Responsible Travel – This is one of the most abused and obscure ‘labels’ in the world of tourism. Is there really a way of travelling that helps the people and places you visit without distorting them? On this page, you can find some possible answers, articles and travel destinations for those who want to be “aware”.
If your idea of a holiday is to throw yourself on a sunbed on the beach, headphones in your ears, to sleep 18 hours a day without caring about what happens around you, then this kind of travel is not really for you. If, on the other hand, you like to discover a little more about the places you visit and the people who live there, then you are on the right track. Because the responsible travellers/tourists are attentive to the world and the people around them.

What exactly does responsible travel (or responsible tourism) mean?

According to our definition, RT is a type of tourism that recognises the centrality of the local host community and its right to be a protagonist in the sustainable and socially responsible tourism development of its territory.

This means maximum respect for the local people and the environment but above all no form of exploitation.

Isn’t tourism always a kind of cultural colonialism that affects the autonomous development of the local people?

Unfortunately, this is true, but we try to avoid or limit these kinds of negative effects. We invite tourists who aim at travelling responsibly not to flaunt the objects that symbolise their economic power, such as cameras or mobile phones. Also with regard to doing charity, we ask you to consider the context carefully. Tourists do not realise that the amount donated can often represent a month’s salary and therefore might suggest the local parents that it is better to send children to beg in the streets rather than to send them to school. The local community can be helped in other ways. In some cases, a share of the cost of the trip/volunteer program could help to promote local development projects that benefit the community, such as schools, hospitals and cooperatives.

Isn’t it better to preserve places that are still intact from a natural and cultural point of view?

It is up to the local people to decide. If the local community chooses that tourism can be a way of development, we should act accordingly, with respect. In some places that have become destinations for mass tourism, it is often the western operators themselves who have decided to develop tourism.

I want to organise a trip, how do I recognise a reliable tour operator?

There are sustainable agencies that undertake Social Responsibility certification processes that demonstrate their commitment to environmental, economic, social and cultural issues. They usually provide quality labels. On our homepage, independent travellers can find many local networks that guarantee certain reliability. We don’t act as middlemen, so your money will go directly to the local organizations, NGOs or charities. All local projects can be visited during the trips so that you can see for yourself how local communities are being helped.

In practical terms, what is the difference between a responsible trip and a traditional one?

A responsible trip is often slower, with less hectic daily schedules, in order to really get in touch with the host communities. Travel groups are smaller, of up to 15 people and the accommodations are run by locals. Wherever and whenever possible, responsible travellers use public transport, bicycle,  sailing boat or travel by foot. This minimises the environmental impact and ensures that there is a real economic impact on the host territory.

Can luxury and responsibility coexist?

Let’s dispel a myth: Sustainable trips and volunteer programs are not always adventurous and spartan. Some organizations can rely on very beautiful and comfortable accommodation facilities suitable for families, children or honeymooners. The important thing is that everything has to be local, from the food to the decor, to the staff. You may not have big luxuries, but you probably won’t miss them.

Responsible Travel

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