SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what Dream Land is all about.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

How do you envision our world in 50 years? Our efforts in sustainability as an organization reflect our commitment to the idea that our children and grandchildren will have a wonderful natural environment to explore throughout their lives. Our role as a company is to ensure that we’re giving back more to the communities and the natural surroundings that we help you to visit than what is being taken away in our travels. Preserving cultural heritage and conserving and replenishing the natural environment, while improving the lives of local people, is the essence of our way of travelling and is integrated into every decision and action we take at Dream Land.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL?

Sustainable Tourism is tourism that strives to minimize its impact on the environment, to respect local people and cultures, to offer economic benefit to local businesses and communities, and to provide a memorable experience for travellers and protects destinations for future generations. Using small-scale lodging, local transportation, supporting locally-owned businesses, and incorporating community-based ecotourism projects into tours are some ways travel can work towards sustainability.

WHAT DOES A SUSTAINABLE TRIP LOOK LIKE?

• Using efficient local transportation where possible, which also provides more interaction with local people.
• Staying at locally owned accommodations and supporting local businesses, so that the money you spend stays within the families and individuals you encounter along the way, enabling them to grow their community.
• Encourage the preservation of cultural heritage by appreciating, but not altering, archaeological sites, sampling local cuisine, and learning about traditional customs and belief systems.
• Visiting local community projects. This will give you a greater understanding of the issues facing local people and learn how individuals are working to strengthen the heath and viability of their communities. You may also have a chance to volunteer and give back during your visit.
• Support fair trade by purchasing goods directly from the individuals who have made them.

TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY

As a traveller, you can do a lot to help ensure that tourism remains a positive experience for travellers and hosts alike. The following guidelines offer suggestions for low-impact and culturally sensitive travel:

RESPECT CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

Local customs and traditions may be different from our own. Take the time to learn what behaviour is acceptable and what isn't. When entering temples in Asia wear long pants or skirts and keep your shoulders covered.

TAKE PHOTOS WITH CARE

Always ask permission to take photos of people and respect their wishes if they refuse. If you do take a photo, offer to send copies back to them and make sure to follow through with your promise.

LEARN A FEW PHRASES

Take the time to learn about the country you are visiting. Learning about the customs and a few words in the local language can go a long way and is appreciated by the local people. It also makes your interactions more meaningful and memorable.

BUY GIFTS LOCALLY

If bringing gifts to a host family, school or community, choose items that will have a lasting impact. Items to consider include books or sporting equipment. When bringing items like soccer or basketballs, bring a pump too so that the gear can be enjoyed again and again. Also think about purchasing such items locally to support the economy.

DON'T PACK PACKAGING

Limit product packaging and bring re-usable containers for things like toiletries rather than one-time use travel size containers, which just add to waste in foreign countries.

REDUCE WASTE

Recycling is extremely limited or non-existent in most developing countries. Avoid products with excess packaging; opt for beverages in glass bottles as they tend to be re-used. Bring a reusable water bottle and be sure to fill it whenever possible and think about bringing purification tablets to reduce waste from plastic, disposable bottles. Pack rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter if necessary). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeables are best but if this is not possible, bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.

PROTECT LOCAL WATER SYSTEMS

Often available at camping or outdoor stores, biodegradable products make a big difference when visiting fragile and pristine parts of the world. When camping try to stay at least 50m away from waterways when brushing your teeth.

STAY ON THE TRAIL

Straying from the trail while hiking can cause erosion and other environmentally harmful impacts.

RESPECT ENDANGERED SPECIES

Do not buy products that exploit wildlife, aid in habitat destruction, or come from endangered species.