Is committed to ensure a quality experience during your trip, at the right price for the travelers while honoring our local service providers with fair wage, and that we honor the lands and the peoples that call it their home through a sustainable and responsible tourism ethos.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
A Traveler’s Ethical Charter
Sustainable tourism:
The term sustainable tourism generally describes all forms of alternative tourism that respect, preserve and promote in a sustainable way the resources (natural, cultural and social) of a territory and its heritage to the attention of tourists, so that to minimize the negative impacts generated.
Responsible tourism
Responsible tourism or ethical tourism is a type of alternative tourism, aims to:
An authentic encounter between travelers and local people
Today, many travelers are sensitive to the impact of their journey to the destinations they visit, and are eager to consider and try new ways of travelling. They wish to be consistent with the principles they apply in their country, but also to improve the quality and authenticity of their travel experience.
Each of us can contribute to being a responsible traveler, attentive to the world and its inhabitants by following some guidelines, before, during and after the trip.
Tolerance and respect for difference:
Respect the others is to accept the differences between your life and theirs while recognizing our lives should have the same measure of dignity.
When we meet someone while traveling, it is important to recognize and respect cultural difference and to enrich each other’s existence.
Before the trip:
Learn about the inhabitants and their way of life, heritage, religion, the environment.
Choose professionals involved in responsible tourism: travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, guides, on-site activities, accommodation, and restaurants.
Travel lightly, and keep space the suitcase to bring locally-crafted souvenirs. Learn about the practice and limits of price bargaining and tips traditionally left to professionals: restaurants, accommodation, guides, artisans, merchants, without stubbornly wanting to obtain unreasonable privileges and perks.
To leave with a light mind, keep a critical mind. Question the reality of the risks of the destination, and to obtain information from the competent bodies, without being too influenced by questionable media sources.
During the trip:
Respect nature as well as people and their culture. Put yourself in tune with the habits and customs of the destination, without imposing your habits or lifestyle, paying attention to the way you dress, especially in places of worship, but also to the signs of wealth that can contrast with the local standard of living. Taste the local cuisine and be curious about authentic accommodation.
Just like at home, sort waste where possible, save water and energy. Also respect the rules posted in natural spaces, in order to preserve the balance of the place.
Take care not to collect souvenirs from natural and archaeological sites
Touch with the eyes!
Do not take photos of isolated individuals without permission. Do not accept to pay to take a photo because it encourages undignified and potentially dangerous behavior. It is advisable to promise to send photos to the people concerned only if you can respect this commitment (to send by WhatsApp or Instagram, for example).
After the trip:
Foster dialogue between cultures to allow tourism to create peace.
Share your experience as a traveler, with your family, with your friends, or on social networks to testify to the riches and fragility of our planet and give others advice on how to travel better.
ACTING FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
…is to commit to limiting the negative effects of tourist activity. It means developing new responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Encourage the development of qualitative tourism for an authentic discovery of each region and its culture.
Ensure that the economic benefits are most fairly distributed among the players in the travel industry, and participate in the sustainable development of destinations.
Respect the customs and cultural differences of the host regions.
Respect the environment and the cultural and natural heritage.
Always engage in a transparent and sincere manner.
Local aid for those in need
When considering giving donations to assist those in local need, prefer aid to competent associations, schools, rather than promoting begging, especially that of children.
Purchasing quality local crafts
Hla Tours is committed to promoting handcrafted and handmade products by encouraging our travelers to buy local. Supporting the local economy is one of the foundations of responsible and sustainable tourism. Try to buy only souvenirs and other items made in the area.
We find all kinds of crafts made in the Holy Land, from magnificent oriental carpets, pillow and cushion covers, handbags, to ceramic, hand-blown glass, and olive oil soap. Women’s cooperatives often sell the fruit of their labor (pottery, ceramics, weaving and embroideries); by buying their products you support fair and ethical tourism beneficial for the local communities.
