What is responsible travel?
Responsible travel is an alternative way of traveling, opposed to mass tourism, for people who seek original experiences of life and culture. It is about respecting, supporting and getting to know the local culture, in a way that you definitely can’t when following mass tourism, and at the same time protecting the environment.
Its purpose is to educate the traveler; provide funds for ecological conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities. This form of traveling offers the opportunity to become more familiar with the places you visit. Local people will warmly welcome you, as they directly benefit from your travel.
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
- is integrate in the local ecosystem
