OUR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM GUARANTEE

Human Connections is built on the values of responsible tourism. We try our best to promote this type of travel through our long-lasting partnerships, student programs, day tours and education surrounding responsible tourism practices.

Authentic, reciprocal exchanges

Honoring cultural heritage

Experiential education

Inclusive decision-making

Fair payment to all providers

Local purchasing

Carbon offsetting and reduced waste

Solar-powered office

“Responsible tourism is a movement anchored on principles of sustainability, ethics, and responsibility from all ends of the tourism supply chain in order to support better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.”
— The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism

10% 1 in 10 1.8 bn

of global GDP comes from tourism* jobs worldwide are in the tourism industry* people will cross borders in 2030**

* according to the UN

**according to the World Tourism Organization

The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism characterizes the movement as one that:

  • minimizes negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;

  • generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;

  • involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;

  • makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity;

  • provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;

  • provides access for physically challenged people;

  • and is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.