RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Responsible Travel is a way of travelling that emphasise on personal experience, leading to better understanding of culture, preservation of the environment and bringing genuine benefits to the local people.It is becoming a choice of travel for many travellers who seek “green” products.

Our Responsible Travel Policy:

We take into consideration the triple-bottom-line approach to weight ecological, economic and social aspects when we plan or promote tourism related services to form a basis for our company’s commitment to sustainability.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Minimising our impact on the environment and conservations.
We adhere to local conditions and limits set by local carrying capacity for trips and host destination that we market. We encourage our travellers to take trips during the off-peak period to prevent over-straining of resources.

ECONOMIC: Giving back to the local communities.
We promote trips that are offered by local suppliers and communities. This is to ensure that the tourist dollars from the trips featured in our website are generated back to the host communities through services such as guides, accommodation and transportation. We purchase, where possible, local produce.

SOCIAL: Fulfilling our social responsibility.
We are actively promoting and raising awareness on responsible tourism and travel practices among travellers through our website, literature and presentations. We support local projects that are related to environmental conservation and local community development. We take into consideration economic, environmental and social issues when looking at new product and destinations.

Within our office:

We practice the 3Rs principle - Reduction, Re-use and Recycling:

recycle paper, glass and cans after use.

recycle ink and toner cartridges.

reduce paper consumption and keep waste to a minimum by using e-mail where appropriate, rather than faxing or writing.

use both sides of the papers for printing when required.

send e-cards instead of buying paper cards.

reduce usage of paper for printing of literature instead we use our website to communicate.

use 100% recycled paper for printing of our literature and marketing materials.

conserve and reduce our energy consumption through improving management systems and using equipment with lower energy use.

use only hybrid cars if driving is necessary, otherwise we use public transport, cycle or walk rather than using a car to get to work and meetings.

where possible, we will purchase furniture with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo.

Your role and responsibilities as a traveller:

As a traveller, you play a very important role in ensuring the well-being of the local people and destinations you visit as well as your own safety.

Respect social and cultural traditions and practices.

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.

Respect human rights. Exploitation in any form conflicts with the fundamental aims of tourism.

Help preserve the forest and natural environments.

Help protect wildlife and habitats by supporting an Orang Utan project in Borneo or the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) in Singapore.

Do not purchase products made from endangered plants or animals.

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.

If you travel by air, you can offset the environmental impact of emissions by contributing to the Million Trees Project.

We encourage you to join our trips during the off-peak period to prevent over-straining of resources. You will also avoid the crowds.

When on holiday, let the local people know that you appreciate pristine nature being there so that they see its economic value.

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. SOS Travel is one of those recommended websites for such information.

Make sure that your specific requirements (diet, accessibility, medical care) can be fulfilled before you decide to travel this destination.

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.

DOWNLOAD - Responsible Travel Policy & Guidelines (PDF, 124 KB)