Trails were the theme on the Adventure stage at ITB Berlin last week. Their power to connect and foster social interactions generates social benefits for both tourists and locals which is crucial for sustainable tourism development.
As an alternative to a somewhat Westernised and potentially patronising desire to ‘help’ the poor, Community Based Tourism provides a means to support communities to diversify their income, on their own terms, and contribute to sustainable development in the process.
Ethical travellers should take some time and find our about the options before taking part in elephant tourism – all good tour operators will have a policy on elephant tourism and if they do offer treks should be able to justify the options they offer.
