Ethical tourism started out as a simple tourism drive in the 1980s and has since grown into a United Nations-backed global phenomenon, culminating in the International Year of Ecotourism in 2000.

Broadly defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people", ethical tourism emphasises the importance of uplifting local communities, experiencing local culture and conserving the local environment.

In South Africa, an organisation called Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), aims to encourage and publicise fair and responsible business practises by local tourism establishments. So far 14 tourism operators — including Sabi Sabi game reserve and Spier — have been FTTSA certified, with more to follow in 2006. Click here for a full list of FTTSA businesses in South Africa.

Tourist drawcard
To be awarded the FTTSA trademark tourism businesses have to satisfy a stringent set of criteria, including fair wages and working conditions for employees, implementing ethical business practices and engendering respect for human rights, local culture and the environment.

According to FTTSA, 51 percent of tourists from the UK say that they are more likely to book holidays with companies that have a code of ethical conduct guaranteeing good working conditions, protecting the environment and supporting local charities. This is backed-up by World Tourism Organisation statistics which show that ethical and eco-tourism now accounts for 20 percent of the global market, and is growing three times faster than the industry as a whole.

Is it a good thing?
While the general consensus is that ethical tourism is a positive trend in travel it’s not without its critics, with many detractors arguing that it only publicises the negative aspects of a destination and takes the 'fun' out of travel.

Get to grips with local culture and the environment

One vocal critic is British columnist Dea Birkett, who says: "The tourist is being attacked by more subtle methods than all out war. The word tourist is being removed from anything that was once called a holiday. So whilst there are fewer and fewer tourists, there are more and more adventures and fieldwork assistants, exploraholics, volunteers and travellers."

The critics are probably in the minority though, and even if you aren't up to clearing landmines in Mozambique or washing elephants in an Indian wildlife sanctuary, there are other simple ways for you to travel with a clear conscience.

• Most importantly, simply be aware of where your money is going to. This starts with booking your trip with responsible tour operators who support community development and are affiliated to a fair trade organisation, such as FTTSA in South Africa. Before making a reservation, ask your tour operator if they have a responsible tourism policy.
• Aircraft give off huge amounts of greenhouse gases, and the more and further you fly the more you are contributing to global warming. Find out how you can offset the carbon dioxide your flight produces by visiting Climate Care at www.co2.org.
• Try and support small businesses, rather than large chain stores. Always bargain fairly — informal traders are often desperate to sell their wares, so don’t prey on their situation by bargaining unnecessarily. What’s a few extra rand once you’ve spent thousands getting there in the first place?
• Learn to abide by and respect the country’s culture and traditions. What might be acceptable at home may be considered taboo in other countries or provinces. Think about what clothing is appropriate for both men and women. If the locals are covered up, should you be exposing yourself in shorts and a strappy top?
  Always ask permission before you take pictures of people, even children, and respect their wishes if they refuse.

Visit www.responsibletravel.com for 'holidays that give the world a break'.

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