January 16, 2006
Presenting: Danielle Weiss Talks About Sustainable
Tourism
Danielle Weiss is the Sustainable Travel Coordinator for G.A.P
Adventures, Canada's largest adventure travel company and winner
of many distinguished entrepreneurial and travel industry awards.
I am also happy to say that G.A.P is also the sponsor of our first
travel story contest who has generously
provided the top prize for our contest: an amazing adventure expedition
cruise through the Amazon.
G.A.P Adventures is a very unique travel company that combines
small group adventure tours with concepts of environmental sustainability
and social conscience.
Danielle is also one of the main people behind the Planeterra
Foundation, a non-profit organization that was developed by
G.A.P Adventures as a way to give back to the people and places
they visit on our tours. Danielle herself is an avid traveller and
in her personal interview she shares
her personal stories of how travel changed her life.
Danielle, working in an indigenous village in the Ecuadorian Andes
I had a chance to ask Danielle about "sustainable tourism"
and what all of us can do to minimize our impact on the communities
we come in touch with. Here are her insights:
1. Please tell us more about "Sustainable Tourism",
what is it?
I would define Sustainable Tourism as tourism that has minimal
impact on the environment, respects local people and cultures, offers
economic benefit to locally owned businesses and incorporates community-based
ecotourism projects.
2. What does it mean to be a "Responsible Tour Operator"?
Being a Responsible tourism means being committed to offering low-impact
tours that benefit traveller and host alike. G.A.P Adventures is
an example of a company that prides itself on being a responsible
operator. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals
to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies
while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts. We
travel in small groups, use local transportation and stay in locally-owned
accommodations.
Part of G.A.P's operating philosophy is to respect the communities
in which we operate. G.A.P does this by acting in a manner that
is environmentally, socially and economically responsible. While
our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment
to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed.
In recognition of our efforts in the area of social responsibility,
G.A.P won the Ethics in Action Award. We are proud of our reputation,
the work we do with local communities and the style of travel we
offer to our passengers.
3. What are "Ecotourism Operator Standards"?
With the help of Conservation International, G.A.P Adventures
developed a set of Ecotourism standards which act as a code-of-conduct
to ensure that we act responsibly at all levels of the company.
Every year these standards are re-examined and, where appropriate,
targets are raised or new standards are added.
Young girl working in the Otavalo market, Ecuador
- Company-wide policies:
1 Use of local transportation
2 All G.A.P Adventures staff and partners are aware and knowledgeable
of the Standards program.
3 Reduce, Reuse (and Recycle whenever possible).
4 Annual contribution to conservation and community development
NGOs (non-governmental organizations).
- Marketing:
1 Promote Standards in all marketing campaigns.
2 Marketing materials: Brochure contains at least 20% post-consumer
recycled paper. Newsletter to remain online.
- Tour Operation:
1 Visit at least one officially established protected area on each
tour and provide information on such areas to our clients.
2 Provide employment and/or business opportunities to local people.
3 Suppliers are encouraged to improve their own environmental/social
standards.
4 Maximum group size is 12 passengers on all G.A.P Tour Leader-led
tours. G.A.P ensures that local operators and other travellers are
aware of the benefits of conducting small-group tours.
5 No use of suppliers who support exploitative practices. For example,
we don't condone selling endangered species products, harming threatened
habitats or prostitution.
- Tour Leaders:
1 Tour Leaders are fluent in English and Spanish.
2 Tour Leaders receive special training in low-impact travel and
are selected based on their knowledge, commitment to and awareness
of sustainable travel. Tour Leaders must possess First Aid and CPR
certification upon being hired.
3 Tour leaders are encouraged to research eco-friendly operators,
accommodation, and possible projects that can be incorporated into
our tours.
- Accommodation:
1 All hotels have less than 40 rooms, except joining and departure
points, which have less than 100. Otherwise, the best feasible option
is employed. Best feasible option means that if there is an alternative
that is a more responsible option in terms of the social and natural
environment, this can be taken.
2 The majority of accommodation is locally owned.
Building a stove with a local family in the highlands of Peru
4. What makes travelling with G.A.P Adventures unique in
the context of sustainable tourism?
Travelling responsibly as a passenger on a G.A.P
Adventures tour results in a more enjoyable and authentic travel
experience. We believe that tourism should be about interacting
with other cultures, not exploiting them. This means travelling
with local people on public buses rather than looking at them through
the window of a private tour bus; and staying at a small, locally-
owned guesthouse rather than a large, foreign-owned hotel. It also
means travelling in small groups that are less intrusive and offer
more opportunity for local interaction.
5. What does being a "Responsible Traveller"
entail?
As a traveller, you can do a lot to help ensure that tourism in
developing countries remains a positive experience for everyone.
The following guidelines offer suggestions for low-impact and culturally
sensitive travel:
- Stay on the trail
Straying from the trail while hiking can cause erosion and other
environmentally harmful impacts.
- Respect the wildlife
Viewing animals from a safe distance is fine; touching, feeding,
or cornering them is not.
- Respect endangered species
Do not buy products that exploit wildlife, aid in habitat destruction,
or come from endangered species.
- Do not litter
This is one time when the old adage "When in Rome, do as the
Romans" doesn't apply. Even if you see a local person littering,
set an example and dispose of your garbage appropriately.
- 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.
Danielle, kayaking in Patagonia, Chile
- Protect local water systems
Use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos while camping. Avoid sunblock
while snorkelling as the chemicals are harmful to the coral reef
- wear a T-shirt instead.
- 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.
- 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.
If your subject wants immediate compensation in return for the photo
taken, offering a piece of fruit or bread, or a souvenir from your
home are ways to do it.
- 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.
- Giving gifts
G.A.P highly discourages offering money to people begging on the
streets of Latin America. Parents often send their children out
into the streets, since a child can make more than their parents
make begging on the street. This promotes further dependency and
encourages more parents to send out their children. Instead, we
would suggest offering a piece of bread or fruit.
- Support Local Artisans
Support local artists and artisans by purchasing locally made goods.
Many communities sell handmade crafts that you may purchase while
on tour. You may also ask your Tour Leader for recommendations about
where to find local markets, stores and cooperatives.
The lost city of Machu Picchu, Peru
6. Please tell us more about Planeterra as well as about
your Community Projects?
The Planeterra
Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to
making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities
around the world through support of community projects, local organizations
and international charities.
The Planeterra Foundation was developed by G.A.P Adventures, and
provides us as a company, our travellers and other donors with a
way to give back to the people and places we visit on our tours.
G.A.P Adventures
pays all administration costs and matches each donation dollar-for-dollar
so that 100% of each donation goes to support Planeterra projects.
By identifying projects and organizations that specialize in different
areas, our donors are provided with a variety of worthwhile projects
to choose from and support. Based on the individual needs of each
project, resources are delivered on an annual basis in the form
of funds and/or materials.
We support a number of community projects throughout Latin America
which our travellers are given the opportunity to visit while on
our tours. These projects focus on the areas of health, education
childcare, women's projects, wildlife conservation and the development
of community-based ecotourism.
To learn more about the individual community projects that we
support please visit:
http://www.planeterra.org/community.html
7. Why did G.A.P Adventures become so committed to the concept
of sustainable tourism?
Planeterra
is a labour of love and a dream that has come together after years
of planning. As a company that strives to give back to local communities,
developing our own foundation has long been on the agenda and is
now a reality. We have been very successful as a company and part
of our mission statement is to never forget what really makes our
company and programs great.
Bruce Poon Tip, G.A.P Adventures'
founder and C.E.O. has the following to say about his company's
commitment to sustainable tourism:
"It's about community, people and cultural exchange. It is
our duty to show ultimate respect for the privilege we all have
with modern international travel. In appreciation of the people
and places that have provided us with unforgettable memories and
experiences, we encourage you to help us give back to the country
in which you have travelled. We ensure that 100% of your donation
goes back to the people and supports community development with
the goal of promoting long-term sustainability. It is my duty as
the founder and CEO of G.A.P Adventures, to help preserve our planet,
her people and to make sure her treasures are around for the next
generation of eager travellers and wide-eyed explorers."
Visiting with children in a village in the Amazon
8. What additional sustainable tourism initiatives are you
working on?
a) Raising $100,000 to help build a home for street kids
in Peru
Every year donations made to the Planeterra Foundation are dispersed
amongst the community projects and international charities that
we support. In addition to raising funds for the various local projects
and charities we support, the Planeterra Foundation currently has
a goal of raising $100,000 which will be used to purchase land and
build a home for street children in Cusco, Peru.
We are working together with Inti Runakunaq Wasin (IRW), Quechua
for "house of the people of the sun", a local non-profit
organization that acts as a haven for children who live in extreme
poverty. IRW currently rents a small apartment space and is operated
by a group of social workers, teachers and other professionals who
volunteer their time to provide support programs for children and
their families. Children are given the opportunity to voluntarily
drop-in and participate in a variety of classes and workshops that
teach them valuable skills including reading, writing, carpentry,
handicrafts, shoe repair, cooking, music and English.
IRW currently works with 50 children but have a goal of establishing
a bigger home outside of Cuzco in order to provide services to more
children in need. The Planeterra Foundation is organizing fundraising
events and is relying on matched donations from travellers and other
donors in order to make this dream a reality.
Helping Street Children in Peru
b) Upcoming Fundraising Events
We have just recently hired a full-time Fundraiser, Elinor Schwob,
who comes to us with 15 years of fundraising experience. With Elinor's
help we aim to raise a minimum of $250,000 for our projects in 2006
through matched donations from travellers and some exciting fundraising
events. We will continually be updating the Planeterra Events page
with information about these events:
http://www.planeterra.org/support.html
c) New Volunteer Tours
For many people, travelling is about gaining an understanding
and appreciation of new cultures and developing relationships with
local people. This year we have developed a new style of tour that
incorporates a volunteer component so that travellers have the opportunity
to help improve the basic living conditions of the local people
while having an unforgettable cultural experience. In 2006 our goal
is to research and develop more of these types of tours.
Building stoves in Peru
PROJECT PERU
Travellers have the opportunity to work alongside local host families
to build a Peruvian cooking stove. Without the help of travellers
that want to make a difference, these communities do not have the
resources to build safe and clean cooking stoves for themselves.
Benefits of the stove include the removal of smoke from the kitchen,
a 50% reduction in wood used and the reduction of eye and lung infections
especially among women and children. Travellers will also have the
opportunity to visit Cusco, a women's weaving project in the Sacred
Valley and the lost city of Machu Picchu .
For more information about this tour please visit Project Peru
PROJECT GUATEMALA
Working alongside members of the community and international volunteers
travellers will participate in a project that provides villagers
with clean drinking water in Guatemala 's eastern highlands. Travellers
may also have the opportunity participate in other cultural aspects
of village life such as learning to make tortillas with the women,
helping with the corn harvest, and teaching English to the children.
We will also visit the colonial town of Antigua , relax on the shores
of Lake Atitlan and explore the colourful Sunday market in Chichicastenango.
For more information about this tour please visit Project Guatemala
No training or special skills are required, just a desire to help
make a difference.
3) Planeterra in Africa
In 2006, we will be expanding the scope of Planeterra to support
community and conservation projects in Africa.
Danielle, I appreciate that you took your time to educate us about
the concept of sustainable tourism and what all of us can do to
show respect to the people and places that we have the privilege
to visit. Good luck with your work for the Planeterra Foundation......
Related Articles:
How travel transformed Danielle's
life
Bruce Poon Tip, C.E.O. of G.A.P Adventures:
successful travel entrepreneur with a conscience
Interview preview and background
information on Bruce Poon Tip
G.A.P Adventures
is the sponsor of the grand prize for our first story contest: an
exciting adventure cruise on the Amazon on the historic
and unique Explorer expedition cruise ship. Visit
our contest page to find out more about our first travel story
contest.
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