Responsible Tourism With more people traveling to more places each year, Aquila promotes responsible tourism and strives to ensure positive experiences not only for our travelers, but also for the people in the destinations we visit and for the travelers of the future.

Tourism is the world’s biggest industry. By the year 2010, it is forecast that over 1 billion people from North America will take an overseas trip, and as a result, the immense impact of tourism will continue to increase. The travel industry can bring many benefits to local communities, but without care, tourism can also have a negative impact, from the disturbance or destruction of natural habitats to the diversion of scarce resources. It is only right that when we enjoy the benefits of tourism, we do so responsibly, ensuring that our travels are positive experiences not only for us, but also for the people in the destinations we visit and for the travelers of the future.

Read on to see ways Aquila is…

Responsible in our travel programs
Aquila strives to practice responsible tourism in all of the components of our travel programs. Some of the ways we do this include:

Responsible when planning our travel programs
Aquila strives to follow established practices in the day-to-day activities of our office, taking our responsibility to the world in which we travel to heart. Below are just some of the ways we do this.

• Aquila encourages paperless transactions and electronic correspondence. We actively focus on email and web-based communication with all of our clients, suppliers, and any other entities with which we do business to minimize the need for printing. This includes using email to distribute our newsletter and to advise when brochures are posted on-line, rather than mailing print copies whenever possible.
• When printing is required, the Aquila team uses recycled paper in all printed stationery and environmentally friendly ink is used on all printed materials whenever possible. Ink cartridges from our printers are also recycled.
• Paper is always reused wherever possible before recycling, including being cut up and made into notepaper and message pads!
• When paper is completely used, we recycle it. We also recycle cans, bottles and glass that find their way into our office.
• Energy saving modes are used on all of our office equipment such as computers, computer screens, printers, photocopiers, etc. This equipment is also turned off at night whenever possible.
• Digital photography is used where possible to reduce chemical use.
• Files, folders and other such stationery are always reused to full potential. When the folder can no longer contain the paper and must be retired, it is recycled.
• The Aquila team is known for volunteering with such events as the Atlantic Coastal Action Program’s creek sweeps and beach sweeps, the Vision of Youth’s street clean up, and other events to give back to our local community. We also choose three organizations per year to which to make charitable donations, with special attention given to issues that have touched the lives of those around us. And as a company who plans group travel programs and events, we use our expertise to plan annual fundraisers for these organizations as well.

How you can be a responsible tourist
Aquila encourages all travelers to be responsible tourists, whether you are traveling across the street or around the world. Here are just some of the ways you can be a responsible tourist.

• Read about your destination in advance. Some knowledge of the local culture and environmental issues help you become a more sensitive traveler. Learning a few words of the local language or dialect is generally greatly appreciated by the people you meet.
• Sponsor a tree. Carbon dioxide emissions are contributing to the earth’s climate change, and although they are a byproduct of almost everything we do, they are particularly high when we fly. You can neutralize the effect of your flight on the climate by planting a tree each time you fly. And if you don’t have much of a green thumb yourself, you can contribute to an organization that funds carbon-neutralizing activities.
• Handle waste responsibly. Many countries do not have the same refuse disposal systems as we do in North America. Minimize waste whenever possible and ensure that it is disposed of responsibly, even if it means carrying it with you.
• Be conservative with water. Many places lack sufficient water, and without careful use, local people and wildlife suffer. Also consider using environmentally safe soaps, as many places still flush water directly into rivers and the sea.
• If you must smoke, dispose of matches and cigarette butts properly, even if that means collecting them and carrying them with you.
• If your journey includes traveling through natural areas, please keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb the animals, and any animals encountered should not be touched, fed or disturbed in any way. Try also not to damage any plant life that you come across and do not pick any flowers. When hiking or trekking, always follow your guides and keep to the path.
• When buying souvenirs, be aware of what you are purchasing. Buying products made from endangered species threatens their existence, and in many cases, it is illegal to import those products into North America. When on the beach, refrain from buying shells (which encourages the seashell trade) and coral (removing coral damages the marine ecosystem). In fact, if you are near coral, please bear in mind it is made up of tiny animals and takes centuries to grow. Treading in coral can cause severe long-term damage.
• On your journey, you may be confronted by extremes of wealth and poverty. Unfortunately, beggars are a fact of life, and while some are genuine, others are not. Whether you give money or gifts is a personal matter. However, if you give anything to any local people, please try not to be condescending. For instance, don’t throw candy out of the vehicle to children as you pass a village. Tipping is perfectly acceptable, and when bargaining for goods, please bear in mind that 10 cents is little to you, but might be a lot to the vendor.
• Respect local customs and sensitivities, and follow high standards of courtesy. Treat images of the heads of state with respect, as well as all holy sites, regardless of the religion they represent. Also respect property, leaving places you visit as you found them, or even better.
• Be aware of the differences in social behaviour and conduct yourself appropriately. Standards of acceptable behaviour vary greatly from place to place, and people of developing countries can often be easily shocked by “western” behaviour. Observe the local dress code in the areas you are traveling, and always ask permission before taking someone’s photo.
• For more information on safe and responsible travel for Canadians, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.