Message From The Editor
In my job, apart from the rather mundane things like doing admin and managing staff, I get paid to do the things I love, like reading, writing and travelling. More than anything, my job has afforded me the opportunity to travel across the globe, and this month got me thinking about travelling responsibly. I see responsible travel as an assurance that the money you spend is being distributed fairly to each business or individual involved in whichever transaction you participate. It would not suit, for example, if your taxi driver were to be paid a mere 5 % of a taxi fare. But how is the everyday traveller supposed to know which businesses operate fairly, and which do not? This is where the responsibility shifts to us as travellers. I have taken to doing research before an upcoming trip, in an effort to be as sure as possible that the hotels, tour guides and taxi services that I use have a good reputation – for service, fairness and responsibility.
It has been well-documented over the years that in Africa, some of the tourism practices used aren’t always 100 % above board. One of the countries that is often afflicted by these problems is Kenya – a country where tourists flock to for its rich history, friendly people and strong traditional values. Here, the Maasai people have become famous for their jumping dances that attract tourists from across the world, eager to witness this meaningful cultural exhibition. Various documentaries over the years have revealed how some unscrupulous operators were profiting from the Maasai without sharing their profits equally with the Maasai people. This revelation prompted me to think about responsible tourism and how tourists can be sure their money benefits the right people.
There are charities and NGOS that work in Africa to give visitors the peace of mind that the money they spend is going to the people who deserve it the most. Organisations like Fair Trade Tourism exist to make sure that the most vulnerable groups involved in the tourism sector are treated fairly. While not all holiday providers will be certified, businesses that operate with this ethos are usually more than happy to explain their policies, and often already have initiatives in place to ensure responsible tourism through the value chain.
For those of you planning a trip this month, remember the words of E. M. Forster, and try throughout your travels to cast as small a shadow as possible.
Enjoy the read
“We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand, and it is no good moving from place to place to save things; because the shadow always follows. Choose a place where you won’t do harm – yes, choose a place where you won’t do very much harm, and stand in it for all you are worth, facing the sunshine.” – A Room with a View, E.M. Forster