1. What are the challenges for individual businesses in following these suggestions?

How can they be overcome?Responsible Travel is about bringing you closer to local cultures and environments by involving local people in tourism. It’s about doing this in a fair way that helps ensure that they will give you an even warmer welcome. For example, a local guide from the destination will open your eyes to their cultures and ways of life far better than an expatriate guide could ever do – they will also earn a much needed income from you.

Responsibletravel.com brings together over 270 operators and hundreds of villas, lodges, B&Bs and small hotels. Some of its environmentally sensitive travel suggestions include:

• Plan routes to minimize carbon emissions – travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimize internal flights.

• Minimize flying time and stopovers – the worst carbon emissions are emitted during take-off and landing.

• Ask to see the tour operator’s policy for responsible tourism. All responsibletravel.com members have to have one. Make sure it explains how they minimize environmental impacts and support the local economy.

• Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language – travelling with respect earns you respect.