Agrotravel Turismo Responsable was established with a vision for a different kind of tourism than what is mainsatream in Spain. It sees the principles of responsible tourism as the best way to travel.
At Agrotravel Turismo Responsable, we believe that tourism should have qualities that contribute to the sustainable social, economic and environmental development of destinations. From the outset, our company has been committed to the principles of responsible and sustainable tourism:
We believe in the possibility and necessity of a kind of tourism that is more committed to the current issues inherent in sustainability. For this, we refer to the work and initiatives of our partners and suppliers, both local to us and from other parts of the globe, as well as to suggestions from our customers. We see collaboration with local initiatives in each and every destination as a necessary part of sustainable development in tourism.
So, turning first to what we can do, we have carried out a series of actions in order to raise awareness of the benefits of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.
Continue reading this article in Spanish on the Agrotravel Turismo Responsable blog
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IN SPANISH / EN ESPAÑOL:
Agrotravel Turismo Responsable nació con una visión del turismo diferente a la que existe mayoritariamente en España, viendo en los principios del Turismo Responsable la mejor manera de viajar .
En Agrotravel Turismo Responsable entendemos que el turismo debe tener unas funciones que contribuyan al desarrollo sostenible de los destinos, a nivel social, económico y ambiental. Nuestra empresa desde un inicio, adopto el compromiso con los principios del Turismo Responsable y Sostenible:
Consideramos que la existencia de un turismo más comprometido con los aspectos actuales de la sostenibilidad es posible y necesario, para ello nos apoyamos en el trabajo e iniciativa de nuestros colaboradores y proveedores locales y de otros lugares del globo, así como en las sugerencias de nuestros clientes. La colaboración con las iniciativas locales de cada destino ha pasado a ser una necesidad obligatoria para el desarrollo sostenible del turismo. Para ello, empezando por nosotros mismos, hemos llevado a cabo una serie de acciones con el objeto de concienciar en las ventajas de fomentar el Turismo Responsable y Sostenible:
Continúe leyendo este artículo en el blog de Agrotravel Turismo Responsable
Here are some sustainable tourism initiatives that can be adopted at any location:-
Homestay with local family
Encourage guests to visit projects protecting endangered wildlife and vulnerable wildlife areas
Encourage guests to learn the local language and become involved in local events
Volunteer to help with seminars and workshops aimed at educating the local villagers, schools, and fishermen in tropical marine conservation issues
Bird lists are compiled on each trip and rare bird sightings reported to the Department of Conservation
Encourage visitors to appreciate the skills of the indigenous artists and craftspeople, to interact with them, learn from the artists and contribute to the community. Also sharing skills where appropriate.
Encourage guests to sponsor students
Opportunity to go fishing with local prawn fisherman
Employing local guides
Eating in local restaurants while on tours / recommending restaurants shops that benefit local people
On treks use existing tracks and stay on them to avoid turning footpaths into erosion gullies that add to the topsoil dislodged to silt up the waterways
Advise on best gifts/donations for visits to local villages – what is most in need
Take guests to local markets and stores to purchase souvenirs and avoid unfair bargaining
Only take clients to areas where local community welcomes them
Ensure high standards of environmental care and responsible behavior
Donate goods such as clothes and shoes to local communities, through appropriate local agencies
Implement action plans to benefit the local community
Actively promote an economy that does not exploit people or nature
Establish development programme that includes the provision of water and electricity, construction of classrooms, medical care, scholarships, sports facilities, teaching and school equipment
Work closely with local heritage centers and historians to provide a full understanding of the history, culture, traditions and people unique to the area
Plant more trees
Return a percentage share of the net profit to the local community and wildlife projects, such as orphanages, schools, libraries, clinics, park services and animal welfare
Uses both solar and wind power
Harvest rainwater
Organise health clinic
Provide safe drinking water for local village
Provide information about how to minimize negative impacts to environment
Insist that all litter and rubbish is removed from sites after visits
Post notices informing of the importance of conserving water
Educate guests about proper dress and etiquette
Local fuels only purchased in areas where they are in abundance
Use recyclable and recycled materials when possible
Use low-energy light bulbs
Use biodegradable products where possible
Promote low impact travel – sailing yachts, canoeing, kayaking and rafting over motorised transport
Power office using solar energy
Refill ink cartridges and reuse paper whenever possible
Actively encourage communication via email or telephone to save paper
Using LPG vehicles where possible
Purchasing from companies with environmental policies and goods
Buy project materials and building materials where possible from local suppliers
Recycle glass, cans, ink and toner cartridges, old mobile phones, reading spectacles and 90% of office waste paper
Drip irrigation for the gardens
Local artisans make the furniture
Continue the creation of unobtrusive structures and walkways to protect the dune and other sensitive land areas
Notify visitors about regulations and risks associated with prostitution and drugs, and refuse to book tours for anyone indicating an intention to involve themselves in these and any similar illegal activities
“recycling” of second hand hardwood
Organic methods of farming
Taking waste from the local cattle farm and using it as manure
Create environmental plan to minimise use of natural resources, electricity and water consumption, and reduce waste
Commitment towards transparency and profit-sharing with staff
Energy-saving keys for hotels
Posted by Col John Abraham | March 23, 2012, 9:10 amAll people are ever in life: tourists and local community.Take care if you want to take care.
Posted by Susana Conde | March 27, 2012, 2:15 pmIt is interesting how many of the above are applicable in every destination around the world…
Posted by Kate Webb | March 27, 2012, 1:19 pm