Responsible tourism in Asia

In short, responsible tourism is about helping to ensure that future generations have a chance to enjoy exploring the world every bit as much as you can today. The efforts we can all make here and now will help to sustain the cultures and the environments they live in.

Whilst people often presume that you need to spend the week in an eco-lodge on the banks of the Mekong River drinking recycled water to become a responsible traveller, it only takes a few small adjustments to start making a difference.

Responsible tourism - before you go

Responsible tourism should start before you even set off on your travels.

• Research your destination before you leave. Find out about the specifics - these could be ecological, cultural or religious - and make sure you respect the local sensibilities. Good publications for Asia are Lonely Planet, the Rough Guide and internet sites.
• When packing, plan carefully and take into consideration what others may find offensive in their communities (see below).
• Try to avoid carrying items that are enclosed in disposable packaging - can you leave this packaging at home?
• Air travel is one of the many sources of the pollution with the carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft contributing to our rising levels of greenhouse gasses. Offset these emissions with companies such as Climate Care. Offsetting a return flight from the UK to Bangkok will cost you just £22.

When you are travelling

• Travel independently or on privately guided trips instead of large group tours. Low 'group' numbers means low impact, helping to sustain the cultures and environments you visit.
• Always ask before taking a photo of anyone in Asia. Pointing at your camera with raised eyebrows will usually suffice. Respect their wishes if they decline your very kind offer. Put yourself in their position and it doesn't take long to work out why some may say no.
• Asia is overflowing with customs and little etiquettes. Please try and adhere to these. Not only will local people feel respected, they will respect you in return, allowing you a fuller experience. You are in their back yard remember - respect local customs.
• Nudity, scanty or inappropriate dress will often cause offence in most countries in the region. Modest dress will help minimize the risk of sexual harassment and help to ensure you are treated with respect.
• Try and learn a little local dialect, even just a basic greeting and thank you. You'll find that people respond very well to this. If you struggle, don't worry – all languages speak in nods and smiles!
• Begging - in most instances, we strongly recommend you do not give money or other ‘gifts’ to beggars, no matter how hard it is to resist. Children miss out on a basic education because they are forced to 'work' by their parents. In the most extreme cases, they may even be deliberately maimed to increase their earning potential as beggars.
• When bartering, don't try and squeeze every last drop out of the deal. Make a game out of it and you'll come to enjoy it. Give yourself a reality check every now and again and you'll realise that you are probably sticking over $0.10…nothing to you but a vital profit margin for the seller.
  

Visitors to religious and historic sites should pay particular attention to the following:

• Be sure to dress appropriately. Follow local guidelines.
• Be mindful of your manners and local etiquette
• Never remove anything from religious or historical sites: this constitutes theft, not a souvenir.
  

You will find that the vast majority of the drinking water available throughout Asia is supplied in plastic bottles and it is important that you dispose of these responsibly. Whenever possible, re-use water bottles by refilling with treated water or water sourced from a safe supply.

Upon your return

It's all down to sharing your knowledge with others at this stage. Information and hints and tips that you can pass on means that those following in your footsteps will be better educated and responsible.

This article was written by Nick Pulley of www.selectiveasia.com.