Responsible tourism 20 tips for clients

Picture Ron Mader see: RON'S BLOG

Cape Town Tourism offers suggestions for tourists to get the most out of their holidays and leave better benefits for locals.

In an effort to get the best for guests and for locals, Cape Town has set out ten tips about being responsible in their communities and a further ten tips as to how tourists can be environmentally responsible.

Cape Town won the Best Destination category in the 2009 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards and was the first city to win in this category, showing its commitment and ability to lead the way in terms of global responsible tourism.

Says the city “The tips below will assist you to experience and enjoy our destination responsibly.”
Be a responsible traveller – our place is your place.

Could be described in three words: Respect, engagement experience!

10 tips towards being responsible in our communities:

1. Research the culture of the area you intend to visit before arriving at your destination.
2. Talk to locals, employ local tour guides and stay in accommodation establishments that have invested in the local community.
3. Learn some of the local language – a simple greeting and a “thank you” in the languages of our people will see you embraced as a guest and not just a visitor.
4. Respect the dignity and privacy of others – please ask permission before you take a photo.
5. Rather than giving money to beggars and street children, make an effort to donate to a local charity that supports community projects. Ask Cape Town Tourism to recommend a reputable charity.
6. Purchase souvenirs directly from community markets and crafters so that the money goes directly to local businesses.
7. Experience local and regional cuisine, gaining an insight into the culture of the area. You will also be supporting the local economy.
8. Practise safe and responsible sex.  Be vigilant about protecting children from exploitation and prostitution.
9. Question establishments where children of school-going age are working.
10. Bargaining for goods may not be appropriate behaviour but if the price is negotiable, pay a price that is fair for the seller and maker.

10 tips towards being environmentally responsible:

1. Please use water as efficiently as possible. Drink tap water. South Africa’s tap water quality is ranked as third best overall in the world. Do not leave your towels in your hotel room to be washed if they have only been used once. Try to use biodegradable shampoos and soaps.
2. Dispose of matches and cigarette butts in the bins provided to avoid starting fires in ecologically sensitive areas.
3. Please use electricity as efficiently as possible. Switch off the lights, electric fan, air conditioner and television when you are not in your room.
4. Do not approach or feed baboons. They are wild and potentially dangerous.
5. Do not take natural keepsakes such as shells and indigenous flowers when spending time outdoors.
6. When driving or hiking, stick to marked paths and roads.
7. Make sure the seafood you want to buy and eat is not on the list of endangered species. Text (or SMS) the name of the fish to +27 (0)79 499 8795 and you will receive an answer within seconds.
8. Dispose of rubbish carefully, recycle where possible and reuse your beverage bottles and shopping bags.
9. Use of public transport when possible or take a walking tour.
10. Holiday closer to home, offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree, or buying local produce – support some of the great local organic markets in Cape Town.

If utilized by tourists, these tips will not only give better experiences for tourists, but also better potential for locals.

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011, special offers HERE