Travelling the world by bicycle means rediscovering the pleasure of the voyage, moving slowly across lands and different cultures. It means having the possibility of getting in touch more deeply with local realities, far from the regular touristic circuits, that exploit the resources of the destination countries, instead of involving local communities. To be Ambassadors for the Responsible and Sustainable Tourism means to spread and to respect the the Code of the Responsible Traveller principles, promoting a way of being a tourist much closer to the needs of the destination countries.

the code of the responsible traveller

Study the history,

the culture and customs

of the destination country.

Do not be offensive

towards the culture of the host country.

Do not waste water

and energy resources.

Buy only local products

to support the economy

of the host country.

Face each situation

with spirit of

adaptation.

When possible

move by feet,

use bicycle or public transport.

Try to understand the daily life,

learn some words of the local language,

try not to visit only tourist locations.

Help to respect

the ecosystem of the planet.

Ask for permission

before taking pictures

or making video.

#10

Do not use disposable products,

throw garbage into bins,

leave only your footprints on the spot.

What is it?

Responsible tourism is the tourism implemented according to the principles of social and economic justice and to the full respect of the environment and cultures. Responsible tourism recognizes the centrality of the local host community and its right to be a leader in sustainable and socially responsible tourism development in its own territories. Responsible Tourism works encouraging positive interaction between the tourism industry, local communities and travelers.

This definition was adopted by AITR during the 2005 Cervia Meeting.

how?

Before Travelling

Being aware, protagonists and present of your travelling choice and its consequences, being personally involved in a process of information on the country that you want to visit and the importance of travel as a growth experience and a cultural exchange as well as a time for fun and enjoyment.

While travelling

Knowing and respecting traditions, customs and rights of hosting peoples, recognized their central role in our experience.

Aftert the travel

Deepening the topics covered during the experience of responsible tourism together with the organizations we chose for travelling, so that our responsible travel experience does not remain “private,” but could influence the choices of our social network by spreading the idea that “travel responsibly “is better!

Why?

Because today tourism is the main economic activity of the globe; because every year there are 5 billion of “arrivals” in the countries of the world (including almost 600 million outbound), because it employes millions of workers (1 every 15 employees around the world), and in the coming decades it is expected to grow exponentially, favored by the development of transport and communications. Because tourism implemented without respect for the principles of sustainability, solidarity and social responsibility, especially in its applications to mass and luxury, has often had very negative effects on the environment, cultures, societies, economies in countries of destination, and it is therefore essential for its development that strict limits and implementing conditions are fixed.

® Some of this section texts are property of Associazione Italiana del Turismo Responsabile