RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

WHAT & WHY IS RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL?

Responsible travel strives to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive effects of tourism on individuals and local communities, thus promoting the sustainable development of destinations.

Asia Color Travel feels that it is imperative to give back to the local communities we visit. We have partnered with local communities in developing programs with direct impact and which provide economic, social and environmental sustainability. No doubt, responsible Travel is part of our mission and responsibility, also yours.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL PRACTICES

As a tour operator in the destination, we understand the growing society and customer needs for sustainable tourism and, thus, really care about corporate responsibility on the area. Working toward the culture of enabling responsible travel has been one of the key factors driving our successes. Asia Color Travel team commits to grow our business in a sustainable manner. Below are what we are doing.

Economical Sustainability

We aim to use local suppliers and local communities in rural areas wherever possible to bring them more economic benefits
We aim to ensure that our type and scale of tourism is appropriate to local conditions and does not overload local infrastructure.
We encourage our customers to buy sustainable souvenirs and support local craftsmanship
Where possible we will encourage local involvement and provide financial support for economic, social or environmental projects that will benefit the local communities.

Environmental Sustainability

We are getting our staffs and tour guides involved in our environment protection programs.
We run a green office under the guideline of Responsible Travel Club: Energy savings. Water saving, paper saving and maximize recycling while at the office or on traveling.
We aim to minimize water and atmospheric pollution from any specific tourism development we use.
We aim to work with accommodation partners to friendly remind clients of in-room power and resource saving; and encourage the adoption of eco options such as re-using towels and sheets.
We aim to cooperate with Environmental responsible suppliers to use their sustainable products and services where possible.
We take part in the refilling revolution where and when possible, start from using glass bottled water instead of plastic bottles.

Social Sustainability

We cooperate with local communities in promoting local cultural values by developing and customizing tour products according to their goals and priorities.
We encourage and train our local partners and staff to gain an insight into the culture and way of life of our clients.
We attempt to promote ethnical tours, local products and encourage our customers to support in a socially responsible way.
We will attempt to impart an insight and understanding of the host culture and community to our clients so that they can gain more from visiting them.
We will provide regular and ongoing training in the principles and practices of responsible tourism, both to our office staff and those employed directly or indirectly in the destinations

AT HEART WE DO!

Giving-back Funds by Asia Color Travel

Having had chances to travel around the region and witnessing the difficulties of local communities, we feel that we have been privileged and, thus, have set aside a distinct percentage of our profit for our Giving-back fund. Also, each tourist booking with us will automatically donate $1 of the tour price to our Giving-back fund which is distributed to help people and children with difficulties throughout Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

CSR Activities by Asia Color Travel

Asia Color Travel Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities aim at contributing to the sustainable development of Indochina through two main activities: Helping Disadvantaged children and Education. We are glad to be part of the following associations:

Nuôi Em and Cơm Có Thịt , Hope for Cambodian Children

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL GUIDELINES

As a traveler, please consider yourself as the luckiest person who has opportunities to travel from place to place and enrich yourself with local experiences. It is therefore important to give back to local communities by tuning to local responsible traveling tips. These tips are not intended to be overbearing but informative so that your travel experience is beneficial for you and the places you visit.

Get informed

✔ Before embarking on your trip, it is important to familiarize yourself with the country you will be visiting and take the time to understand its customs, norms, and traditions. The more knowledge you have, the fewer mistakes you will make and the more enjoyable your holiday will be.

✔ It is highly recommended to learn some basic rules that pertain to your travel destination. Once you are in the country, it is crucial to respect and follow its laws, rules, and social norms.

✔ If you have any uncertainties, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your tour guide or group leader.

Go green and protect Environment

✔ Hire a bike or walk whenever possible.

✔ In any case, do not harm the wildlife where you’re visiting. Do not cause any effect that may harm nature. Do not touch limestone formations or coral reefs underwater.

✔ If possible, refuse to use plastic bags. Waste management is a huge problem in developing countries.

Leave only footprints and take with you only photographs and memories. Ensure that all trash and litter is packed out for appropriate disposal. Turn off the lights, fans and air-conditioners when you leave your room. Use water sparingly.

Respect local Culture and Values

✔ Respect local traditions, customs, and sensitivities when visiting a different country.

✔ Avoid being critical or judgmental of what you see and experience, as cultural differences are what make the world diverse.

✔ Remember that you are visiting the country precisely because it is different from your home.

✔ Learn a bit of the local language – have a little notebook with some simple phrases of greeting and conversation you may use when meeting people and do not be afraid to practice them whenever possible. These will help break the ice.

✔ Please do not give money, sweets to the local people in the communities we visit or pay for the right to take photos as it creates unequal relationships between host and visitor.

✔ Never buy anything from children or give them money, sweet... They should be in school or playing, not selling or begging.

✔ Always gently ask for permission when you want to take photographs of someone on your way, especially the ethnic minority people. If they indicate that they do not want you to, then follow their wishes.

Support and Donation

✔ Support local farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs who have a considerably lower environmental footprint.

✔ It is also meaningful to support the community through local schools, clinics or development projects as this creates positive impacts on local society.

✔ Try to support local sustainable businesses, restaurants and other travel services whenever possible. By purchasing sustainable souvenirs, eating local foods and drinking local brands and brews, staying in locally run accommodations you would support the locals too.

✔ Sometimes on tour, if there is a visit to charity centers, non-profit organizations, orphanages, or natural and cultural conservation centers, you may have the opportunity to make a donation. Your contribution, separate from the tour cost, is greatly appreciated and can greatly impact the living standards of disadvantaged children/people and support meaningful projects being undertaken by the locals.

All above mentioned habits and practices are highly valued and appreciated by the locals