Our Responsible Travel Policy

At Our Local Tour, we believe travel should benefit everyone involved from the traveller to the host community and the environment. Our responsible travel policy guides how we design our holidays, choose our partners, and shape the experiences we offer. We aim to create journeys that are enriching, respectful, and sustainable.

We don’t promote mass tourism or checklist-style travel. Instead, we focus on small-scale, authentic experiences that support local livelihoods, celebrate cultural heritage, and reduce environmental impact. Every trip is crafted in collaboration with local partners to ensure it’s not only memorable but also meaningful.

Respecting Local Communities

Every destination we visit is home to people with rich traditions, diverse cultures, and unique ways of life. We approach each place with care and humility, recognising that we are guests. Our tours are designed to encourage genuine cultural exchange, helping travellers connect with communities in respectful and thoughtful ways.

Local guides play a key role in this process. They offer insights into customs, etiquette, and traditions, helping travellers navigate unfamiliar settings with confidence. By listening and learning, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit and leave a positive impression behind.

We encourage open-mindedness and curiosity. Whether you're sharing a meal, joining a local celebration, or exploring a historic site, your respectful engagement helps foster mutual understanding and appreciation.

Building Meaningful Connections

Our guides are passionate about their communities and love sharing their stories. These personal connections often become the most memorable part of the journey. Travellers are encouraged to ask questions, participate in local activities, and engage with people in ways that are considerate and inclusive.

Supporting Local Economies

We believe tourism should contribute directly to the wellbeing of the communities we visit. That’s why we prioritise working 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 supports long-term economic resilience.

We build lasting relationships with our suppliers and ensure fair rates and ethical employment practices. Our approach includes:

• Prioritising fair trade and local sourcing
• Supporting community-led initiatives
• Promoting experiences that benefit local people directly

Creating Opportunities Through Travel

By choosing local services, we help create jobs and support entrepreneurship. This strengthens the local economy and encourages sustainable development. We also try to avoid large international chains that often divert profits away from the destination.

Our travellers enjoy authentic experiences while knowing their visit contributes positively. Whether it’s buying handmade crafts, enjoying locally grown food, or staying in a community-run lodge, every choice matters.

Protecting the Environment

We recognise that travel has an environmental impact, and we’re committed to reducing it wherever possible. Our responsible travel policy includes practical steps to minimise our footprint and promote sustainability.

We actively encourage:

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

Promoting Low-Impact Travel

Once you arrive at your destination, we promote low-impact ways to explore. Walking tours, cycling, and public transport are often part of our itineraries. These options not only reduce emissions but also offer a more immersive experience.

Our office operations also reflect our commitment to sustainability. We monitor energy use, promote recycling, and encourage green practices among our team and partners. We’re always looking for ways to improve and welcome suggestions from travellers.

While flying is sometimes necessary, we aim to offset its impact by promoting longer stays, fewer flights, and more meaningful travel. We believe tourism should support the planet, not harm it.

Upholding Human Rights

Respect for human rights is central to our responsible travel policy. We have a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation and only work with suppliers who uphold 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 individuals. Children are never tourist attractions. If you wish to support local causes, we’re happy to recommend reputable NGOs working in the region.

Ensuring Safe and Inclusive Travel

Our tours are designed to be safe, respectful, and inclusive for everyone involved. We prohibit any form of exploitative behaviour, including commercial sexual activities or drug use. Travellers are expected to act responsibly and treat others with dignity.

We also provide guidance on how to engage ethically with communities, especially in sensitive settings. This includes respecting privacy, avoiding intrusive photography, and seeking consent before participating in cultural activities.

Promoting Animal Welfare

We are committed to protecting animals from harm and exploitation. Our responsible travel policy ensures that no tour includes activities involving captive wildlife for entertainment, such as elephant rides or photo opportunities with wild animals.

The best place to observe animals is in their natural habitat, with minimal disturbance. We support ethical wildlife experiences that prioritise conservation and animal welfare.

Making Ethical Choices

We prohibit the purchase of products made from endangered species, including coral, ivory, and animal skins. These items contribute to illegal wildlife trade and environmental degradation. For more information, visit www.cites.org.

Travellers are encouraged to make informed choices when shopping or participating in wildlife-related activities. We provide guidance on how to identify ethical experiences and avoid contributing to harmful practices.

Monitoring and Improving Our Impact

Responsible travel is a continuous journey. We regularly review our policies, seek feedback from travellers, and work closely with our partners to improve our practices. Transparency and accountability are key to our approach.

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

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

Raising Awareness and Driving Change

We use our platforms, including social media, newsletters, and team communications, to raise awareness about responsible travel. By sharing stories, tips, and updates, we help travellers make informed choices and inspire others to do the same.

We know that sustainability may not be the only factor when choosing a holiday, but we believe it should be a key consideration. Responsible travel helps protect the places we visit and ensures they remain vibrant for future generations.

Travel That Makes a Difference

At Our Local Tour, we’re proud to offer holidays that are 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.

Our responsible travel policy reflects our commitment to ethical tourism. It’s a promise to our travellers, our partners, and the communities we visit. Together, we can make travel a force for good.