Responsible Tourism

Even though responsible tourism has been a major concern amongst the community since the dangers like global warming and economic recessions have started to impact the social life but the term was given a formal and more authenticated shape in 2002 at the Cape Town Summit. Responsible Tourism was defined alongside the world summit on Sustainable Development. This definition, the Cape

Town Declaration is now widely accepted and was been adopted by the World Travel Market in 2007 for World Responsible Tourism Day.

Responsible Tourism is about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit” Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people and tourists take responsibility, take action to make tourism more sustainable. This has encouraged the industry players to take responsibility for making tourism more sustainable and demonstrate their responsibility.

• As defined in the summit our major objective also is to work towards the Triple Bottom Line i.e.
• Maximizing Economic Responsibility – That is to make the lives and living conditions better for the locals and giving tourists the best of experiences in a more economic fashion.
• Maximizing Social Responsibility – Providing programs where the Guests and the Hosts feel equally respected and building ot strengthing the Bridges of Culture, Understandings and Tastes amongst them.
• Maximize Environmental Responsibility – Conduction of Tours in such a manner which will not only prevent the environmental factors from harm but also striving to improvise on the situation.

Tour Pirate being amongst the players who adhere and respect the true nature of Responsible Tourism is continuously striving to achieve the following objectives in the best possible manner.

Giving back to the society

Mae-Kampong Tea-leaves Pillow Group

Mae-Kampong is a small Hamlet located near Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. The village is yet to see the light of development. The locals grew a special type of tea called as Bai-Miang which is an important part of their diet. These groups extracts tea leaves and fill into the pillow & sells it. The group braids many types of pillow case then packs dried tea-leaves that reduce moistness for avoiding fungus. Last progression is to pack tea-leaves pillow in plastic bag to keep away from moist. Tea-leaves pillow will help resist bacteria, balance body, absorb bad smell. Moreover, tea scent will relieve tension, keep relax and reduce allergy Tour Pirate procure Herbal Tea Pillows from locals of and gift these pillows to our guest as gesture for visiting Thailand. Our guests are delighted with the amazing souvenir which will remind them of amazing time they had in Thailand.

Initiatives

We work towards minimization of negative impact on economic, environmental and social impacts

• Our day in day out process are targeted towards generation of greater economic benefits for Local People and enhancing the well-being of host communities, improving working conditions and access to the industry
• We hire mostly locals in all business process, giving them employment opportunity and empowering them to be self sustainable. This is our way of giving back to the society.
• We make a constant effort to Involve Local People in decisions that affects or might affect their lives and work towards local prosperity
• We make our guests are aware about various Natural & Cultural heritage of the region where they are travelling and together works towards its conservation.
• Providing more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local culture, Social & environmental issues.
• Providing access for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged
• We are culturally sensitive, engendering respect between tourists and host and building local pride and confidence.
• We pursue car pooling among our guests, doing our little bit in reducing Carbon footprints
• We educate our guest about the Preserving biodiversity of the region, not littering in public place.

Meeting local people

• Remember that you are a guest. Be open and respect their way of living. Learn and experience.
• Be extra careful when visiting holy places like churches, temples or sacred grounds. Be aware of how you dress according to local customs.
• Always show respect for elderly people regardless status and work.
• Show respect for beggars and think twice before you give anything to children. You may encourage them to continue begging.
• Ask before taking pictures of people and do not interrupt if the situation does not allow. Some places may charge a small fee for taking photos.
• Be polite and do not provoke.
• Be careful where you smoke and drink alcohol. Smoking is not yet common in many small communities and travelers should not encourage local people to smoke. Some areas also have strict rules about smoking and drinking. Alcohol is in many places a major social problem.

Be careful with use of resources

• Water is very important resource in any country try conserving it.
• Do not let the tap water run unnecessarily while brushing your teeth etc.
• Do not use more towels then necessary.
• Turn off lamps and other electrical equipment when they are not in use.

Experience New / Local food

• Try local dishes in local restaurants.
• Try not to eat all your meals at one place - but spread your money and increase your experience by trying out different restaurants.
• Buy local food and contribute to local economic growth.

Support excursions that contribute to the local community

• Choose environmentally friendly excursions even if it costs you a bit more money.
• Use local transport when possible and don't be afraid to ask questions from where you buy the excursion.

Be a conscious shopper

• Do not buy products made of endangered species. Cultural heritage is not a souvenir! Do not purchase such items or take "trophies" from places you are visiting. You can usually buy copies in the souvenir shop.
• Bargaining is culture in many places. But don't let it become a sport! Pay a fair price that both parties are happy about.
• Buy locally produced goods and services and take an interest in where the items are being produced.
• Never buy drugs - you may end up spending years in prison, or worse in some places.

Be careful with your surroundings

• Leave wildflowers and plants alone and enjoy them in their natural environment.
• Respect wild animals and keep your distance for your own safety and to not disturb them. Don't feed wild animals or cause unnecessary noise.
• Do not litter outdoors or in the street. If there is no bin - take your trash with you.