Responsible Tourism and Sustainability Policy

Thailand, one of the happiest places in the world

 

Through travel, everyone can gain a greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for other countries and the wonderfully diverse cultures and ecosystems found around the globe. Respect should not be an entirely one-way occurrence. When we travel, we are ambassadors for our own country. I strive to be aware of the impact I may have, and by respecting others, their traditions and beliefs, I hope to gain their respect in return.

However, few with a love of journeying far and wide can claim to always travel in the most sustainable manner at all times. Flying, for example, is well-known not to be the most eco-friendly mode of transport but it is very often the most convenient, the cheapest and sometimes the only viable option available. Responsible Tourism can be a powerful tool used to promote the appreciation and conservation of both cultures and ecosystems, and I believe flying is a necessary evil to further this aim. That being said, I wholeheartedly support airlines and airports striving to reduce their carbon footprint. I am also actively seeking to spend more time travelling closer to home, where no flight is necessary. There’s a lot on my doorstep that I have yet to discover.

Tree tunnel - The path to Halnaker Windmill, West Sussex, England

 

Responsible Tourism and Sustainability Policy

When I started Travel With Kat, I did not set out to write a responsible travel blog but from time to time I write about subjects that fall under this umbrella and, with the above in mind, have adopted the following Responsible Tourism and Sustainability Policy.

  • Respect and promote the respect of local indigenous people, their customs, traditions and beliefs.
  • Contribute to the local economy by supporting local businesses.
  • Learn about local customs, cultures and cuisines.
  • Respect the environment and promote environmental conservation.
  • Promote animal welfare and the ethos that wild animals should remain wild (and not be habituated to humans).
  • Never support or promote any organisation or activity that potentially damages the environment or negatively impacts on human or animal rights.
  • Actively promote human and animal rights, including (but not limited to) children’s rights to an education, clean water, access to health care and a life free from abuse.
  • Reduce my carbon footprint where viable, both while travelling and at home.

 

 

Responsible Tourism Awards and Achievements

Back in 2008, long before I ever started travel writing, I won the AITO Responsible Tourism Award for my volunteer work supporting children’s health care and education. It was a great honour, especially because I am the only individual (rather than a company) to have been granted this award.

In August 2018, I spent a week with the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) learning about their work. I qualified as a responsible whale watching guide and became a WCA partner in September of that year.

 

Responsible Tourism and Sustainability Articles

Here are a few of my most relevant articles.

The Wildlife of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia

Saving the marine turtles of West Africa | Interview with a poacher

How we planned our eco-friendly honeymoon

Don’t fuel the orphanage industry in Nepal

How to be a responsible, child-safe aware traveller

What you should know about swimming with dolphins

How to become a responsible whale watching guide

 

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