How can you contribute to developing Sustainable Tourism?

Tourism should be practiced as a means for personal and collective development. When done with an open mind, tourism is an irreplaceable source of self-education, mutual tolerance and learning about the legitimate differences between peoples and cultures and about diversity.

The natural environment

• Help to conserve the natural environment. Protect wild flora and fauna and their habitat.

• Do not purchase products made from endangered plants or animals.

• Please carry with you all of the garbage that you generate during your visit, and dispose of it properly.

• Carry biodegradable products with you and use them rationally.

• Keep rivers, streams, lakes and ponds clean

• Be careful with fire

• Keep in mind the scarcity of resources like water, fuel, and electricity, and consume them in a rational manner.

The social environment

• Gather together all the information possible about your destination, and spend time trying to learn about their customs, norms and traditions. Avoid behavior that could offend the local population.

• Open your mind to cultures and traditions different from yours: your experience will be transformed, you will earn the respect of the local population and it will take you in more easily.

• Be tolerant and respect diversity, observe the social and cultural traditions and practices of the place.

• Respect human rights. Any form of exploitation violates the fundamental goals of tourism. The sexual exploitation of children is a punishable offense, both in the place where it is committed as well as the country of residence of the perpetrator.

• Respect cultural resources. Tourist activities should be practices with respect for artistic, archeological and cultural heritage.

• Do not treat people like part of the scenery, they may not want to be photographed. Put yourself in their shoes. Ask permission before taking a picture, and respect their wishes.

The economic environment

• Your trip will contribute to economic and social development. Buy local products and crafts to support the local economy, and adhere to the principles of fair trade.

• When you bargain, keep in mid the concept of a fair wage.

Legislative environment

• Become familiar with the legislation in the country you are visiting in order to avoid committing any act considered a crime there.

• In protected areas, pay the required fees, remembers that your money is being used to conserve the protected areas that you are visiting. 

• Do not traffic in drugs, arms, antiques, protected species, nor hazardous items or those prohibited by national regulations.