Tips for Responsible Travel – Promoting locals and their culture
- by Bret G. Dudl
- 03.08.09
- 12:30 PM GMT+8
Source: Tourism
When many of us think about sustainable actions we usually relate it to the environment and the ways in which we can give back to nature. Less often we consider the impact that tourism development has on the local communities and its customs.
While tourism can be a great source of income to a country, it can often deplete it of its local heritage and customs. Frequently, these developments are geared towards catering to the tourist and, therefore, have the tendency to leave the local people feeling disconnected from their environment which eventually forces them to assimilate and abandon their own traditions.
This is why the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program developed by the Costa Rica Board recognizes those properties who have given special attention to their communities by helping to support and promote the local people and their culture.
When traveling, there are a few simple things you can observe in order to do your part as well:
* Use environment friendly transportation whenever you can (such as public transportation, a bicycle or just walk).
* Do not waste water as it is valuable in many countries for the local people.
* Learn about the local culture before traveling to your destination. This will aid in showing respect to the local cultures and traditions.
* When purchasing local goods, make sure that the product was made in the destination you are visiting and is not imported from another country.
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