Tuesday, October 10, 2006
How to be a more responsible tourist
Holidaymakers sunbathing on beach at Playa de las Americas in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Originally uploaded by Alex Segre.
The ten recommendation for sustainable tourism are:
1. When you plan your trip, choose providers that offer guarantees of quality, respect for human rights and the environment.
2. Use natural resources, such as water and electricity, with moderation. Remember that these resources are scarce.
3. Try to minimize the amount of rubbish you produce. They are a source of contamination.
4. When you do have to dispose of an item, do so in the cleanest manner available at your destination.
5. In natural spaces, ensure that the only tracks you leave behind are the ones from the soles of your shoes.
6. If you visit fragile environments, such as coral reefs or forests, find out how to do so in the manner which causes the least possible impact and does not degrade them.
7. When buying gifts and souvenirs, look for products that are an expression of the local culture. These favour the local economy and cultural diversity of the places you visit.
8. Do not acquire flora and fauna that is protected by the Convenio de Comercio Internacional de Especies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres (CITES), nor products derived from those species. It is an offence and contributes to their extinction.
9. At your destination, take pleasure in getting to know the culture, customs, gastronomy and traditions of the local populations. Respect them and approach them: they have much to show you.
10. Try to contribute with your presence towards the development of a responsible and sustainable tourism, making a healthier and planet with more solidarity.
Following these ten recommendations the tourist contributes towards the conservation of the biological richness of the earth and improves the opportunities for many peoples' development.
Turistas más responsables
