Be a Responsible Tourist & support Eco-Tourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism means responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment and improving the well-being of the local people. Its purpose may be to educate the traveller, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and local communities, or to encourage respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s, ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavour by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism.

Generally, ecotourism deals with interaction with biotic components of the natural environments. Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel,

personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to encourage a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism programs include those that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities.

• Remember that while you are on holiday, you are actually entering into someone’s home and everyday life. Your holiday, their home! Often we give little thought to the impact we will have on our holiday destination, its people, culture, economy and environment.

• Do your homework. Read up on the places you want to visit. Some things may be accepted in your home country, but in others places it may be a criminal offence! Try to dress respectfully, and follow the local costumes. Learn a few phrases in the local language. Chat with the local people and try to speak their language. You are sure to get an instant smile and a laugh to seal those memories. You can get information from sites like caring for your destination, Sustainable Travel International, Making Responsible Tourism, Local Travel Movement, Concert on eco-friendly products and services.

• Help preserve the heritage. Some monuments are so old and fragile that they are sensitive to the touch of hands or bags and shoes

• Be mindful of other visitors. Care needs to be taken to allow others to be able to enjoy it in the future.

• Go green. Take your litter with you. Reuse the water bottles.

• Turn of lights and air conditioners when not needed and think about your waste disposal.

• Go local. Support the local economy. Buy from local markets. This keeps money in the economy and helps local people keep their jobs.

• Use local guides and drivers. Not only it is a great opportunity to interact with the locals and build friendship, but it encourages locals to learn about their history and culture and take pride in it.

• Don’t stress. Our hurried concept of time is not the same in other cultures and local peoples thought patterns differ from your own.

• Bargaining is expected in many cultures and we all enjoy the bargaining with a smile and a laugh, but the money you saved could be enough to pay for an entire family’s meal that night.

• Giving gifts unfortunately encourages begging. Find a project, health centre or school to donate to instead. This will have a more positive and long-lasting impact.

• Don’t be a critic. Things does not always work out according to the plan.

• Good manners are universal. A responsible tourist is polite, positive and eco-sensitive.

• Enjoy! The task of responsible tourism is to make a better place to live in and a better place to visit!