MAI JOURNEYS & RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
- As much as humanly possible, we help support and empower Local Communities. Along with our partners, we work with and alongside local communities. The aim is to redistribute income from tourism to help create decent jobs and implement sustainable, long-lasting solutions to the problems many local communities face. We support a practical and socially responsible form of self-reliance. Through tourism, local communities acquire the means to maintain a traditional way of life, all the while preserving their land and endangered ecosystems.
- We care about our footprint. There is no denying that international travel has an impact on the environment, so we don’t pretend that our trips won’t contribute in some way to the wider problems of global warming, over-consumption & waste. So we make it our mission to counter our impact wherever we can and contribute to local businesses; local hotels and lodges, restaurants, excursion providers, etc, and that we are dedicated to sustainable travel practices, education and preservation, and minimising human impact.
- We are committed to preserving culture. Every tour we create, and every experience we offer, considers the impact it has on local communities, to ensure that it remains positive and minimal.
We value the knowledge and passion that people have of their own cultures. They hold a country’s heritage and customs together. That is why, on each journey, we use local guides and local field experts, and visit the likes of traditional artists, community leaders and local families opening their homes to us. - We are adamant in trying to take you beyond the ordinary tourist route, to use insider expertise to ensure that your experiences are as true to tradition and as authentic as they can be.
- We make sure we communicate about the local issues facing a destination and what we can do to tackle them. We do try and educate our Guests about the challenges and the sustainable practices we think works best in an area.
- We support local businesses, we buy directly from local artisans, we boycott exploitative wildlife attractions such as elephant trekking, swimming with dolphins or walking with lions.
- We ensure that both ourselves, and all who travel with us, are respectful of the people and cultures that welcome us.
- We believe sustainable and responsible travel matters.
HOW YOU CAN BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER:
Tourism is one of the world’s biggest industries, but of course with that comes the increased responsibility on us to try to reduce any negative impact our journeys may have on the environment.
Before you travel:
Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language – travelling with respect earns you respect.
Remove all excess packaging – waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries.
While away:
- Buy local produce in preference to imported goods.
- Do not buy products made from endangered species or ancient artifacts.
- Respect local cultures, traditions, and holy places – if in doubt ask advice.
- Take re-usable bags for shopping and your souvenirs – there is far too much plastic in the world.
- Take your own water bottle and fill each morning at breakfast, eliminating the need to buy plastic water bottles.
- Take your own set of bamboo cutlery that you can use on the plane and if you get take-out food.
- Turn off the lights/air-con / heaters etc when you leave your hotel room for the day.
Animal welfare:
Cruelty, confinement, neglect, and abuse means millions of animals worldwide pay a heavy price for tourist entertainment – many even pay with their lives. Tourist activities that involve the mistreatment of animals exist for one reason: tourists choose to support them.
Many zoos and marine parks keep animals in poor conditions with their basic needs denied.
Posing for a photo with a wild animal is far from a happy snap. Many of these animals have been taken from the wild and are commonly drugged to control behaviour.
Animal performances place enormous stress on animals and can involve violent training techniques. It is unnatural and for a wild animal to have to ‘perform’ for the sake of entertainment.
Beware of animal rides. Many animals are poorly fed and given no shelter from the elements or access to water. Some are drugged or beaten to ensure they remain submissive.
Carbon Offsets:
Carbon offsetting is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gasses made in order to compensate for (or offset) an emission made elsewhere. If you are looking to offset your carbon footprint for an upcoming or previous travel experience, find a reputable carbon offset program you can choose to offset your carbon footprint when travelling.