Ethical Community Tourism

Keep these principles in mind when you are in local communities. Apply these principles to avoid harming the communities that you are interacting with during your time abroad:

 

Do:

• Do direct your resources and time to local organizations that benefit community members rather than larger commercial outlets that fail to benefit the community hosting you.
• Do educate yourself in regards to the community you are traveling to (i.e. maps, laws, policies, cultural mannerisms) prior to travel departure.
• Do be mindful of cultural, religious, and other social guidelines governing social interactions, diet, clothing, and other aspects of daily life throughout your visit.
• Do respect the instructions of your host organization.
• Do speak to members of your host organization about appropriate and ethical ways to provide monetary resources to your host communities if you are motivated to share monetary resources.

 

Do Not:

• Don’t get involved in activities that exploit people, animals, or natural resources.
• Don’t expect locals to speak your language or know your customs.
• Don’t disrespect the cultural norms and practices of the community and country that you are staying in.
• Don’t violate or disrespect community sites, including the homes of community members hosting you and sacred sites in surrounding areas.
• Don’t violate any local, provincial, or national laws.
• Don’t take pictures or videos in places where photography is inappropriate or prohibited.
• Don’t give money or loans directly to community members or other individuals.