Sustainable Tourism Law

404 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM LAW your trip. Provide honest travel reviews upon your return and promote your positive experiences.) 5. Your trip can contribute to economic and social development. Purchase local handicrafts and products to support the local economy using the principles of fair trade. Bargaining for goods should reflect an understanding of a fair wage. 6. Inform yourself about the destination’s current health situation and access to emergency and consular services prior to departure and be assured that your health and personal security will not be compromised. Make sure that your specific requirements (diet, accessibility, medical care) can be fulfilled before you decide to travel to this destination. (Take appropriate health and safety precautions prior and during your trip. Know how to access medical care or contact your embassy in case of an emergency. Research well before engaging into voluntourism. Choose tourism operators with environmental policies and community projects in place.) 7. Learn as much as possible about your destination and take time to understand the customs, norms and traditions. Avoid behaviour that could offend the local population. 8. Familiarize yourself with the laws so that you do not commit any act considered criminal by the law of the country visited. Refrain from all trafficking in illicit drugs, arms, antiques, protected species and products or substances that are dangerous or prohibited by national regulations. Tourism policies should be applied in such a way as to help raising the standard of living of the populations of the regions visited and meet their needs; the planning and architectural approach to and operation of tourism resorts and accommodation should aim to integrate them, to the extent possible, in the local economic and social fabric; where skills are equal, priority should be given to local manpower. IV.1. Why it is important to support local economy? Buy locally-made handicrafts and products. Respect the livelihoods of local vendors and artisans by paying a fair price. Do not buy counterfeit products or items that are prohibited by national/ international regulations. Hire local guides with in-depth knowledge of the area. Following some practical steps will make your travels as rewarding and gratifying as possible for you, for the people you meet, and for the places you visit.