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Ethical travel

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At a time when sustainable tourism is playing an increasingly important role in society, travellers, aware of the negative impacts of mass tourism, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, are turning to more responsible forms of tourism. There are a number of different approaches to sustainable tourism, ecotourism and solidarity tourism, some of which are more focused on the environment or on people, but all of which have a common objective: to protect and preserve the environment, natural tourist areas and local cultures. Travellers must also adopt responsible and respectful behaviour to ensure ethical travel.

 

 

 

What is ethical tourism?

Ethical tourism or responsible tourism is a form of sustainable tourism that is completely different from mass tourism. It is based on the principles of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic. It aims to considerably reduce the negative impact of tourism on destinations and to provide benefits to local communities from the profits generated by tourism. Ethical tourism involves travellers taking part in initiatives that support local communities, preserve cultures and traditions, and above all protect the environment. They can also help fund local projects such as the creation of schools and health facilities, as well as species and environmental protection. Travelling responsibly means taking into account the economic, social, cultural and environmental consequences of your actions.

 

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      The traveller’s ethical charter

      To be replaced by : In 1995, on returning from a trip to Ethiopia, during which some participants had not respected the instruction not to photograph the people they met, Christophe Leservoisier decided to draw up a charter of good conduct for all travellers. It defends the idea that by simply understanding those we meet, we can personally contribute to the preservation of people and nature’. It is still distributed to this day, notably by ATR.

      Preparing for your trip

      To prepare for your trip, it’s important to find out about the destination. This means finding out about the local people, their way of life, their culture and their religion.

      Choose professionals specialising in sustainable tourism, travel agencies, accommodation and restaurants, as well as local activities and guides. Find out about price haggling and tipping practices.

      Your luggage should not be too heavy; for practical reasons, take only the essentials, and travel light, always leaving room for souvenirs made locally.

      During your trip

      Throughout your stay, whether in a group or on your own, immerse yourself totally in the culture of your destination. Leave your habits behind and adapt to those of the region where you are staying, as they can be very different from one region to another. It’s important to respect the country’s lifestyle and dress code, particularly in places of worship. To immerse yourself as fully as possible in the culture of the place, there’s nothing better than tasting the specialities of the local cuisine.

      There are, however, certain habits that you should keep in mind. If it’s not obvious to everyone, waste management is of vital importance in preserving the environment, so remember to in the appropriate bins and sort it if you have one. Outdoors, respect the signs and dispose of your rubbish preserve natural areas; indoors, watch your water and energy consumption.

      If you want to immortalise moments of life or elements of the landscape, make sure you ask permission from the people in the shots.

      Want to take home a souvenir of your trip? Choose a souvenir made by a local craftsman rather than something taken from a natural or historical site.

       

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      Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (1)Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (1)
      ©Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (1)
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        Guided tour of Malmousque and the small ports of the Corniche ©mtOTLCM (108)Guided tour of Malmousque and the small ports of the Corniche ©mtOTLCM (108)
        ©Guided tour of Malmousque and the small ports of the Corniche ©mtOTLCM (108)

          After your trip

          Once you return to your home country, it is important to honor the commitments made there with associations or locals. Did you enjoy your trip? Tell your family or friends about all the memories you had, and share your travel experience with people who want to start soon. Take advantage of what this experience brought you, what you discovered to raise awareness around you, about the climate and environmental situation and sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

           

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