Responsible tourism

1. Respect the three principles of sustainable development:

a) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: by optimizing the use of environmental resources

b) SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: by respecting the socio-cultural authenticity of local communities

(c) ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENT: by ensuring elements including destinations and the socio-economic benefits equitably distributed to all people

Two existing factors towards to respecting and expressing on above 3 principles

First is aiming to “Offering” which means focusing on the infrastructures of accommodations. Be noticed that ¾ of the hotel’s space in all over the world is occupied by six international groups and the main factors of tourism sectors include airlines, tour operators, hotel chains…are headquartered in the developed countries.

In this context, it is better to choose small structures (ecolodge, hill tribal villages…), homestay or any other type of accommodation that enhances the better economic access of tourism or population of hosts. This battle is far from over and tourism benefits of the locals are little. Large monopolies certainly do not care about fairness and sustainable development or the lower costs of the destinations.

2. The three principles recalled mentioned above are interacted with each other, as soon as a participatory dynamic is set up (cooking class, agricultural work or introduction to certain crafts to give only 3 examples). It follows the involvement of the local population in the development of local tourism, the creation of social link between tourists and residents. The famous quest for authenticity of the traveler finds an answer here. This space of sharing brings a diversification in the tourist offer "classic".

3. We evoked two currents. The second is characterized by its approach towards the traveler. It tries to modify the practices of the tourists or to target those which present the most durable attitudes. Often considered as being at the origin of (almost) all the evils, the tourist is here on the contrary, invited to be the actor most able to reduce the problems related to the mass tourism by his behaviors. Training, education and communication are of paramount importance. This approach has the particularity to address both travelers and locals, raising awareness of each other to the enhancement of natural sites and cultural wealth, seeking to create a collective awareness of the need to protect these heritages.

Its implementation can be done quite simply, following 4 points:

TESTIFY the patrimonial, human, cultural, natural and gastronomic wealth of the destination with an article published on social networks and distributed in the form of, for example, a newsletter. SENSITIZING sustainable tourism by offering excursions and targeted activities. INVOLVING the traveler, for example by having them sign an "Eco-responsible Traveler's Charter" and explaining that a certain percentage of the price of their stay will go directly to the local communities (hence a slight additional cost). And finally, SUPPORT the functioning of local commerce, by facilitating the economic benefits. It is worth remembering here that local travel agencies are the key players in responsible tourism. They participate in the economic fabric of communities, offering tours that privilege direct contact between travelers seeking authentic encounters and local populations. By recruiting local guides, promoting homestays and promoting ethnic crafts, they are vectors for improving their resources.

Can you answer it?

1. Be well informed about the destination
Learn about the country, the region, the language, the ethnic groups. To learn some words of survival vocabulary (Where to eat / drink / is the pharmacy-the bank-the consulate ...).
It is gestures and attitudes of the tourist who - without his knowledge - can be offensive to locals. It is good that he is aware of it, without the paranoid sometimes dragging in blogs more or less inspired travelers.
 

2. Respect the culture and the local populations
The traveler must learn to adapt to his new environment and be enriched by this difference. Without information to prepare, there are chances that part of his stay turns into bad memories .... Vietnam in particular, with its 54 ethnic groups, is full of fabulous encounters ... which can be disastrous without a minimum of preparation. Places and sacred objects are also known in their broad lines. Not to mention the marks of politeness or respect for elders, an essential aspect of South Asian culture.
 

3. Respect nature, animals and their environment
While it seems obvious to respect the culture and the local people, it is equally important for nature, the environment and animals. Signposted trails, trekking trails or visits to the many nature parks require certain instructions.
 

4. Choose a responsible and reliable travel agency
The mentalities change little by little and it becomes frequent that the traveler gets a thorough information on the responsible commitment of his agency. It is also certain that he will wish an activity allowing an immersion in the daily life of this or that ethnic group, precisely in search of a loyal and responsible authenticity. It is very common to have to reassure the traveler on this point.
 

5. Traveling light
One of the recurring questions of the responsible traveler is: "What am I putting in my suitcase?" Beyond the advice, it is also a way to leave less carbon footprint. Indeed, reducing the weight of its luggage reduces the CO2 emissions associated with their transport. If each passenger reduced the weight of his luggage below 20 kilos, several million tons of CO2 would be neutralized each year!
 

6. Consume resources in a reasoned way
It has now become a certainty, mass tourism leads to overconsumption of natural resources and more waste to manage. Some information about drinking water in Vietnam, or the misuse of air conditioning are never superfluous!
 

7. Prefer ecological means of transport
If it is difficult to ignore the international air links, on the spot it is quite possible to move while minimizing its negative impact. Opt for a night train rather than a transfer by plane, an urban discovery in pedicabs rather than air-conditioned van ...
Do you have the answer to all or part of these questions?