responsible tourism

Responsible tourism is a new way of traveling for those who care to contribute to the environment, eco system, local values and economy during their tours to host destinations. It has been noticed especially in majority of Indian destinations that the contribution of local community in tourism movement to the respective destinations is almost negligible. People still don't understand what benefits the tourism can give to their villages or regions. They only see adventurers carrying ruck sacs, pitching camps in their areas for the night and moving away next morning. The real information about monuments, monasteries, great personalities, great moments of joys and sorrows, history and culture of these villages always remain intact because majority of times the tourists buy packages from tour operators of distant places who just see their monetary interest in the destination.  The eco system, forests, meadows, water sources etc all get the similar response from a traditional tour. We sincerely request the viewers of this page to travel to get maximum pleasure and leave best impressions for the host community. Tourism should be the most respectful venture of these host communities, so that we do organize various moments during a tour to interact with local community. We do work on certain community projects and invite volunteers for that from all over the globe.

Getting more out of your holiday as a "Responsible Traveler"

Protect the Environment - its flora, fauna and landscapes
Respect local cultures - traditions, religions and built heritage

Benefit local communities - both economically and socially
Conserve natural resources - from office to destination
Minimize pollution - through noise, waste disposal and congestion We at Adventure India believe that the negative impacts of tourism are always not sustainable but there is no use of taking a chance. On you request we can supply you the pre tour reading materials, historic and cultural backgrounds of communities you will be meeting at destinations selected for your holidays, the local words for greetings and permissions etc. so once you reach the place you feel it a home away from home.

A few thoughts for the responsible traveler.

Read up on the countries you plan to visit - the welcome will be warmer if you take an interest and speak even a few words of the local language

Think small when booking a holiday - for example bed and breakfasts, village houses and locally owned accommodation benefit local families

Travel like Gandhi - with simple clothes, open eyes and an uncluttered mind (Rick Stevens)

Ask to see your tour operator's responsible travel policy

Help the local economy of developing countries by buying local products in preference to imported goods

If bargaining to buy an item, bear in mind that a small amount to you could be extremely important to the seller

Realize that often the people in the country you are visiting have different time concepts and thought patterns from your own, this does not make them inferior, only different

Instead of the western practice of knowing all the answers, cultivate the habit of asking questions and discover the enrichment of seeing a different way of life through others eyes

Use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient - you'll meet local people and get to know the place

Remember that man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it (Moore 1916)

Use water sparingly - it is precious in many countries and the local people may not have sufficient clean water

Find out where the locals go when they have time off. Visit the main sites but get off the tourist trail too

Don't discard litter, take it home with you. Waste disposal is a major problem in developing  countries

Respect for local cultures, traditions and holy places earns you respect For example, ask permission before you photograph local people.  

Spend time reflecting on your daily experience in an attempt to deepen your understanding. It has been said that what enriches you may rob and violate others

Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods, shells from beach traders, or ancient artifacts (which have probably been stolen)

Pack small gifts from home as gifts for your hosts- ask the local community what would be of most use to them

When you get home drop your tour operator a note to let them know how you got on Enjoy the beautiful memories