Nature and Cultural Heritage: Discover the beauty of natural and cultural monuments. Learn about history, customs and the biological diversity which characterizes these unique sites. Contribute to the preservations of the natural and cultural values by respecting local regulations and customs. Take pictures and leave the location as you found it.
Never remove wildlife - fauna & flora! - from it’s natural environment including plants, shells, rocks, flowers and corals!
The introduction of exotic species (non-native plants or animals) is prohibited, as it may cause alterations and damages to the local eco-system.
Never feed wildlife! Animals can become dependent on human, supplemental feeding and develop alterations in their natural behaviour. Human food may also cause them serious health problems.
Any kind of commerce with arqueological items is strictly prohibited, as these belong to our country's cultural heritage.
Language: Learn a few words of the local language and use them!
Familiarize yourself with the foreign culture: Plan your trip ahead and inform yourself about cultural characteristics of your holiday destination. Show respect to the locals by behaving appropriately.
Dress: Read up on local conventions and dress appropriately. In many
countries, modest dress is important.
Behavior: Be respectful of local citizen’s privacy. Ask permission before entering sacred places, homes or private land.
Photographs: Be sensitive to when and where you take photos or videos of people. Always ask first.
Environment: Respect the natural environment. Never touch or harass wildlife. Always follow designated trails and stay in marked areas in order to avoid destroying vegetation. Support conservation by paying entrance fees to parks and protected sites.
Souvenirs: Never purchase crafts, clothing, furniture or other products that are derived from members of protected or endangered animal species. You make yourself liable to prosecution by buying products from endangered species.
Pay a fair price: Don’t engage in overly aggressive bargaining for souvenirs. Don’t short-change on tips for services. Pay attention that your tour operator offers fair working conditions in the industry.
Buy locally: Choose locally owned lodges, hotels and B&Bs. Use local buses, car rental agencies and airlines. Eat in local restaurants, shop in local markets and attend local events. Buy locally produced products in order to reduce the pollution required to import goods. That way your spent money stays in the community.
Guides / Tour Leaders: Enrich your experience and support the local economy. Ask guides if they are licensed and live locally. Are they recommended by tour operators?
Hazardous Waste: Many countries don’t offer the possibility to dispose special waste, such as batteries, in an environmentally sound manner. Try to avoid bringing special waste products to your holiday destination. In case it is no avoidable to bring e.g. batteries, take them home and dispose it in special waste sites.
Water / Energy: Use water sparingly. In many countries it is a scarce resource. In many countries sewage can’t be purified the same way as in many developed countries. Therefore it is important to use biodegradable cosmetics. Always turn off the lights and the A/C when leaving your hotel room.
