Responsible Tourism

When we visit wild and beautiful places, home to interesting people and cultures, it often has a hugely positive impact on our outlook and wellbeing. It is only right that while undertaking such tours we also aim to have a positive impact on the local people, their customs, and the natural environment. In some cases we can even take steps to redress some of the damage caused by less responsible travellers in the past.

Responsible tourism is about enjoying inspirational, authentic holiday experiences while respecting the people and environment of your destination, and looking for opportunities to give something back. All travel and tourism is a balance between positive and negative influences on the social, economic and natural environments of your destination. Responsible tourism maximises the benefits, and minimises the negative effects of your holiday experience.

Here are some simple yet effective suggestions to help you have a positive impact while running with Wide Open Trails:

Before you travel

1. Air travel and offsetting carbon emissions Every form of motorised transport generates some CO2 (the main cause of human-induced climate change) with planes being the worst offenders. This is not just because of the sheer distances they travel, but also because they release greenhouse gases high into the atmosphere.
    
   How can you help? Climatecare.org (and other similar websites) use “carbon calculators” that allow travelers to offset the emissions they are responsible for with a payment to schemes that reduce greenhouse gases by an equivalent amount. These schemes include renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and forest restoration projects in countries across the world, including India, Honduras, Kazakhstan and Uganda. Wide Open Trails offsets all of our tour leader air travel and, together with other concerned organisations in the travel industry, is proud to support the carbon offset scheme run by climatecare.org.
   For example: 1 passenger flying from London to Kathmandu will be responsible for 2.07 tonnes of CO2 emissions. By contributing £18.28 to the scheme the impact of their air travel can be offset by their support of sustainable energy projects.
   
   To use Climate Care’s online carbon calculator please click here: www.jpmorganclimatecare.com
2. Language Learn some key words and basic phrases of the local language. This is a great way of breaking down barriers between tourists and the local people. It is equally important to be able to greet, thank and say your goodbyes to the people you meet.
3. Respecting local culture Religious customs and local traditions vary enormously around the world and play a large part in the local way of life. It is important to familiarize yourself with the local people’s dress codes and customs, and respect them when you travel. Local concepts of time can also be much less hurried and urgent than your own, so please be patient. Always remember that you are the visitor and that by adapting your actions to respect local traditions you will be accepted and welcomed by the local people you meet. 
4. Packing and disposable items Try to reduce weight by keeping your luggage down to a minimum and avoid disposable items. Waste disposal facilities can be limited and recycling non existent in many parts of the world. See our Equipment Advice page for more information.
5. Eco-friendly products Ecologically friendly toiletries and cosmetics help to minimize your impact on sensitive natural environments. There are some great products around designed for lightweight travel. 
6. Gifts for local people You might make special friendships and experience generous hospitality when traveling with Wide Open Trails. Gifts that are reminiscent of your home country, such as postcards and souvenirs, make ideal presents. Taking basic resources as gifts for schools, health centres and other community initiatives can make a valuable contribution when visiting developing countries. Please speak to us about specific ideas for the area you will be visiting.
   

During your tour

1. Natural environment Be mindful of your impact on the natural environment you travel through. Avoid walking or running on unstable slopes where your presence will accelerate or increase erosion. Where possible stick to established walking routes used by the local people. Also avoid picking or damaging trees, plants and flowers – these will all be part of the delicate local ecosystem.
2. Wildlife and habitat Avoid disturbing the local wildlife, their habitat, and food source. Never feed the wildlife you encounter as this can create future problems for the local people and travelers following in your footsteps. Please be careful not to leave food unattended and carry out any excess food you might have. Enjoy viewing the wildlife you encounter from a safe distance that minimizes your impact on their habitat. 
3. Litter Probably all countries of the world have their own issues with controlling and disposing of litter - please don’t add to the problem. Beyond that it’s up to you how you respond to other people’s litter. Many travelers, for example, are happy to pick up the litter they come across along the trail – it’s your call. Please remember that many countries and regions, particularly the more remote wilderness areas, do not have established litter collection, recycling or waste reduction schemes – so the less you create the better. Where there are no facilities for recycling plastics you might, for example, consider carrying a water bottle and a method of purifying your own water.
4. Water pollution and usage Only wash in streams, rivers or lakes if this is absolutely necessary. And in these instances please avoid using chemical based toiletries or cosmetics. There are plenty of eco-friendly products available for lightweight travel. Remember that many water sources are likely to be someone’s supply further downstream. Despite the benefits to the local economy from buying bottled water the problem created by the disposal of plastic bottles needs to be considered. You also need to be aware that the bottle of “sealed” mineral water that you think you are buying may well have been refilled from a stream close to the trail or downstream of the local village. Please use water sparingly – it’s a very precious resource in many countries and tourists often use much more than the local people. Click here for more information about Water purification.
5. Souvenirs Avoid buying souvenirs that threaten or damage the wildlife or natural environment you are visiting. Also avoid removing the natural resources or local artifacts you come across during your tour as “souvenirs”. 
6. Haggling with local people Buying appropriate souvenirs can benefit the local economy. Whilst it is often customary, and even fun, to haggle with traders, please always remain polite and stop your negotiations once you have reached a reasonable price. Some travelers have seen it as a challenge to drive for as low a price as possible for the local products they are bargaining for. Please remember that the low price you achieve may only be due to the desperation and poverty of the local people you interact with. 
7. Begging We know how compelling the temptation can be, but please don’t succumb to giving money to beggars, particularly to children. This can teach them that begging is a rewarding and legitimate activity which may undermine the authority of their parents. It is far better to interact with the local children you meet on other levels, for example, showing them pictures from your home country or teaching them basic words and phrases of your own language. This is a very difficult, moral issue for many ethically aware travelers, after all many of the world’s poor rely on begging as their sole source of income. A sustainable alternative, if you do wish to help, is to make a donation to an established aid charity operating in the country you have visited when you return home. 
8. Photographing local people Many people from a range of cultures and backgrounds do not like being photographed. However you will usually find that if you politely ask for permission before photographing local people or their families most will be happy to oblige. Exercising some universal courtesy goes a long way.
   

When you return home

1. Feedback If you have any comments or suggestions regarding responsible tourism when you return home please let us know. We are continually working to improve our ethical business practice and your feedback is vital in helping us to improve and develop our services responsibly.
2. Continuing your support Once you return home from your tour you might find that you wish to make further contributions to support charitable projects or humanitarian initiatives in the country you have visited. Please contact us for advice on where to direct your support and put something back to the local communities you have seen.
3. Sending gifts to local people If you’ve promised to send pictures or gifts to local people you have met on your tour please remember to do so. Gifts are often promised and not all arrive.
4. Promoting responsible tourism Please take opportunities to promote responsible tourism to your friends, family and colleagues. Increasing awareness and support for responsible tourism will help protect the culture and environments of the wild and beautiful places you like to visit.
5. Reflect on your tour Enjoy the memories of your tour, share the experience with others, and more importantly…...start planning your next inspirational holiday!
   

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Supporting Charitable Causes

By joining our tours you are able to make a charitable donation as part of your payment. On all of our advertised tours £10 has been added to the price to allow us to support our chosen charities. For every booking which includes a £10 donation Wide Open Trails matches this by giving £10 of our own money. If you chose not to support our chosen charities in this way you are able to inform us by ticking the box on your Booking Form.

During 2009 our tours in the UK, European Alps, and Canadian Rockies will be used to make a contribution to the valuable work carried out by Brathay Hall Trust (registered charity number: 1021586). Brathay uses adventurous outdoor activities, and other media, to develop the personal and social skills of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. Please click here for more information about the work of Brathay Hall Trust.

Our tours in the Himalayan Foothills of Nepal will be used to raise money to support the sustainable projects carried out by Community Action Nepal (registered charity number: 1067772). They are a charity established by mountaineers to help local mountain people help themselves, to raise their standard of living, and strengthen indigenous culture and traditions. Community Action Nepal operates mainly in the middle hill regions of Nepal where the majority of the porters who support trekking and mountaineering expeditions live. Please click here for more information about the work of Community Action Nepal.

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Environmental Impact

At Wide Open Trails we are committed to the continual improvement in the performance of our operations to ensure that we have a minimal impact of the physical environment. We occupy our premises and use its office facilities with due regard for any impact we have on the surrounding and wider environment.

We are working towards an Environmental Management System which meets the standards set out by Cumbria Business Environment Network (CBEN). In doing so we make every effort to:

• use energy efficiently, generating emissions that are controllable, while adopting energy sources of the least harmful type
  
• work towards the reduction and elimination of waste and maximize the use of existing resources
  
• encourage the sharing of information to our clients, partners and suppliers by electronic means and limit the requirement for use of printed material
  
• use Forestry Stewardship Council approved paper sources when we do need to resort to printed materials
  
• save waste products for recycling, either by ourselves or by the local authorities, or dispose of in as environmentally sensitive manner as possible
  
• offset the contribution to CO2 emissions from our tour leaders embarking on air travel, and encourage those working for us to share transportation when undertaking journeys on behalf of Wide Open Trails
  
• work with partners and suppliers who share our ambitions to minimize the environmental impact of business activities.
  

We will involve those working for us in discussions on how our business processes and activities can move towards environmental sustainability. We will also take opportunities through our business activities to educate others in the benefits of adopting an environmentally sensitive approach.

At Wide Open Trails we invite our clients, partners and suppliers to be involved in all aspects of our environmental policy and procedures. Please use our Contact form to give us your comments and suggestions for improving our environmental business practice. Thank You.

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Working Conditions of those we employ

We are dedicated to creating a business which is supportive, empowering, friendly, fun, and which rewards excellence and loyalty. Our tour leaders are all highly experienced, professional people with a desire to share their passion for trail running in wild and beautiful places. We will maintain and develop a core group of specialist leaders committed to the future success of Wide Open Trails. We also endeavour to follow leading HR practice to ensure the development and ongoing enthusiasm of our valued group of associates.

Due to the nature of our tours (lightweight travel through inspiring scenery) we do not need to employ the services of local porters as traditionally used on trekking holidays. However our Himalayan Foothills tours in Nepal do employ a local guide and additional porter to increase our staff to client ratio. In these instances we follow the codes of practice established by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) and Porters Progress Nepal (PPN). The IPPG works to improve the conditions of mountain porters in the tourism industry worldwide. This means porters carrying for individual trekkers, organized groups, mountaineering expeditions and those who supply lodges. PPN is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation officially registered in Nepal in 2002 by dedicated porters to improve the lives of trekking porters through various programs that emphasize advocacy, education and empowerment.

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Data Protection

The Data Protection Act (1998) requires all organisations which handle personal information to comply with a number of important principles regarding privacy and disclosure. The Act states that anyone who processes personal information must comply with the codes of practice set out by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). The Act also allows individuals to find out what personal information is held about them by making a subject access request. This covers information held electronically and in some paper records, and includes credit reference details. If members of the public think they're being prevented from seeing information they're entitled to they can ask the ICO to help. The ICO are responsible for looking after your rights and making sure personal information is not misused.

As a business which collects, processes and stores the personal details of our clients we are bound by the 1998 Data Protection Act. We follow the codes of practice set out by the ICO with respect to:

• methods of collection of personal information
• safe and secure storage of personal information
• privacy and electronic communications (EC Directive Regulations 2003)
• freedom of information and your access to your personal records held by Wide Open Trails.

We have been through a process of notification whereby we inform the ICO of certain details about our requirements to collect, process and store personal information. These details are used by the ICO to make an entry describing our data handling in a register that is available to the public for inspection on the ICO website at: www.ico.gov.uk

The principal purpose of having notification and the public register is transparency and openness. It is a basic principle of data protection that the public should know, or should be able to find out, who is carrying out the processing of personal information as well as other details about the processing, such as for what reason it is being carried out. Notification, therefore, serves the interests of individuals in assisting them to understand how personal information is being collected, processed and stored by organisations.

If you have any questions regarding the handling of your personal information we’d be happy to provide more details about the Data Protection Act and the Information Commissioners Office codes of practice for organisations. Please call our office on: 01865 577147 or use our Contact form to get in touch.

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Insurance and Financial Protection

Tour Operators and Travel Agents in the UK are subject to the provisions of The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. This legislation implements in the UK the provisions of the EC Directive on Package Travel Number: 90/314/EEC. Wide Open Trails operate within these regulations. The regulations, together with increased consumer awareness, means it is essential that organisations in the travel industry protect themselves and their clients fully.

The Package Travel Regulations require that all tour operators provide financial protection and repatriation cover in the event of their failure.

As soon as you make any payment to Wide Open Trails you will be covered by Bond Plus Financial Failure Cover. This insurance applies to all persons booking with us. Each is provided with a Bond Plus certificate which, coupled with the booking confirmation or proof of payment, suffices in the event of a claim consequent on the financial failure of the Tour Operator. There are three elements to your cover:

• Financial Protection in the event of the Tour Operator ceasing to trade
• Repatriation Cover in respect of additional travel and accommodation expenses reasonably incurred following the failure of the Tour Operator as authorized by te Assistance Company
• Assistance – the services of Worldwide Assistance to repatriate / advise the Insured.

Wide Open Trails are also covered by Combined Liability and Professional Indemnity for Tour Operators. This covers our:

• Public Liability covering our legal liability for injury or damage caused to third parties
• Products Liability covering our legal liability for injury or damage caused by our “products” or “products” supplied by us
• Legal Defense covering costs in defending proceedings arising from a breach in the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Health & Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, Part II of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, Trade Descriptions Act 1968, or Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 where there has been no actual injury or damage.
• Emergency Legal Assistance covering the cost and expenses in providing emergency assistance to the passenger in the event of the death or bodily injury of the passenger whilst pursuing activities not arranged by the tour operator. In accordance with the Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992, clause 15.7

There are some exclusions, excesses, limitations and conditions attached to this insurance cover. Please contact us if your would like further details of what these are.

Depending on where you are traveling from to join our tours you might be required to obtain special travel insurance covering the type of activities undertaken on our holidays. We will try to answer your questions and offer advice on whether you are required to have additional travel insurance. For this, or any other question relating to insurance and financial protection, please call our office on: 01865 577147 or use our Contact form to get in touch.

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