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Tourism is the biggest industry in the world, with massive impacts on people and nature. WWF is striving for responsible
tourism - tourism that is beneficial to tourists and local people without harming the environment. You can help.
Plan your holiday carefully
Go on holiday during the off-peak period to prevent over straining resources - you'll also avoid the crowds
Find out about your destination before you go on holiday - it may be an environmentally sensitive area. Doing this will
also ensure you are informed of what to see and any local customs
Don't travel by air if you can avoid it - air travel uses up large amounts of fossil fuels and creates greenhouse gases
If you travel by air, make a donation to Climate Care based on the length of your flight. This organisation supports the
development of renewable and clean energy projects that reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Visit www.climatecare.org for more
information
Avoid taking things on holiday that you will throw away
Dispose of any rubbish responsibly - it can be hazardous to wildlife
Ask your travel agent or tour operator what they are doing to be environmentally responsible
Be responsible in your accommodation...
Turn off all lights, taps and air conditioning when you leave hotel rooms
Re-use towels and participate in any green schemes run by hotels
Dispose of sanitary waste properly. Don't flush cotton buds, condoms, tampons and plastics down the toilet - or you might
just find them on the beach next time you visit
...and when you are out and about
Use public transport, cycle or walk instead of using a car
Use facilities and trips run by local people whenever possible
Don't participate in hunting or fishing unless it can be shown to be part of an effective management plan
Don't be tempted to touch wildlife and disturb habitats whether on land, at the coast or under water
When on holiday let the local people know that you appreciate pristine nature being there, so that they see its economic
value
Don't eat shark's fin soup or any dishes you suspect of containing endangered species
Be careful what you choose to bring home as a holiday souvenir. Many species from coral and conch shells to elephants
and alligators are endangered because they are killed for curios or souvenirs. It is illegal to import over 800 species into
the UK and over 25,000 more require a special licence
Take all rubbish home from the beach- turtles are often killed by plastic bags they've mistaken for jellyfish and many
items take years to degrade as well as being dangerous
Boats and jet-skis create noise and chemical pollution which is disturbing to wildlife - don't keep the engine running
unnecessarily
If you are sailing, surfing or windsurfing keep a distance of at least 100m from seal resting and bird nesting sites
to avoid disturbing them
© WWF-UK reproduced her with their permission.
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