Responsible Tourism Framework

In light of the 2021 Sarawak Commitment to Responsible Tourism, this study aims to explore and develop the Responsible Tourism Framework that would be useful to act as a benchmarking tool (or guidelines) to all entities within the tourism and hospitality industry for economic, social and environmental development in a sustainable manner.

The significance of this research goes beyond enriching the responsible tourism literature as it also aims to provide a Responsible Tourism Blueprint (practical guideline) and operational framework with indicators and measures, as well as a Responsible Tourism Manual for the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and the relevant tourism and hospitality stakeholders in the state.

SACREST

Responsible Borneo (REBORN) is about rebuilding tourism using the responsibility precept through sustainable development in Sarawak and emerging destinations. It is a response to the declaration of 2021 Sarawak Commitment to Responsible Tourism made on 28 May. The overarching objective of REBORN is to perpetuate the discourse on responsible tourism conceptually as an explanatory model and practically as a benchmarking tool in the local context. It seeks to synergize the knowledge, skills and resources of the relevant stakeholders and reinforce collective actions to make a substantive impact on the environment, economy and society (including the local community).

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR

Choose Sustainable Accommodation

It is possible to find hotels or resorts that actively involve local communities or have practices that help protect the environment. Do some search online, check their background and make an informed decision.

Choose Eco-friendly Accommodation

Opt for eco-friendly accommodations that rely on renewable energy sources instead of generators. Properties that use solar electricity and water recycling are better options.

Choose Local Stay

This is a key principle of responsible tourism, as this approach means you are supporting indigenous communities who have cultural investment in the country. A homestay or a locally-run guesthouse promises a far more authentic interaction.

Go Green At Your Hotel

Start going green by choosing the right hotel. Always remember to switch off the air conditioners, heaters, and other electronic gadgets when you leave the room. Better to stay at hotels that have recycling programs and abide by their guidelines.

Stay Several Nights

Some destinations have high day-tourism, whereby visitors populate the city just for the daytime and leave in the evening. It is better to stay several nights in one place as it helps to support local hotels and help in supporting the local economy.

Be A Mindful Hotel Guest

More and more hotels put up signs that ask you to leave the towels on the floor if you want them changed. If you leave hem hanging, they won’t change for you. This practice keeps water usage low and decreases the detergents washed out into the ocean.

Skip The Single-use Hotel Toiletries

Big changes are happening at leading hotels across the globe. They are working towards reducing plastic usage due to its big threat to the environment. Travel-sized plastic toiletries are gradually replaced by wall-mounted bottles at these hotels.

Reuse Towels and Sheets

Most hotels already have a towel and sheet reuse program to save water. Since you do not need to use a new towel every single day, hang up your towels if the hotels you stay at give you the option to reuse your towel. The amount of water and money you’ll be helping the hotel save can be enormous.

Turn It Off

Switch off electrical gadgets and appliances in the hotel room before going out as it can save tonnes of energy, just like you’d do back home. You may leave one of the windows slightly open or draw the curtains to keep out the sunlight if you don’t want to come back to a hot and stuffy room.

Make Mindful Lodging Choices

Instead of just searching for the cheapest or most convenient places to stay at, pause to consider if there is a more sustainable way of spending your money on tourism. Since
accommodation is one of your biggest travel costs, it is definitely an area where you can really have a positive impact on.

Consider A Staycation

You don’t have to book an airplane in order to enjoy a fun and exciting vacation. Responsible tourists should be open to choosing places that are closer to home. A few hours’ drive from the city can take you to interesting places and some may not have been discovered by you yet.

Automate Conservation

Today, many hotels are taking the guesswork out with technology. Smart showers limit the length of showers to a pre-set time, alerting users when their time is almost over. Room sensors automatically detect light levels, increasing and decreasing the bulb brightness. Thermostats with occupancy sensors adjust heating and aircon temperatures.

Lessen Your Trash Impact

Put your trash where it belongs or bring it away. Many countries lack a strong sanitation and trash infrastructure. Even if the locals dispose of garbage in public areas, take the extra step to dispose of yours responsibly.

Minimise Your Waste

In most countries, waste management is a major issue and we as travelers often unknowingly contribute to this problem. It is crucial for us to consciously reduce our waste.

Don’t Ignore Signs

Responsible traveler by paying attention to sign as they are there to keep everyone and the environment save. whenever climbing or hikes ignoring these signs, you will be stamping on habitats, eroding the scenery and putting your life at risk.

Don’t Feed The Wildlife

Feeding wildlife can encourage attacks and if an animal attacks the tourist, it will be put down by authorities. Tourists encourage dingoes to get close with food for take photo. The dingo gets a fright from the flash of the camera, bites the tourist.

Respect Dress Codes

When visiting sights of religious significance, a fairly strict code applies. In most cultures, it is enough to cover the shoulders and knee, but walking around in a bikini or bathers can be disrespectful. It is essential to respecting their dress codes.

Ethical Photography

Practise responsible travel photography by always asking yourself whether you would feel comfortable if others took the same photo of you. recommended to make a two-way interaction with the person by getting involved with what they are doing.

Take Care of Heritage

Thousands of heritage sites all over the world have attracted millions of visitors yearly. To protect these heritages for the future generations to view, you should not litter, graffiti, or emblazon your name on the walls or caves.

Be Aware of the Products You are Using

The sunscreens people normally use are loaded with chemicals like oxybenzone, a harmful ingredient that causes coral to become sick, bleach, and eventually die. Therefore, instead of buying sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, choose natural or reef-friendly sunscreens.

Local Guides

Hiring local guides is good as you will discover more about the culture, the landscape and the wildlife. Moreover, your money spent can go back into the local community. In many countries like Kenya and Sri Lanka, poachers have become conservationists and guides. The more we support them, the better.

Support Local Vendors and Artisans

Buying items from local artisans rather than mass-produced souvenirs is a great way to support the local “little guys.” Taking an interest in local crafts improves your understanding of the place, its people and its history. This practice also helps to ensure that local traditions are preserved.

Do Not Lean

Sometimes travel makes you tired and you might find yourself leaning on a wall, a pillar, or anything to get a moment’s rest. But in destination that might mean getting too close to the artifacts, look for a designated bench if your feet need a rest, or head to the cafe for a reviving coffee.

Seek and Enjoy Cultural Experiences

It is best to expand your experiences in a new place well beyond the all-inclusive resort. To grow your understanding and broaden your holiday experience, you may join a local tour, visit museums, local markets, and chat with locals. After all, the point of leaving home and travelling is to experience and enjoy your destination to the fullest.

Reduce Food Waste

Whether it is street food, buffet joints or 5 star restaurants, only order what you can finish. Just because the food is cheap, does not mean you should order more. Be mindful of what you purchase and consume.

Don’t Use Plastic Straws

Statistics show that in America alone, 500 million straws are used every day. Imagine how much plastic that consumes. Bring your own reusable straw if you must use one.

Eat Locally

Nothing is better than eating local cuisine. Not only is the food unique and delicious, by eating local food you are
also helping the local communities support themselves. Eating from locally, and forget the familiar during your travel.

Don’t Just Eat At Tourist Restaurants

Eating at local restaurants is about encouraging local culinary culture. Not only that, eating locally is usually more sustainable because local restaurants don't rely as much on imports from abroad to satisfy foreign palates.

Bring A Reusable Water Bottle

You can now have your own filtered water bottle for travel. Using a filtered reusable water bottle helps to reduce your environment impact by limiting your plastic usage. Reusable water bottle also allows you to save money on plastic bottles.

Minimise Water Consumption

Water is one of the most precious resources on earth and you must treat it with all due attention wherever you go. Every country is working on minimising water consumption and it is essential for travellers to give our contribution to the process.

Choose Sustainable Restaurant

Restaurants that practise environmental sustainability are those that minimise their impact on the planet. Choosing to eat at these restaurants allows you to contribute to these positive efforts and take part in helping the environment.

Consume Plant Based Food

The sunscreens people normally use are loaded with chemicals like oxybenzone, a harmful ingredient that causes coral to become sick, bleach, and eventually die. Therefore, instead of buying sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, choose natural or reef-friendly sunscreens.

Order Food Wisely

Only order as much food as you can eat to prevent food wastage. Try to order less at first, and order again if you are still feeling hungry after eating. A lot of the time our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, so start less and know that you can always order again if you need to.

Avoid Eating with Plastic Utensils

Try to reduce the use of utensils to minimise the chances of creating garbage. Whether it’s food you pre-packed, on-the-go airport food or a sit-down dinner at a casual beach bar that uses disposable cutlery, avoid eating with disposable plastic utensils by bringing your own reusable utensils.

Avoid Exotic Foods

Avoid consuming anything harvested in a cruel or harmful way. For example, shark fin soup. Fishermen cut the fin from the shark, leaving it to die bloody and in pain, as only the fin is needed. This act is not only inhumane, but has also led to many shark and ray species being threatened.

Eat Responsibly

Refrain from ordering food that is made with ingredients derived from endangered species because if you consume these dishes, you are indirectly supporting the industry. Also, try to make it a point to reduce your consumption of meat because livestock production contributes to greater global greenhouse gas emissions than the transportation sector.

Take Local Transport

Taking local transport is a good way to get in touch with the locals and support the local economy. It also helps you to be part of the community you visit. Talking to drivers or passengers can be useful to your trip planning.

Avoid airplanes if possible

Consider replacing airplanes with trains and buses if circumstances allow. Although buses and trains are not perfect, they are deninitely eco-frienflier than airplanes.

Slow Your Roll

People always want to see more and visit more places as fast as they possibly can. Unfortunately, you are never going to truly enjoy your travel if you try to cram too much in. Therefore, slow your travel down, see less places but see them better.

Travel In The Off-Season

Overtourism is pushing the capacity in many popular destinations in the world and creating stress on the environment. Issues such as pollution and traffic worsen during peak tourist season. Traveling in the off-season lessens the negative impact of tourism.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

One of the ways of becoming a responsible traveller is by avoiding flights to reduce your carbon footprint. If taking a flight is the only option, you may try to take a direct flight use public transportation once you reach your destination or walk.

Explore Non-Popular Areas

Overtourism happens mainly due to tourists wanting to visit the same sites. It is good to switch up your perspective and focus on the hidden gems where no one else seems to go.

Book Flight With Sustainable Airline

You are not in control of the majority of the environmental damage of your flying, but you can however minimise your environmental footprint by choosing an eco-friendly airline. Sustainable airline may be a little more expensive but they are much lower in emissions.

Respect Biodiversity and Natural Areas

Certain respectful behaviours are required when visiting and enjoying nature. For
instance, take the marked trails during your road trip so as not to disturb the local fauna. Also, respect the silence of the destination by using binoculars to observe animals from a distance.

Sustainable Transport Companies

Opt for sustainable transport companies that offset CO2 emissions. Actually, these companies don’t produce less CO2 than their competition. What offsetting emissions normally means is that either they or you pay towards planting trees, building solar panels or alike somewhere in the world.

Travel by Public Transport

Taking public transport is not only exciting, it is also a great way to meet locals and see more of the country you’re visiting. Most importantly, it reduces your carbon footprint. Choosing public transport like buses, trains, and trams that are already operating cuts down on unnecessary emission.

Go Overland

Flights are bad for the environment and are unsustainable as our first option for traveling. If there is truly no way to get to your destination overland and you must go there, commit to responsible overland travel once you arrive. This way you can explore more sights and activities too.

Give Cruising a Miss

Cruising is harmful to the environment as cruise ships generate and dump huge amounts of waste that leads to the destruction of valuable marine ecosystems. Moreover, it also reduces the positive impact of tourism as you’re less likely to spend your money at local attractions. As a result, your carbon footprint will be higher than a land-based trip.