Hopefully we have
made a responsible traveler out of you, thereafter we spelled out the
differences between a genuine green destination and a green washed one. In the
third part of our responsible travel series, we take you through what you
should look for in a green tour operator as a continuation from our part 1 and
part 2. A green tour operator is really where it all begins and to prove that,
here are some pointers in what you should look for in a green tour operator:
1.
Find out about the carbon profile of your business,
sometimes a less-obvious area of inquiry than ecotourism practices. Make an
effort to reduce your carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient initiatives
and using less carbon-intensive modes of transport. If you provide
accommodation and food for your guests, research the carbon footprint of those
areas of the business. For example, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients
incur far less of an emissions burden than those hailing from far away,
imported for an ecologically-disconnected menu
Work with the camps and lodges to create alternatives
to flying and driving safaris by suggesting nature walks, cultural talks and
tours, cycling safaris, boat safaris etc
2.
Do you have a relationship with the local
community you explore? A less-sustainable tours and travel agency may not
funnel much or any of its proceeds toward social issues in its region, while a
more conscientious one incorporates locals into its operations and takes the
time to give back to the community that draws in its patrons. This touches on
sustainability in more ways than one. Locals that feel involved and respected
in a tourism venture structured around its familiar landscapes, wildlife and
cultural heritage are more likely to value those components and make
responsible decisions regarding the preservation of natural resources.
Give some
of your net profit back to the local community and wildlife projects.
Choose a project that interests your
company, such as rhino conservation or village water supplies, and set yourself
a goal. Create the timeline with your staff and then inform your clients of
your goal. Update everyone involved on your progress throughout the year.
3.
Specialize in tours of natural areas. Strike a
balance between exposing outsiders to the wonders of a particular ecosystem and
protecting that very ecosystem against excessive use and disruption. For
example, tours that use baiting to attract animals may be unsustainable. Such
activity habituates creatures to human presence and accustoms them to handouts,
which alters their normal behavior; thereby decreasing their chances of
long-term survival while increasing the likelihood of an antagonistic encounter
that could lead to an animal's destruction
4.
Read through comments from other travelers,
which may give a fuller picture of the tour company's attitude and practices.
5.
Give your clients tips on what to purchase
i.e. refer your client to a local handicraft shop in the area they will be
visiting. When buying gifts for your clients, purchase locally made items.
Set a policy on waste reduction and recycling.
Ensure your staff is aware of it. Perhaps you can create a competition for the
office staff that uses the least amount of paper or recycles the most paper.
6.
What pre-departure
environmental information do you provide the traveler?
Create pre-departure information that provides
helpful hints on wildlife conservation information and what natural products to
buy or not buy when visiting East Africa
7.
Encourage your
staff to write on eco- travel for magazines, websites and ezines? That’s free publicity
for you while educating travelers at the same time!
8.
Train your staff to
be eco-friendly. Have
an eco-policy briefing for your staff.
9.
Get involved in regional
initiatives to conserve the environment. Start looking for partners that will
help you, help themselves and protect the wilderness areas at the same time!
