BAOBAB Travel's Responsible Travel Policy

Rationale behind our Responsible Travel Policy
Social Commitment
Economic Commitment
Environmental Commitment (home & abroad)
Guidelines for Policy Implementation

Rationale behind our Responsible Travel Policy

There is a growing trend amongst tourists from western nations to visit remote destinations and see unique landscapes, which are very often home to some of the poorest people on this planet. There is a dichotomy that arises from this, as the elements of these destinations that attract these tourists are also those that are most at risk of damage from tourism. The ‘unique landscapes’ that interest visitors tend to be, by their very nature, fragile ecosystems that cannot support large numbers of tourists. The ‘remote destinations’ are often populated by indigenous cultures, whose customs and traditions may be vulnerable to the over-bearing western culture of tourists.

BAOBAB Travel believes that it is the responsibility of tour operators to recognise this dichotomy and to put in place strict codes of conduct to minimise the potential for these negative effects. Furthermore, if managed appropriately, BAOBAB believes that tourism has an enormous capacity to bring benefits to these destinations by bringing much needed economic growth and supporting development and conservation efforts.

This policy outlines the codes of conduct to which BAOBAB is committed to operate by ensuring that we offer a form of sustainable tourism that benefits host communities economically and is sensitive to indigenous cultures and the environment. This policy is at the very heart of all of BAOBABs operations and forms the underlying principles of the company. By following this policy we hope to create holidays that give our customers ‘real’ experiences and a full appreciation all aspects of their destination.

Social Commitment

BAOBAB Travel is committed to:

Keeping all group sizes small (max 12 people) to prevent our holidays becoming too intrusive on local communities. This has the added benefit that all customers are able to benefit from the knowledge of our local tour guides

Only introducing tourists to areas where the local communities welcome them. Before adding new destinations to our programme, BAOBAB will always ensure that the local people are happy with this and fully aware of the possible impacts of tourism

Always treating people with respect, observing their cultural traditions and avoiding patronising attitudes. Encouraging our customers to do likewise, by providing them with information about cultural/religious traditions and values and encouraging them to learn some basics in the local language.

Using local guides who can help guests to understand local customs and traditions, interact with local people and ensure at least a minimum level of local involvement in our holidays.

Supporting community development projects (e.g. schools) either directly, or indirectly through our suppliers. With the growth of BAOBAB, we aim to initiate and develop new community projects, in areas where these could be beneficial to the local people.

Continually monitoring the social and political issues in our destinations, at both a local and national level, and communicating all relevant information to customers prior to departure (where possible).

Bedouin playing traditional game

Swahili baby

Economic Commitment

BAOBAB Travel is committed to:

Using suppliers, products and services that are the most ethical option available. This includes being prepared to pay reasonable additional premiums (if required) compared to other options available on the market

Using local suppliers and locally run hotels where available and avoiding at all costs foreign-owned hotel chains whose profits disappear out of the country. This ensures that the money we pay suppliers stays within the host country and benefits their economy.

Having a positive discrimination policy, and setting minimum criteria, that actively favour hotels and suppliers, which employ local people, buy their supplies locally and use local people for maintenance, refurbishment and development work. This helps ensure a ‘ripple’ effect from the money introduced by tourism.

Employing local people directly wherever possible in our operations overseas e.g. local tour guides.

Supporting local tourism initiatives, where available, such as the cultural tourism programme in Tanzania and township tours.

Encouraging our customers to purchase locally manufactured products rather than imported alternatives, and buy gifts and crafts from local shops and markets.

Chole Mjini Community levies providing kindergarten children one hot meal a day

Qolweni township - Plettenburg Bay

Environmental Commitment (home & abroad)

At home BAOBAB Travel is committed to:

Encouraging use of the internet and email to distribute information and communicate with suppliers/customers to minimise wastage associated with ‘glossy’ brochures and postal communications.

Having a style of brochure that consists of an information folder with inserts, to ensure we can send targeted information to customers, and avoiding the wastage of ‘glossy’ brochures.

Using recycled paper, where possible, for all promotional, administrative and communication purposes and print double-sided to minimise wastage

Having an active recycling policy where all possible office waste is recycled e.g. paper and print cartridges

Supporting environmental organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society

Avoiding wastage of resources such as electricity and water by e.g. turning off electrical equipment when not in use

Overseas BAOBAB Travel is committed to:

Keeping groups sizes small (max 12 people) to minimise potential negative impacts on sensitive ecosystems.

Supporting and encouraging local conservation efforts at the destination

Actively favouring hotels and suppliers who have ‘environmentally friendly’ power and waste policies (e.g. those that use renewable sources of energy and follow active recycling policies). Only using small-scale hotels, which minimise negative environmental impacts.

Using local guides who understand the environmental issues of the areas visited and can ensure that tours avoid areas of sensitivity. This has the added benefit that guests can benefit from the local knowledge of their guides.

Providing guests with information and advice about how they can minimise environmental impacts and advice about how they can reduce their consumption of resources (e.g. fresh water)

Avoiding destinations which are suffering from ‘over-tourism’ (e.g. certain parts of the Red Sea)

Guidelines for Policy Implementation

To ensure the successful implementation of this policy the following procedures must be followed by us:

Continually assess the social, economic and environmental impact of our trips and make adjustments as necessary. This can be achieved through completing regular ‘trip monitoring’ forms.

Inform guests about how their trip conforms to the principles of sustainable tourism and ensure each guest receives ‘pre-departure’ information packs (containing related documents: ‘Travellers code of conduct’, ‘Responsible travel tips [for specific destination]’ alongside other interesting bits of information about their destination – historical, geographical, cultural etc)

Distribute a copy of this policy as widely as possible, including to all employees and suppliers and ensure it is available to all customers

Seek continual feedback from customers on the success of this policy and recommendations for additions/amendments.

Ensure a suitable complaint procedure is in place if guests believe BAOBAB Travel is not adhering to any features of this policy.