Travel With Your Eyes Open: Responsible Tourism- Part 2

Whether it is a business trip, luxury beach villa, volunteering project, solo trip to any other type of vacation it is very important to remember that tourism carries with it a sense of responsibility. This responsibility, termed, as ‘responsible tourism’ is the management of tourism, where economic, social and environmental benefits are maximised.

When was the last time that you went for a holiday and actually paid attention to the culture of the region that you were in? Although tourism is one of the main reasons for uniting hundreds and thousands of people, it is absolutely important and imperative for travellers to abide by certain travel ethics and prevent destruction of a region’s heritage, culture and habitat.

A very popular adage, “Take only photographs, leave only footprints” can very aptly be used in this context. Besides tourism being of different types such as ecotourism, sustainable tourism, medical tourism, pro-poor tourism, mass tourism, social tourism to even creative tourism; there are plenty of leisure-oriented trips that are popular in summer, winter and other seasons across the world.

One of the most important aspects to being a responsible tourist is being sensitive to the culture, people, customs and etiquette of a place that you are visiting. This is especially the case in Asian countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, China, Korea, etc. The western manner of conduct is not necessarily the right way in all parts of the world.  It is extremely important to mix with the locals of the community, as you are first of all visiting their country and land. You may be viewed with suspicion or curiosity but you have to maintain an open mind and learn from your experience!

Dressing appropriately is one of the most important local guidelines that one can abide as a responsible tourist. Dressing inappropriately, even if it’s to a historical site can be viewed as offensive. 

Littering is one of the most common pitfalls of tourism, especially in developing countries, which do not even have a refuse collective system! Avoid purchasing products in disposable packaging.      

Visiting countries that are well known for their wildlife is one of the main reasons why tourists flock to a certain locality. It is very important to remember that these animals also need to be respected in their habitat. Littering again in parks or trying to feed animals when not permitted should be avoided!

Even if you are trekking or mountain biking with a group, some friends or alone you should stick to the marked paths at all points of time. While this is not only for safety sake it will also help to prevent unnecessary soil erosion in the region!

There are many ways by which you can be a responsible tourist. This includes ensuring that things are done before you leave for holiday, during the holiday and after you return.

While many people may at the most pay attention to one or two of these aspects it is extremely important to focus on all three approaches. You need to ensure that you do your research about the destination beforehand.

Be well aware of the cultural, ecological and religion specifics of the region you plan to visit! Even when you are packing make sure you carry appropriate clothing, especially when you intend to visit historical and cultural sites!

Upon returning from your holiday it is also very important to share your knowledge with other people; whether it is tips, hints or any information that you can pass on to a fellow traveller. You could also donate to different NGO’s or charities that work on causes in the area that you had just visited.  I am blogging for #ResponsibleTourism activity by Outlook Traveller in association with BlogAdda." Are you going to be a responsible traveller or not?