Responsible Tourism - What does it mean?

Responsible Tourism and It's Importance for FIGY Travel

Responsible tourism is an increasingly important concept in the travel industry, and it's something that our volunteer agency, FIGY Travel, takes very seriously.

Put simply, responsible tourism is the idea of traveling in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and respectful of local cultures and environments. This means considering the impact of your travels on the communities you visit, and taking steps to minimize any negative effects while maximizing the benefits for local people.

There are many reasons why responsible tourism is so important, and here are just a few:

1. Protecting local cultures and traditions: Responsible tourism helps to preserve local cultures and traditions by ensuring that tourism is conducted in a way that is respectful and sensitive to local customs and practices. This is especially important in areas where tourism is a major source of income, as it can help to sustain traditional ways of life and prevent the erosion of cultural identity.
2. Preserving natural environments: Responsible tourism also plays a key role in protecting natural environments and biodiversity. By choosing to stay at eco-friendly accommodations, such as at our Mwanza Lake View Farm lodges (see slider on homepage), using local transportation, and supporting local businesses, travelers can help to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize the impact of tourism on the natural world.
3. Supporting local communities: Responsible tourism also has the potential to directly benefit local communities by providing employment opportunities and generating income for local businesses. By choosing to stay at locally owned accommodations, eat at locally owned restaurants, and shop at local markets, travelers can help to boost the local economy and make a positive difference in the lives of people living in the destinations they visit. We all do this at FIGY Travel.

But responsible tourism isn't just about minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive ones - it's also about ensuring that tourism is conducted in a way that is fair and equitable. This means avoiding activities that exploit local people or resources, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared fairly among all members of the community.

The importance

At FIGY Travel, we believe that responsible tourism is a crucial aspect of any volunteer experience. We strive to minimize our impact on the communities and environments we work in, and to maximize the benefits for local people. But we also go above and beyond to ensure that our programs are fair and equitable, and that our volunteers have a truly transformative and meaningful experience.

“We  go above and beyond to ensure that our programs are fair and equitable, and that our volunteers have a truly transformative and meaningful experience.”

By choosing to travel with us, you can be confident that you are making a positive difference in Tanzania, while also having a fulfilling and meaningful volunteer experience. You can also be confident that your travels are conducted in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and respectful of local cultures and environments.

So, if you're considering a volunteer travel experience, we encourage you to choose a responsible tourism provider like FIGY Travel. Not only will you be able to make a positive impact in the world, but you'll also be able to travel with a clear conscience, knowing that your travels are benefiting local communities and preserving the natural world for future generations.

Please let us know if you are interested in applying for one of our programs by filling in our contact form or applying directly through the 'Apply now' button.


Hope to see you soon,

Team FIGY