ARE YOU A RESPONSIBLE TOURIST?
Dear traveller,
To follow, you will find a practical guide to help you make your journey an enriching experience.
Here, we list some advice which can be found in the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism developed by the World Tourism Organization.
THE TOURIST AND THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER
Holidays and tourism are a means of personal and collective development. If tourism is done with an open mind, then it is a factor of indesputable self-education, mutual tolerance and learning between countries and cultures. It is obvious that governments, companies and communities should promote it, but you too can do your little bit as a visitor:
Be open to the cultures and traditions of other countries. Your experience will be transformed as you will gain the respect of the local people. Be tolerant and respectful to differences; be aware of the traditions and social and cultural practices of the area.
Respect human rights. Any form of exploitation violates the fundamental aim of tourism. Sexual exploitation of children is a punishable crime, both in the place where it is committed as in the place of residence of the person who commits it.
Help to preserve the environment. Protect wild flora and fauna in its natural habitat, and do not buy products made with plants or animals in danger of extinction.
Respect cultural resources. Tourist activities should preserve artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage.
Your holiday could help economic and social development. Buy handmade products and crafts from the area to help boost the local economy. Encourage the principals of fair trade. When bartering, keep in mind the local salary.
Before leaving on your journey: find out about health and emergency care in the country you are going to visit. Make sure that your health and personal safety will not be at risk. It is a good idea to find out about specific needs before starting your journey (food, accessibility, medical attention).
Get as much information as possible about your destination. Take time to try and understand local customs, regulations and traditions. Avoid using behaviour which could offend the local people..
Find out about current laws so that you do not commit any act which could be considered a crime in the country you are going to visit. Do not smuggle drugs, weapons, antiques, protected species or what are considered to be dangerous or prohibited substances by national regulations.
Source: World Tourism Organization
Sustainable Tourism