Responsible Tourism

Following are the three major principles of responsible travel  

Environment
Travel which makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and human heritage, biodiversity and wilderness, and minimises negative environmental impacts

Social/ Cultural
Travel which respects culture and traditions, and encourages authentic interaction and a greater understanding between travellers and hosts
Economic

Travel which has fair financial benefits for the host community. Monies spent by travellers remain in the community through the use of locally owned accommodation, services and staff

However, while it is good for the locals to reap the benefit of tourism, it strongly discourages the exploitation of its people (i.e. prostitution, low wages etc) as a result of unhealthy competition, lack of awareness etc.

Rationale behind our Responsible Tourism Policy

“A healthy ecology is a basis for a healthy economy.”– Claudine Schneider  add

The mere mention of the word Himalaya may evoke a magical, mystical place to many people, but it is also home to some of the poorest people on earth. The region itself is a fragile ecosystem that cannot support large numbers of tourists. The customs and traditions of the indigenous people living in remote valleys are also vulnerable to the over-bearing culture of tourists. Therefore, we owe it to ourselves as tour operator to recognise this dichotomy by putting in place strict guidelines to minimise the impact of our presence.

Many underdeveloped countries such as ours have become dependent on the tourist dollar for their future development, and this has led to many abuses by tourists and tour operators. If managed appropriately, we believe that tourism has an enormous capacity to bring benefits to these places by bringing much needed economic growth and supporting development and conservation efforts. Therefore we have placed a major focus of our operations in setting the standards in responsible tourism. By this we hope to repair some of the damage already done and eliminate the possibility of repeating the same mistakes in the future by acting sensitively, being as well informed as possible, informing others about the perils of these dangerous practices and bring about a new wave of attitude towards the concept of conservation and preservation.

In many ways, our role in promoting the Himalayan regions and its varied cultures may be the most powerful contribution we make as we strongly believe that once we initiate this interest, people will, consequently, be aware of the perils that face the Himalaya and its fragile ecology. Our emphasis is on creating awareness through participation.  

We invite your contributions and feedback on ways we can further improve our approach to sustainable tourism while ensuring the future protection of the environment and, the indigenous people, their age-old traditions and cultures. As the famed Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore once wrote “We live in this world as long as we love it.”  

Please read our Responsible Tourism Policy for more information about these guidelines.

Your Responsibility
Whilst we play our part in ensuring that the planning of our holiday and your travel experiences comply with the ecotourism or responsible tourism principles, a large part of the responsibility is with you, as the guest of the country you are visiting. Although to most it is a matter of commonsense, our guests are given a few simple guidelines on responsible travelling covering everything from begging to buying artifacts. We urge you to read them and get behind our push for responsible tourism.

Your feedback on environmental matters is vital. Please remember to fill in the questionnaire at the end of your trip.

Please read our Responsible Traveller’s Code for more information about these guidelines.

Wild Heights’ Responsible Tourism Policy

The following eco-travel principles and practices are guidelines by which we conduct our adventure programs, both in the design of trips and their operation in the field by our staff. By making ourselves committed to this travel ethic, we hope to create holidays that give our customers ‘real and authentic’ experience and a full appreciation of all aspects of their adventure holiday.

Wild Heights is committed to:

-Keeping all group sizes small (max 15 people) to minimise the impact on the local culture and resources. It also enables us to have a far more independent and interactive experience;

-Always treating people with respect, observing their cultural traditions and avoiding patronising attitudes. Encouraging our customers to do likewise, by providing them with information about cultural/ religious traditions and values and encouraging them to learn some basics in the local language;

-Providing a wide range of opportunities through which local people can learn from and participate in activities in meaningful ways;

-Using local leaders/ guides who understand the environmental issues of the areas visited and who can help guests to understand local customs and traditions, interact with local people and ensure at least a minimum level of local involvement in our holidays;

-Continually monitoring the social, political and safety issues in the region, at both local and national level, and communicating all relevant information to customers prior to departure (where possible);

-Using local products and services that comply with ethical practices;

-Using locally run hotels/ guesthouses where available and avoiding foreign-owned hotel chains. This ensures that the money you pay stays within the host country and benefits the local economy

-Encouraging our customers to purchase locally manufactured products rather than imported alternatives, and buy gifts and crafts from local shops and markets;

-Supporting all kinds of conservation efforts (and its enforcement) that are initiated at both local and international level;

-Respecting all local regulations set out by specific National Park or local conservation management committee to control negative impacts of tourism on natural ecosystems and indigenous communities;

-Providing guests with information and advice about how they can minimise environmental impacts, and how they can reduce their consumption of resources.

The following procedures must be followed by us to ensure the successful implementation of this policy:

-Look after the welfare of our staff including porters and ensure fair and ethical treatment in wages, incentives and other company benefits;

-Organise annual training seminars for our leaders and other field staff that emphasise our own set of responsible toursim policy and its implementation;

-Continually assess the social, economic and environmental impact of our trips and make adjustments as necessary. This can be achieved through completing regular ‘trip monitoring’ forms;

-Seek continual feedback from customers on the success of this policy and recommendations for additions/ amendments;

-Inform guests about how their trip conforms to the principles of sustainable tourism and ensure each guest receives a comprehensive Trip Note and the Pre-Departure Information pack that includes tips on Responsible Travel;

-Distribute a copy of this policy to all employees and suppliers and ensure it is available to all customers;

-Continually strive to foster, develop and promote the philosophy, ethic and practice of ecotourism among the local communities. There is little education on environmental awareness in our countries; so many locals are unaware of the implications of deforestation, littering etc. Our aim is to educate by example, rather than through lecturing. We believe that the more local people observe outside interest in their surrounding natural environments and benefit from the resulting tourism, the more they will commit to preserve the natural values upon which the tourism is based.

Responsible Traveller’s Code

The basic premise behind responsible tourism is that travellers should do all they can to minimise any negative effects of tourism by taking responsibility for their actions and behaviour to ensure that their visit to an area is mutually beneficial both for them and the local people. As responsible travellers, your commitment to low-impact travel will certainly help to ensure that future travellers can enjoy similar wonderful experiences.

Please note that although the following guidelines offer suggestions for low-impact and culturally sensitive travel, it shouldn’t, by any means, be taken as an attempt at lecturing our guests on things which otherwise is, after all, a matter of commonsense.  

Homework

Your first step to being responsible traveller is to take the time to learn about the place you are visiting. This will prepare you to anticipate as well as appreciate our cultural differences. Learning some of the local language and reading about the local history, religion and culture prior to travel will greatly enhance the quality of your experience and your appreciation for our cultures.

Respect cultural differences

It is important that the visitors respect the local customs, traditions, etiquettes and sensibilities which may be different from their own. Please make sure in your dealings with local people you accept these differences and not try to change them for your own benefit or comfort. If it was the same as home you probably wouldn’t come.

Keep Your Sense of Humour

It is considered the height of bad manners to lose your temper and you will almost never see people here losing theirs. You are not at home but in a land where things are done differently and where concepts of time are simply different from your own. See the funny side of your predicament, there will always be one.

Dress and Behave Modestly  

Although people here are too polite to openly rebuke you for wearing revealing clothes, it is respectful, nevertheless, to wear clothing that keeps both men’s and women’s legs, back and shoulders covered all the time. Dress and behave appropriately at religious sites. Nude bathing or sunbathing is not appropriate.

Interaction

Making new friends will be one of the greatest joys of your travels. By taking the time to chat with the locals you will learn about their daily lives, culture and attitude to life, plus have a very enjoyable time and a few laughs. It may also help to instill some local pride when you express a genuine interest in their things and explain why you have come all this way and spent all that money to visit their country.

This is a chance for them to learn about you and your culture too. We ask you not to be affronted by questions like- “What’s your name? How old are you? Are you married?” – questions you may consider personal or rude. It’s usually genuine curiosity, friendliness or a desire to practice their English. A little bit of patience and a sense of humour go a long way in coping with such situations.

Taking the time to learn a few key words and phrases in the local language can also go a long way and is appreciated by the local people. It also makes your interactions more meaningful and memorable. After all, wouldn’t it be a bit presumptuous to assume that the locals should speak nothing but English to you?   

Take photos with care

Locals here get just as annoyed by people peering into their lives as you do. It is a common courtesy to ask for permission before taking their picture and respect their wishes if they refuse. One should avoid paying for the right to take a photo as this has been found to encourage a begging mentality. If you do take a photo, offer to send copies back to them (through your local leader) and make sure to follow through with your promise.

Be Modest With Your Wealth

However poor you think you are at home, by the locals’ standards you are obviously very wealthy. Don’t flaunt your wealth – use discretion with jewellery, cash and techno-gadgetry!

Support local businesses and traders

We ask you to ensure as much as possible that your money goes directly to local businesses and traders. An excellent way to support this initiative is to buy locally made products – arts and craft, etc – from market stalls and shops. You may also ask your leader for recommendations about where to find local markets, stores and cooperatives.

Bartering

Bartering is a way of life and is an acquired skill. Don’t haggle too aggressively when you are bartering over the price of an item you are purchasing, Pay a fair price that reflects what you think the item you are buying is worth to you.

No to Prostitution

Prostitution is a gross infringement of human rights, as women and children are either sold into the industry by their families or pimps, or forced by circumstances. Many end up with drug problems and sexually transmittable diseases. We strongly condemn anyone who supports prostitution.

Drugs, no thanks!

It must be understood that possessing or using illegal drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Be advised that you will probably be approached by peddlers when you are in towns or cities but we hope that they will be discouraged.

Material progress- yes or no?

We ask you to remain open minded about development and poverty in local areas, and respect that the local people may wish to develop economically and gain access to material possessions that you may take for granted. While this undoubtedly changes villages and makes them less ‘unspoilt’ for travellers, it is something that a traveller should respect.

A role you can play is to share some of the realities of your culture, and point out what they’ve got which your society lacks. You can help dispel some of the wrong notions about money bringing happiness and make people understand the negative influences that come with it. Assist people to achieve a balanced view of development.

Doctor, Doctor  

It is common for villagers to approach trekkers for medical treatment. Even if you are an experienced medical practitioner it is not wise to give more than a band-aid to villagers. Most have never taken western medicine and may react unpredictably or may not follow dosage directions. Encourage them to wash cuts with soap and boiled water, and to see the closest clinic or health post for medical treatment. You might give porters or staff with whom you are travelling mild antidotes such as aspirin, ibuprofen or cough drops but only if you can check up later.

Hallo, mony please!

Begging is a harsh reality in this part of the world where the gap between rich and poor is becoming more apparent. Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basic problem. Therefore, do not encourage beggary by being benevolent. Handing out pens, balloons, sweets and money to children in villages and towns- while it may seem like a good idea and borne out of good intention-only decreases their respect for foreign visitors and is strongly discouraged. Previous visitors, unaware of the damage that they have done by giving gifts, have created a situation that will take many years to defeat. Please do not contribute to the problem.

Donations to a charity project, health centre or school is more constructive. Pens, note books and other items for children are usually best distributed via a school teacher or community leader. Your leader would be happy to help distribute these items.

Be environmentally aware

Travellers should do everything they can to minimise the environmental impact of their travel on a country and follow environmentally acceptable trekking procedures while travelling in the fragile mountain environment as it is being damaged by careless or ill-informed trekkers.

Stay on the trail

Impacts on wildlife, soil and vegetation can be minimised by walking on constructed trails that are already highly disturbed and in many cases have been designed to endure heavy use. Straying from the trail while trekking can cause erosion, gullying and other environmentally harmful impacts.

Do not litter

Before leaving for trek (preferably at home), repack items to avoid unnecessary packaging. Pack food in biodegradable containers. We ask that the guests take an extra plastic bag to pick up any rubbish that they see to improve the area and for their own rubbish. Even if you see a local person littering, set the example by disposing of your garbage appropriately. Tampons and sanitary pads should be disposed of the same way or in the toilets at the lodges, if any. Take all batteries away with you to be disposed of in your own country. The golden rule is: if you packed it in, then pack it out.

Reduce waste

Pollution and waste management is a huge problem here. Disposal systems are inadequate and recycling of plastics is limited or non-existent. Bottled water is common, but unfortunately there are few facilities for recycling of the bottles. Please try and minimise the waste of plastic water bottles. Opt for beverages in glass bottles as they tend to be re-used. Note that we provide boiled and treated water on the trek.

Protect local water systems

Keep local water clean. Do not use detergents and pollutants in streams and springs on the trek. Use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos. If you are bathing or washing clothes, fill a bowl with water and do so away from the stream.

Where there are no toilets be sure you are at least 20-30m away from the water source and bury or cover waste.

Use toilets

Ideally suited to the environment, we encourage the use of small composting toilets wherever available along the trail. The end product is one of the best fertilisers around for organic agriculture. Please remember to not throw toilet paper, tampons or sanitary towels down the hole.

Discourage deforestation

Make no open fires and discourage others from making them. Deforestation is the Himalaya’s biggest environmental problem and we use kerosene for cooking on all of our treks as an alternative to wood. Limit use of water heated by firewood (though use of dead/scrap wood is permitted to some degrees even in conservation areas).

Respect other visitors’ need for solitude

When travelling in backcountry, care is required to minimise disturbance of other visitors. Others will appreciate the solitude.

Respect the wildlife

By travelling quietly you will be more aware of your environment and wildlife will be less disturbed. Respect birds’ and animals’ needs for undisturbed territory. After all, the backcountry is their home. Viewing animals from a safe distance is fine; touching, feeding, or cornering them is not. We ask you not to purchase products that exploit wildlife, aid in habitat destruction, or come from endangered species.

Leave what you find

Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them. Please do not take cuttings, seeds and roots whether or not it is illegal in the areas you are visiting.

Basic Common Sense!

When you are visiting a country the basic common sense rule is not to do anything you wouldn’t do at home and leave everything as you found it. If you follow these simple rules your visit should be a positive experience both for you and the local people you meet on your travels.

For more details on Responsible Traveller’s Code and Etiquette Tips, please see our Trip Note prepared for specific trips.