Responsible Tourism

Ever thought about the negative effects of tourism?

 There is a prevailing belief is that tourism only brings economic benefits. It is a source of stable income for many countries, it contributes to the development of infrastructure, revitalizes the service sector and helps to overcome poverty. However, tourism also has negative consequences, such as the consumption of natural resources, changes in the ecosystem, water and environmental pollution, as well as the impact on the life and livelihoods of local communities.

What to do?

With the development of tourism, the need to make it more sustainable and responsible grows.

What is responsible tourism?

Responsible tourism is organized in a way to minimize your negative impact on the place you travel  and maximize your positive impact.

How to be a responsible tourist?

• If possible, choose off-season travel

Off-season tourism prevents overcrowding in tourist places, reduces the negative pressure on the environment and decreases the consumption of natural resources. Off-season travel also helps host communities avoid financial instability and generate income not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.

• Support development of local communities

Usually, people prefer big hotels and more established services. Responsible tourism encourages the investment of your vacation funds in local small and medium-sized businesses, thus increasing the economic level of the population and the opportunities to overcome poverty. For example, staying in local guesthouses rather than big hotels, using local food, consuming or buying local goods.

• Be aware of the local traditions and culture of the tourist destination you are going to visit.

It is important to be familiar with the place you are going to visit. Travelling this way will be easier and more enjoyable. When you are a responsible traveller, being familiar with local customs helps, as well as obliges you to respect the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the local people.

• Avoid illegal interference with the environment.

The place where you are going must be preserved and protected: do not cut down trees, do not engage in illegal hunting, do not harm the animal and plant world, do not pollute the soil, water and air.

• Protect and restore natural and historical-cultural values.

We travel to see beauty and discover something new. However, this would be impossible if this beautiful and unknown would be left without protection and care. By traveling, we can contribute to the development and restoration of tourist places and care for natural, historical and cultural monuments.