P.I.R.T
Guidelines for Evaluating Responsible Tour Operators

Partners in Responsible Tourism (PIRT) has a strong concern about the impact of tourism and tourism development on local environments and cultures and promotes positive cultural and environmental ethics and practices. One important area of tourism that can greatly benefit or potentially harm host communities and the environment is tour operation. Therefore, PIRT has developed a set of guidelines to help consumers evaluate who is a responsible tour operator.

Many tour operators offer "ecotours". By asking some questions, travel agents and travelers can determine whether a tour operator is operating their tours in such a way as to benefit the local community and preserve natural and cultural resources of the destination.

Questions To Ask For Evaluating Responsible Tour Operators

What is the mission statement of your company?

Do you provide the following pre-departure information:
* Codes of conduct/behavior guidelines appropriate for the destination and culture (including guidance on endangered species, antiquities and other souvenirs to avoid purchasing, and local laws)
* Background on culture / environment / history / politics / economic conditions / social values / religious customs (provided in reading lists, books, articles, language lessons, videos)
* Health issues (food, first aid, altitude)
* Clothing and equipment (anticipating adverse weather or unexpected activity)
*Passport, visa, immigration information
*Insurance (trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, sickness coverage)

Do you use field specialists, including qualified trained local guides?
*What is the ratio of group members per guide?
*Are field guidebooks and binoculars available on the tour?

Do the guide's qualifications include:
* Language skills, education
* Safety training (first aid, personal safety)
* Knowledge of the destination (cultural/natural)

How are the impacts of your tour minimized concerning:
* Transportation
* Environmentally appropriate lodging
* Sanitation and sewage disposal, solid waste management
* Reducing, recycling, reusing efforts related to noise, air emissions, water and energy conservation, fuel sources
* Wildlife viewing tips - minimizing impact on wildlife behavior

Do you support the local economy by:
* Using locally-owned hotels, transportation, hiring local people
* Ensuring a percentage of trip costs remain in the local community
* Encouraging sale of locally-produced souvenirs, made from renewable resources

In what ways are you involved with the local community:
* Input from local people in planning, setting conditions for travelers
* Interaction between travelers and local people
* Company support for appropriate local projects
* Encouragement of travelers' support for local projects (such as conservation, schools, clinics, libraries, cultural art revitalization) through financial donation, or equipment and supply donation, or volunteering time

How do you encourage responsibility in the tourism industry:
* Contributions toward research
* Membership in tourism organizations
* Advertising/marketing which reflects the reality of the culture-avoiding objectification

What are your provisions for client protection?
* Do you put our funds in an escrow account until we travel?
* What is the liability insurance coverage carried by your company?

[To the questioner: Do you feel that the tour operator responded readily to your questions? Does their printed material reflect their answers?]

Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Partners in Responsible Tourism
email info@pirt.org