The idea of responsible tourism is becoming an increasingly popular concept among travelers today. The basic premise behind responsible tourism is that travelers - whether they are on a week long holiday or taking a year out - should do all they can to minimize any negative effects of tourism. Everyone in Tourism Industry has a role to play creating responsible travel and tourism. Governments, business and communities must do all they can, but as a guest you can support this in many ways to make a difference.

Responsible tourism in Cambodia is all about travelers taking responsibility for their actions and behavior to ensure that their visit to an area is mutually beneficial both for travelers and local people. Real Gap fully supports the notion of responsible tourism and encourages the consideration of our 'Responsible Traveler's Code' outlined below. Travel and tourism should be planned and practiced as a means of individual and collective fulfillment. When practiced with an open mind, it is an irreplaceable factor of self education, mutual tolerance and for learning about the legitimate differences between peoples and cultures and their diversity.

Cambodia Responsible Traveler's Code

Respect Khmer culture

Cambodia are peacful kingdom with monarch. You should always remember you are a guest of the country you are visiting and should our respect social and religious customs and tradition. It is important to dress and behave appropriately in cultural or religious , public areas and to respect local sensibilities. For example, in some places:

• Going topless on a beach is definitely not acceptable behavior or go to temple
• They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
• It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
• Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.
• Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. .

This aspect of responsible behavior also extends to photography - if you are taking a photo of someone respect their privacy and dignity by asking their permission beforehand. You can also respect local culture by learning some key words and phrases in the local language (and not simply assume that locals should speak English to you).

Think twice before giving money beggars

in Cambodia, One of the more controversial ‘Responsible Tourism' ideas is the notion that you should think carefully before giving money to beggars or children. Many responsible tourism experts believe giving money to beggars simply encourages a begging culture and reliance on hand-outs and that it may be better to make a donation to an appropriate charity or organization rather than individuals.
Giving money to beggars is very much an individual thing and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to this area of responsible tourism. As a general rule, though, if you see local people giving money or gifts to beggars then it may be more appropriate.

Be environmentally aware

Another important aspect of responsible tourism is the idea that travellers should do everything they can to minimise the environmental impact of the travel industry on a country. This area of responsible of responsible tourism can be achieved in a number of different ways:

* By booking with an environmentally responsible travel company
* By disposing of rubbish carefully and recycling wherever possible
* By minimizing power and water use
* By never buying any products made from coral or endangered plants and animals
* Responsible Tourism - Volunteer
* An excellent way to get involved with responsible tourism is to work on a rewarding volunteer project - Real Gap has loads to choose from.

Support local businesses and traders

Another important idea behind responsible tourism is the notion that travellers should try and ensure that as much of their money as possible goes directly to local businesses and traders. An excellent way to support this initiative is to buy locally made products - arts and craft, etc - from market stalls and shops. When you are paying for an item, whilst it's the norm in many countries to barter over the price, don't haggle too aggressively. Pay a fair price that reflects what you think the item you are buying is worth to you. You won't lose face if you adopt this method of buying and it's important to remember that, while fifty pence may not mean much to you, it could mean a meal to the person who's selling to you.

Basic Common Sense!

When you are visiting a country the basic common sense rule is not to do anything you wouldn't do at home and leave everything as you found it. If you follow these simple rules your visit should be a positive experience both for you and the local people you meet on your travels.

1. Open your mind to other cultures and traditions – it will transform your experience, you will earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people. Be tolerant and respect diversity – observe social and cultural traditions and practices.
2. Respect human rights. Exploitation in any form conflicts with the fundamental aims of tourism. The sexual exploitation of children is a crime punishable in the destination or at the offender’s home country

3. Help preserve natural environments. Protect wildlife and habitats and do not purchase products made from endangered plants or animals.

4. Respect cultural resources. Activities should be conducted with respect for the artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage.

5. Your trip can contribute to economic and social development. Purchase local handicrafts and products to support the local economy using the principles of fair trade.
Bargaining for goods should reflect an understanding of a fair wage.

6. Inform yourself about the destination’s current health situation and access to emergency and consular services prior to departure and be assured that your health and personal security will not be compromised. Make sure that your specific requirements (diet, accessibility, medical care) can be fulfilled before you decide to travel this destination.

7. Learn as much as possible about your destination and take time to understand the customs, norms and traditions. Avoid behavior that could offend the local population.

8. Familiarize yourself with the laws so that you do not commit any act considered criminal by the law of the country visited. Refrain from all trafficking in illicit drugs, arms, antiques, protected species and products or substances that are dangerous or prohibited by
national regulations.

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