We love to go off the beaten track, far away from the tourists and their sometimes devastating path. Visiting remote parts of the worlds can be an eye-opening and enriching experience and can bring real benefits to local communities! Community based tourism is becoming popular and a great way to visit these remote communities, but it should have a positive impact, not a negative one. We have some tips for you to make sure you have a positive impact! Book your accommodation at bookdifferent.com to have a positive impact!
But first, we want to clarify something: what is community-based travel? Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents (often rural, poor and economically marginalized) invite tourists to visit their communities by offering overnight accommodation. The residents earn income as land managers, entrepreneurs, service and produce providers, and employees. Part of the tourist income is reserved for projects which provide benefits for the community as a whole. Community based tourism enables the tourist to discover local habitats and wildlife, and celebrates and respects traditional cultures, rituals and wisdom. The community will be aware of the commercial and social value placed on their natural and cultural heritage through tourism, and this will foster community-based conservation of these resources.
Now over to the tips!
Do your research (very important)! Be sure that the community or tribe, is open to tourists. If they aren’t or you’re not shure, don’t go. When you find one, do some research on the community, their traditions, the do’s and don’ts. When you go, find a local guide and buy only locally made products; only then will you help the community. Taking pictures is the best way to record your experiences, but make sure you have permission to do so. Put your camera away after a few photos and just relax and enjoy a different world!
Do you know the most basic form of sign language? SMILE! A smile can put almost everybody at ease and it shows good intentions. It’s a thing almost everybody has in common:) Book your accommodation to start your travel with a positive impact at bookdifferent.com!