Unit 2

Why Tourists Travel

Lesson 12: The Responsible Tourist

"Most of the damage we cause to the planet is the result of our own ignorance." ~ Yvon Chouinard

Responsible Tourism was defined in Cape Town in 2002 alongside the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The definition, called the Cape Town Declaration is now widely accepted and has been adopted by the World Travel Market since 2007. The declaration states that responsible tourism creates better places for people to live in and better places to visit through:

conservation of water resources

energy efficiency

integrated waste management

preferential procurement

enterprise development

skills development

social development

Global Sustainability

The UN declared 2017 the Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, an entire year dedicated to reminding global citizens that tourism isn't just about seeing the sights; it's about connecting with local people and local cultures, and making a positive difference in each other's lives no matter where we are in the world.

As guidance to be a more Responsible Tourists here are some tips to use on future travels:

1. Educate Yourself. Before leaving home, learn as much as possible about the countries you are visiting: the religion, culture, and the local rules and values. You don't have to know everything, but knowing the basics such as how to dress, how to greet locals, how to act respectfully will not only make your experience more responsible but also far less stressful for you as a stranger in a new land.
2. Get Down the Local Lingo. Learn a little of the local language and don't be afraid to use it. Simple pleasantries will help break the ice. Even if your accent is terrible and you can't get the grammar right, just keep practicing and show the locals you are making a special effort to learn their language. They'll appreciate it!
   
3. Know Their Customs. Learn what's appropriate behavior and body language in the country you're visiting. As a few examples, the two-fingered peace or V sign means something very different if you aim it the wrong way in London, and in Turkey, women should wear skirts reaching below the knee level and shirts with sleeves preferably elbow length or longer when visiting mosques. 
4.  Go Local in Everything You Do. Support locally owned businesses, hotels, restaurants, and services whenever you can. These are the businesses that benefit from your tourist dollars the most, not the big-name chains. Eat local food and drink local brands, use public transport, hire a bike or walk whenever it's convenient. This will help you meet local people and help you know the place much better and authentically. 
5. Know What You're Supporting. Think critically when it comes to deciding what activities and experiences to include on your itinerary. Avoid local shows, markets, or zoos that exploit animals such as riding elephants in Thailand or swimming with dolphins in an enclosure. Many of these activities present themselves to tourists as a conservation effort but the reality may be far darker than you think with animals bred in captivity, mistreated, or neglected. Look for tours run in partnership with local non-government non-profit organizations (NGOs) where all net proceeds go back to the organization and the local community.
   
6. Shop smart. When it's time to pick up a few souvenirs, head to the shops of traditional artisans for locally made products. You'll be helping keep traditional crafts alive while also supporting independent business owners and artists. Always favour local products over imported items and avoid buying things made from endangered animals or from at-risk plants.
   
7. Dress Appropriately. Dress respectfully with an awareness of local standards. Dress modestly at religious sites and check what swimwear is suitable for pools and beaches. When in doubt, cover up. For women, it is a good idea to always travel with a scarf or shell to cover your shoulders or head if needed.
8. Always Ask Permission for Photos. Not only is it rude to snap someone's photo while they are going about their day but in some cultures, it's also a violation of their spiritual and cultural beliefs. Plus, asking them before you click gives you a chance to have a conversation which is what travel is all about.
   
9. Leave Only Footprints. Take care of the environment as you would your own home. Use alternatives to plastic and say no to plastic bags and choose to recycle whenever possible. Try to keep your waste as low as possible and of course, never take pieces of coral or other endangered plant life home as a souvenir.
10. Smile! Yes, things will go wrong on your trip and you'll no doubt have a few days that frustrate you. But remember that you're having a travel experience that many people can only dream of having, so embrace it all. Plus, a smile is an international sign of warmth and friendship, regardless of the language spoken.