Travelling responsibly, what about me?

The preservation of the natural, cultural and social resources of a region ensures the sustainability of tourism in the host territory. Responsible tourists intend not only to minimise their potential negative impacts, but above all to respect and safeguard the heritage resources of the host region.

Discover a country while preserving it?
It starts with me.

Recommendations based mainly on the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism put in place by the World Tourism Organisation.

Before my trip

  • I choose tour operators who represent responsible tourism.

  • I offset my CO2 emissions by financing a climate protection project.

  • I learn about my destination: cultures, haggling and tipping, etc. I try to learn a few words of the local language.

  • Before leaving, I ensure that all my household appliances are disconnected (not on standby mode).

  • I prefer sustainable means of transport to go to the airport.

During my trip

  • I walk, cycle and use public transport rather than using a car.

  • I prefer local guides as they know the area better than anyone else.

  • I respect human rights and denounce the exploitation of children.

  • I pick up and sort my rubbish and I am water and energy efficient.

  • I do not throw my cigarette ends on the ground, in the sand or in the water thanks to my pocket ashtray.

  • I limit the use of disposable plastic bags by carrying a reusable bag.

  • I try out the local cuisine. I favour local products.

  • I favour locally made products to take home as my souvenirs.

  • I do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals.

  • When diving or snorkelling, I am careful not to damage the seabed with my fins and not to touch the marine species.

  • I do not degrade works of art or archaeological and natural sites.

  • I always ask permission before photographing someone.

  • When walking or hiking, I follow the marked trails, I keep a respectful distance from wild animals and I do not feed them.

  • I avoid shows involving wild animals.

After my trip

  • I favour sustainable means of transport to go home from the airport.

  • I favour sustainable means of transport to get home from the airport.

  • I encourage people in my social circle to emulate these actions.

  • I respect my commitments with people I met during my trip, such as sending photos.

  • I can support initiatives in the regions I visited.

Eco-friendly souvenirs

Bringing a souvenir made from protected wild plants or animals has a serious impact on biodiversity. In addition to potentially contributing to the disappearance of the species, the object will probably be intercepted at the customs and the person responsible will be liable to face a fine or/and criminal prosecution.

How do I know if the souvenir that I chose is without impact on biodiversity?

Consult the Souvenir Guide for Travellers, which features more than 200 of the most popular souvenirs in seven categories.

Seven tips to protect children

  1. Children are not tourist attractions; I think before visiting a school or an orphanage.

  2. Being a volunteer with children starts with the best of intentions, but they can get hurt; I get involved in a different way.

  3. Children pay the price of my generosity; I do not give to children who beg.

  4. Professionals are best able to assist children; I call them if a child needs help.

  5. Having sex with children is a crime; I report sex tourism involving children.

  6. Children should not work instead of going to school; I report child labour.

  7. I protect children; I am a ChildSafe Traveller (an initiative of Friends-International for the protection of children).

I find more tips on the ChildSafe Movement Agents page.

Carbon offsetting

Genève Aéroport offers the opportunity to its passengers to offset the emissions of their flights.
 
Carbon offsetting is the neutralisation of CO2 emissions by financing carbon sequestration projects or projects reducing other sources of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the world. Completely voluntary, carbon offsetting is carried out by purchasing certificates that directly support a climate protection project.
 

I offset the emissions of my flight

Practical tips for responsible travel