RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL POLICY

Our Responsible Travel Policy

At Our Local Tour, we believe travel should be a force for good. That’s why responsible tourism is woven into everything we do, from the way we design our trips to the partners we work with and the experiences we offer. We’re committed to creating holidays that are enriching for our travellers, respectful to the communities we visit, and mindful of the planet we all share.

We don’t believe in mass tourism or ticking boxes. Instead, we focus on authentic, small-scale travel that supports local economies, protects cultural heritage, and minimises environmental impact. We work closely with our local partners to ensure our tours are not only memorable but also meaningful.

1. Respecting Local Communities

We’re guests in every destination we visit, and we treat that privilege with care. Our tours are designed to foster positive cultural exchanges, and we encourage our travellers to be open-minded, respectful, and curious. Your guide is there to provide guidance on local customs, etiquette, and traditions so that you can travel with confidence and sensitivity.

Our local guides are passionate about their communities and love sharing their stories. By listening, learning, and engaging respectfully, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit and leave a positive impression behind.

2. Supporting Local Economies

We’re proud to work with locally owned businesses, from family-run guesthouses and homestays to independent restaurants and activity providers. This ensures your travel spend stays within the community and contributes to long-term economic wellbeing.

We build lasting relationships with our suppliers and ensure fair rates and ethical employment practices. We also prioritise fair trade, local sourcing, and experiences that directly benefit the people who make your journey possible.

3. Protecting the Environment

We recognise the environmental impact of travel and are committed to reducing our footprint. We actively encourage:

  • Reducing single-use plastics
  • Responsible waste management
  • Overland travel instead of internal flights where possible
  • Using trains over planes where possible
  • Bringing reusable bags and bottles

We also operate our office with sustainability in mind, monitoring energy use, promoting recycling, and encouraging green practices both internally and with our partners.

We acknowledge that flying is often necessary to reach a destination, but once there, we promote low-impact travel wherever possible. We’re working towards a future where tourism supports, not harms, the planet.

4. Upholding Human Rights

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation. We only work with suppliers who respect fundamental human rights, including fair labour practices, non-discrimination, and the prohibition of forced or child labour.

We do not support or offer visits to orphanages, daycare centres, or any activity that exploits vulnerable people. Children are not tourist attractions. If you’d like to support local causes, we’re happy to recommend reputable NGOs working in the region.

We also prohibit any form of exploitative behaviour on our tours, including commercial sexual activities or drug use. Our trips are designed to be safe, respectful, and inclusive for everyone involved.

5. Promoting Animal Welfare

We’re committed to protecting animals from exploitation, neglect, and cruelty. We do not offer elephant rides or any activity involving captive wildlife for entertainment. The best place to see animals is in the wild, with minimal disturbance.

We prohibit the purchase of products made from endangered species, including coral, ivory, and exotic animal skins. For more information, visit www.cites.org.

6. Monitoring and Improving Our Impact

Responsible travel is an ongoing journey. We regularly review our policies, seek feedback from travellers, and engage with our partners to improve our practices. We also raise awareness through social media, newsletters, and team communications.

We take guidance from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), whose criteria help shape our approach to sustainability. These focus on:

  • Effective sustainability planning
  • Maximising benefits for local communities
  • Enhancing cultural heritage
  • Reducing environmental impact

Learn more at www.gstcouncil.org.

We know that most people don’t choose holidays based solely on sustainability, but we believe it should be a key factor in the decision. By travelling responsibly, you’re helping protect the places you visit and ensuring they remain vibrant for generations to come.

At Our Local Tour, we’re proud to offer travel that’s thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in local knowledge. When you travel with us, you’re not just seeing the world, you’re helping shape a better one.

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