MOSAIC - The training kit for Euro-Mediterranean youth work

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The WTO recommends a number of steps that tourists can take to practise more responsible
tourism:
1. Open your mind to other cultures and traditions. This will transform your experience, and you
will earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people. Be tolerant and respect diversity;
observe social and cultural traditions and practices.
2. Respect human rights. Exploitation in any form conflicts with the fundamental aims of tourism.
The sexual exploitation of children is a crime punishable both in the destination country and in
the offender’s home country.
3. Help preserve natural environments. Protect wildlife and habitats and do not purchase products
made from endangered plants or animals.
4. Respect cultural resources. Activities should be conducted with respect for the artistic, archaeological
and cultural heritage.
5. Your trip can contribute to economic and social development. Purchase local handicrafts and
products to support the local economy using the principles of fair trade. Bargaining for goods
should reflect an understanding of a fair wage.
from “The responsible tourist and traveller” at www.unwto.org/code_ethics
Further resources are available from the following websites:
the World Tourism Organization: www.world-tourism.org
the International Ecotourism Society, promoting responsible travel that unites conservation
and communities: www.ecotourism.org
the Ecotourism main page of UNEP: www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/ecotourism
Handouts (optional)
Principle 1 – for the group studying social impact
(from “The responsible tourist and traveller” at www.unwto.org/code_ethics)
1. Open your mind to other cultures and traditions. This will transform your experience,
and you will earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people. Be tolerant
and respect diversity; observe social and cultural traditions and practices.
Principle 2 – for the group studying human rights
(from “The responsible tourist and traveller” at www.unwto.org/code_ethics)
2. Respect human rights. Exploitation in any form conflicts with the fundamental aims of
tourism. The sexual exploitation of children is a crime punishable both in the destination
country and in the offender’s home country.
Principle 3 – for the group studying environmental impact
(from “The responsible tourist and traveller” at www.unwto.org/code_ethics)
3. Help preserve natural environments. Protect wildlife and habitats and do not purchase
products made from endangered plants or animals.
Principle 5 – for the group studying economic impact
(from “The responsible tourist and traveller” at www.unwto.org/code_ethics)
5. Your trip can contribute to economic and social development. Purchase local handicrafts
and products to support the local economy using the principles of fair trade. Bargaining
for goods should reflect an understanding of a fair wage.
MOSAIC - The training kit for Euro-Mediterranean youth work