http://blueandgreentomorrow.com/features/ecotourism-flourishes-when-local-people-are-engaged-with-sustainability/
‘Green’ is a term that has been getting on my goat during my travels. Everyone is green; everyone is eco-friendly. Simply by virtue of operating outside – which let’s face it, we all do at some point, even if only when walking from the front door to the car – seems to allow people to classify themselves as such. So when arriving inKaikoura, an ‘ecotourism’ town in New Zealand, what was I to find?
5 Comments
Taking to the Open Road
Without a clear standard it’s hard for travellers to choose authentic green or ethical operators. I try to engage with the locals and ask about their practices, before determining which provider to go with, but sometimes it’s difficult as what may be unacceptable to a Westerner is very different to a local just wanting to earn a living.
Francesca Baker
This is so true. Who’s job is it to provide those standards?
Francesca Baker
This is so true. Who’s job is it to provide those standards?
Taking to the Open Road
That’s a difficult question, given the global nature of travel. I would argue that it’s up to us, the travellers themselves to set these standards – demand for ethical travel will drive the provision of better quality travel operators. I can’t see any other way being more effective.
Francesca Baker
Looks like these guys are giving it a go? http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?c=setreg®ion=1&m_id=s~Y%21vnvm&w_id=9927&news_id=2011310