responsible tourism

Responsible Tourism (sometimes called Sustainable Tourism) refers to the practice of maximizing the positive effects of tourism on a community while minimizing its negative effects. The 2002 Cape Town Declaration further defined Responsible Tourism as tourism which:

• Minimizes negative social, economic, and environmental impacts
• Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities
• Improves working conditions and access to the industry
• Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
• Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social, and environmental issues
• Provides access for physically challenged people
• Is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence

Ultimately, we want our grandchildren’s grandchildren to be able to do all of the cool treks we can do now, and this means that we must respect the environment, community, and culture of the destinations we choose. Hobnail Trekking Co. recognizes the positive and negative impacts of trekking on the communities in which we travel and therefore, in all of our treks, we strive to meet the following goals:

• Ensure that all of our guides, porters, and animal handlers are paid a fair wage for the job they do.
• Ensure that any animals used on Hobnail treks are treated well, receive medical attention as needed, and are provided with the nutrition required to perform their job without placing unreasonable expectations on them.
• Ensure that our guides are local to the area in which they lead treks, and that they know the culture and customs of the countries in which they work. They gladly pass on their wealth of knowledge to our trekkers so that we don’t inadvertently offend any locals.
• Use local companies and staff whenever possible so that the income generated from our treks benefits the local economy.
• Maintain reasonable ratios of guides to trekkers so that our clients are well-cared for and their needs are met while also ensuring local traditions and customs are honored and respected.
• Encourage our trekkers to optimize the use of reusable bottles and water bladders rather than single use plastics.
• Opt for family-run lodging over international chains, where possible.
• Provide opportunities for authentic cultural experiences which foster interaction with local people, facilitating a greater appreciation for the history, traditions, cultures, and rituals of each region we visit.
• Choose lodgings that source produce from their on-site farm or from local farms when possible. This results not only in fresher, authentic meals, but ensures your money directly assists local communities.
• Include all meals in your itinerary as possible, which ensures that local communities are impacted more significantly.

We hope that you will join us in discovering as much of this amazing planet as possible while serving as a positive influence wherever you go!

~ Mark & Holly