:

Ecotourism definitely doesn't need to end with your flight home. Share your experiences with others to foster a greater understanding of our world.