Responsible Tourism is not a type of travel product, but rather it’s a way of thinking and a movement that if practiced effectively, makes better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.

We understand the magnitude of tourism and its equal capability to empower or destroy a destination.

We believe that every stakeholder must share in the responsibility of the impact of tourism in a destination, and without a coordinated approach that involves the local community, responsible tourism is unachievable in the long term. It is the exact reason why we work with carefully selected local partners in each and every local destination that we offer short breaks.

We select partners who guarantee they are not engaged in harmful or exploitative practices in their local destinations – and who are always working towards improving the integrity and sustaining the local character of their destination. Our partners offer short breaks that not only provide a meaningful and enjoyable experience to each traveller, but where possible benefit the local communities and of course do not bring about damage to the local environment. Essentially, putting the needs of the local destinations before the needs of the tourists.

We do not operate with a top down approach enforcing generic unrealistic policies, but rather, we work with our partners offering them continual support and training on how to offer a more responsible short break in their local destination. We encourage local interaction where appropriate and a hands-on approach when it comes to cultural elements within the destination, like arts, crafts, music, dance and food. We also work with partners to ensure they are selecting accommodation providers who operate in a responsible manner and how they can make their transport more environmentally friendly. However, we understand that each destination has its own unique challenges, and ‘being responsible’ can mean something very different in developing destinations.

We hope to turn the tables on the traditional holiday experience and introduce a responsible way of thinking to the everyday traveller. Through our website, blog, monthly newsletters and social media campaigns our aim is to get people thinking about the way they travel so they understand that by changing a few small habits they can travel more responsibly, have a positive impact on the places they visit which ultimately results in a more meaningful experience for host and visitor.  

Partnership with Geotourism Development Foundation

We are also working with the Geotourism Development Foundation, who are assisting some of our partners to develop sustainable travel projects in their local destinations.

The Geotourism Development Foundation believes that tourism really does make the world a better place. It generates revenues and jobs for the poorest, conserves culture and the environment, promotes tolerance and understanding between peoples, and, it broadens minds.

It’s aim is to enhance these positive impacts by creating partnerships between the tour industry and local social entrepreneurs, and by funding projects which enhance the distinctive aspects of a place to the benefit of local residents and visiting travelers.

Of course, we encourage our partners who are involved with the foundation to link their local projects directly to the Gunyah Short Breaks offered in their destination. In Malawi, our Bush & Beach Malawi Experience is an example of a Geotourism Development Foundation project linked directly to a bookable short break on Gunyah.

Getting Involved with Responsible Tourism

Whether you are visiting your local National Park or about to embark on a ten day trek in the Himalayas, going to stay in a beach resort, or going to a city for some sightseeing, there are many things you can do beforehand, during and after your trip which will make your experiences more meaningful to you, and more beneficial to the people you visit. 

The most important thing you can do whilst away is to stop and think. Take a deep breath, be aware of your surroundings and observe the people around you. Trips are about getting away from your normal routine and immersing yourself in a new place, there is no reason to be in a rush, you’ll lose out on too much. Do as the locals do and you’ll get so much more out of your experience. As well as doing this, here are some ideas of how you can make the most of your trip whilst also benefit the places that you visit.

Blending in with the Locals

• Try and blend into the local environment as much as you can. You don’t want to be that tourist who stands out, it will draw unnecessary attention which could lead to being targeted by pick pockets, tourist touts etc.
• Dress appropriately. Take a look at what the locals are wearing. If they cover their shoulders and knees, so should you.
• Make friends, be friendly and remember that all cultures are different. In many Asian countries it is normal to ask many questions when you first meet someone, which may seem more personal than you would expect.
• Remember that just because you are a visitor, the local laws still apply. 

Support the Local People

• Instead of eating a club sandwich at your hotel, take a walk and see what’s outside. Tantalise your taste buds by eating something new, it will probably be cheaper and tastier.
• Don’t hide in your guidebook, ask locals for recommendations for places to eat, visit, shop etc.
• If you want to go shopping, visit local markets and ask for places where local handicrafts are sold rather than shopping at shopping malls, super markets etc. Don’t buy anything that is illegal or protected, if you are not sure, check.  If you bargain, understand that the people who are buying from probably have a much lower quality of life than you, and that extra dollar may mean much more to them than it does to you.
• If you want to take a photo of someone, ask first and be aware that you might have to pay for the privilege
• Avoiding showing flashy jewelry, cameras etc, this can create a gap between you and local people and is also an invitation to theft.
• Stay somewhere locally owned and run, the money will go back to the communities.
• Hire a local guide for the day, you’ll get to understand the local culture and history much more, hagglers will leave you alone and he might take you to that place where no other tourists go.
• If you want to give back to the local community please do so by contacting the local Gunyah operator on the ground. Please do not give money, sweets, pens etc., to children, it encourages a begging culture and discourages them from going to school.

Help Preserve the Natural Environment

• At home you don’t have clean towels and bedding every day, so why is it necessary when away? Tell the hotels if you don’t need a clean towel every day if you don’t need them.
• If you go hiking, stay on the trail and don’t litter or take anything from the natural environment
• When on safari, don’t provoke the animals.
• Avoid using plastic bags and when shopping, say  no to plastic bags and take your own bags to carry shopping.
• On the beach, don’t take pebbles, seaweed, and if do some beachcombing, check to ensure that it is not prohibited and leave some for others.
• When in the water, don’t remove any coral, be careful of stepping on the coral, and don’t throw anything into the sea.
• When in hot countries it’s important to stay hydrated but drinking from plastic bottles is not ideal. It’s best to buy a filtered bottle before you go which you can fill up from any water source. We have tried, tested and love the Aqua Pure Traveller (available from amazon)

Post Trip

If you have met a person or family and have promised to keep in touch/send them photos, don’t break your promise, it will mean a lot to them and having a new friend is never a bad thing!

If you experienced something really special tell us so we can pass your feedback onto the people who made the difference for you. By recognizing the efforts of particular people, their confidence will grow and so will their contribution to their community.  Alternatively, if you’ve experienced something that you think is ethically wrong or could be improved, please let us know so we can work with our local partner.

If you visited a community project and want to continue supporting it, please contact the local partner and they will help to put you in contact with the right people.

Write blogs, tell your friends and get the word out there, the more people who understand about how you can travel responsibly the better.

The list could go on and on but we hope this has helped. Most of the above is common sense and can be adapted to any experience, anywhere in the world.