The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations defines Responsible Tourism as follows:
“Responsible Tourism is tourism which:
- minimizes negative economic, environmental and social impacts
- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
- improves working conditions and access to the industry
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
- provides access for physically challenged people
- is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence”
‘Learn from the locals’
Find a place where you can spend some time with the locals, perhaps stay with them and learn about their culture, their social practices—learn to respect these. You could even take up a short course during your stay, for instance a cooking, music or martial arts course in Kerala, India.
‘Help protect/conserve’
Get involved with a project while on holiday to help the locals protect their environment or heritage—you’ll go back feeling much more enriched. Use resources like water and energy judiciously during your stay.
‘Pay Fair’
If you can then try and pay a fair prices for the goods you purchase from the locals specially items like handicrafts; avoid bargaining. If the price is negotiable then pay what you think is fair.
‘To impact or not to impact’
Don’t leave behind anything but your footprints in the sand and affection in the hearts of the locals—that is all the impact you need to make.
‘Support’
Support the local tradesmen, merchandisers, artisans, etc. as far as possible. Try out the local cuisines and give the restaurants good business. You could even support a cause or project by contributing towards it in cash or services.
‘May I?’
If you’re photographing individuals or their property then seek their permission before doing so.
‘When In Jungle, Be like Jungle’
Follow safari and jungle rules when you visit a jungle or national park area. Become a part of the jungle; understand it and its inmates. Don’t do anything to alter their existent life. viagra
