Sustainable Tourism Policy.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AGREEMENT

 In an effort to improve the effectiveness of our sustainable travel policy we hope that you as visitors to our beloved country will work with us on the following important points:

1 LEAVE NO TRACE: Reduce your impact on the areas where you travel as much as possible. Respect wildlife, flora, and fauna, reduce the amount of plastic and other waste you produce (refill water bottles especially) dispose of waste properly, be considerate of other visitors and leave what you find – do not remove/damage any cultural or historic structures or artifacts including rocks, native plants, and other natural objects. Please leave everything as it was and where it was when you arrived.

 2 NO TO TRAFFICKING: Soulful Safaris will not tolerate the trafficking of any illegal items such as animals, plants, and archaeological artifacts.

 3 NO TO SEXUAL TOURISM & CHILD PROSTITUTION: Soulful Safaris is wholly against any form of sexual tourism and child prostitution.

4 LEARN THE LANGUAGE: We encourage visitors to learn a few simple words and phrases of Hindi (or the state language) before your visit. Even the simplest words and phrases will go a long way in allowing you to interact with the local people. And, no matter how little you know, it’s always appreciated.

5 PURCHASE LOCALLY MADE GOODS: We encourage you whilst in the country to buy locally produced products and services. We strive to offer this to you already within your itinerary but if in doubt please ask our office or your guides & drivers for more information on the services being provided and/or to direct you to locally owned businesses and cooperatives.

6 CONSERVE PRECIOUS RESOURCES:

Reduce. When staying in hotels avoid having sheets and towels changed daily; turn off lights, air conditioner/heater, and television when you are out; take shorter showers.

Re-use. Avoid repeated purchases of plastic water bottles. Refill them where possible.

Recycle. Soulful Safaris has a recycling program so leave any cans, bottles, or paper with your driver.

7 LEARN ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION: Buy guidebooks or use the internet to learn something about the culture, history, politics, and geography of the places you’ll be visiting. Most importantly, know how to be a good guest in the country or culture. Please ask your guide or driver about culturally accepted behaviors. Be open to different ways of thinking, living, and working. Accepting the differences in cultures is part of the travel experience.

 8 BE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE: Ensure that your dress and behavior are in line with socially acceptable limits within the area you are visiting. Be especially sensitive about taking photographs and interacting with children. If you are in doubt about what is/is not acceptable please check with your guide, driver, hotel staff, or our office.

 9 AVOID GIVING MONEY OR CANDY TO CHILDREN: Giving directly to children encourages begging and can undermine parents who cannot afford to give their children such items. If you must give gifts, Soulful Safaris would be happy to channel your donations to needy organizations.