RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

“Responsible Tourism is tourism that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit”. (www.wikipedia.org)

What does mean responsible travel?

Responsible travel is about to minimize your impact and maximize your connection with people and the environment. It’s about making a positive contribution and having the most rewarding and inspiring travel experiences of your life.

Responsible tourism takes into consideration: environment, social/cultural and economic.

• Environment: travel that minimizes negative environmental impacts and, where possible, makes positive contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, wilderness, natural and human.
• Social/Cultural: travel that respects culture and traditions and fosters authentic interaction and greater understanding between travelers and hosts.
• Economic: travel that has financial benefits for the host community and operates on the principles of fair trade.

(www.lonelyplanet.com)

Tips for a responsible travel

• Offset your carbon emissions caused by your international flights to Costa Rica. Visit: www.fonafifo.com
• Look for sustainable hotels certified by Costa Rica´s Ministry of Tourism (CST).  For more infroamtion visit www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr   
• Support Costa Rica’s impressive national park system by organizing a visit or tour.
• Buy local produce and support locally-run hotels and tour operators.
• Be mindful of the amount of water and energy that you use while on vacation.  Take advantage of linen and towel reuse programs.
• When visiting natural areas, make sure not to leave trash behind.  Participate in recycling programs whenever possible.
• Reduce your ecological footprint by using public transport, biking or walking.
• Practice your Spanish!  It is a great way to get in touch with local cultures and customs.
• Let hotels and tour operators know how they can improve their sustainability policies.
• Plan your route to minimize carbon emissions, travel by train & public transport where possible and minimize internal flights or choose environmentally friendly airlines.
• Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language.
• Remove all excess packaging – waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries.
• Ask your tour operator or hotel where you’re staying, whether there are local conservations or social projects that you could visit on your trip and how you could help support them.
• Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artifacts.
• Respect and participate in local cultures, traditions and holy places.
• Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient, it’s a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
• Always try and use local energy and water as efficiently as possible in line with local practices.
• Check that any soaps or detergent you use are biodegradable.
• When driving, stick to marked paths and roads. Be aware when driving at night that animals can scare easily from headlights and loud noises at and may be prone to leaping onto the road.
• Eat where the locals do, not only will this give you a better insight to the cuisine of the area you’re visiting, but it will also help to support the local economy.
• Use water pitchers instead of bottled water.
• Use mugs and biodegradable cups instead of recyclable plastic.

"Costa Rica has a unique history of innovative practices and decisions that have
resulted in positive outcomes for its people and its environment. "
- Beatrice Blake
(www.planeta.com)