Responsible Tourism Code of Practice

While tourism can bring many benefits to communities in the countries tourists visit, it can also cause social and environmental problems. By making environmentally friendly, sustainable, ethical and respectful choices when traveling, tourists themselves can make a real difference. The Responsible Tourism Code is a practical guide to those traveling abroad on how to make their visit a positive experience for everybody. The Code does not endorse particular tourism and travel ventures but rather encourage tourists to take responsibility for their own choices and behavior.

Learn about the country:
Learn key words in the local language, be aware of religious and social customs, visit the visitors
centre on arrival for local information.

Protect the coral:
do not buy products made from coral, endangered plants or animals, do not stand on, touch or remove any items from the reef including coral.

Minimize environmental impact:
Dispose of rubbish carefully, recycle where possible, reuse your drink bottles, and "say No to plastic bags" minimize water and power use, choose environmentally responsible tour operators.

Support local initiatives:
Purchase local products, arts and crafts , eat local rather than imported food , support local tour operators and stay in locally owned accommodation.

Pay a fair price:
50 cents may not mean much to you, but it may be a meal for the vendor, pay a price that reflects what something is worth to you.

Think about your impact:
Remember you are a guest  "don't do anything you wouldn't do at home"  practice safe and responsible sex, make your trip a positive experience for both you and the people in the country you visit.


Text copied from South Pacific Travel

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