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Responsible Tourism
 
Responsible Tourism
 
Responsible Tourism is tourism ‘that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit’.
The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations defines Responsible Tourism as follows:
 
“Responsible Tourism is tourism which:
minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts
generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
improves working conditions and access to the industry
involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
provides access for physically challenged people
is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence
is integrate in the local ecosystem"
 
Travel and tourism has shifted beyond the creation of holiday experiences and connecting them with the customer. The term “travelling” has expanded and now includes lifestyle aspirations and personal enhancement. Applying Maslow’s pyramid of needs as an analogy to travel, now that our physical needs have been satisfied, we will seek emotional nourishment. Therefore, we want our travel experiences to encompass encounters that are not available for us in everyday life.
Responsible tourism satisfies these social needs through contact with local people, and takes us further up the ladder to self-actualisation and realisation through creative activities, knowledge and exploration.
 
Polanka Travel's mission is to bring tourists closer to local people, their traditions, customs and beliefs. We give many opportunities for our clients to experience what the ‘real’ Sri Lanka is:
Environment and sustainability is high on our list of concerns. We take pride in the achievement of a healthy balance between environment, local people and YOU, the tourist.
We ensure that the hotels that we choosing for our holidays are doing something good for the environment, from recycling through growing their own fruits and vegetables to using solar power.
To ensure environmental awareness of our clients we provide them with detailed environmental information about places they visit, and how they can help.
As a responsible tourism guards we encourage our client to buy souvenirs from local artists. They are handmade and unique. Checking place of manufacture is important before purchasing because many big hotels and shopping centres now sell souvenirs that are imported from different countries.
One important area for sustainable tourism that we wish to highlight is ‘tea and spices’. Tea and spices are often purchased by tourists in Sri Lanka and taken home as a gift for friends or family. In our tours around Sri Lanka we encourage our clients to visit fairly-traded and organic tea and spices plantations. We also inform and advice our clients where they can buy products that have been fairly-traded.
You have to try a king coconut drink! It is the best refreshment while travelling in and about Sri Lanka. It is always cool, and refreshing. It ss full of minerals. Most importantly, this small purchase will contribute to the small local businesses.
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”
James Beard (1903-1985)
Polanka Travel encourages our clients to eat at least one meal per day in local restaurants. This is beneficial for both local businesses and for tourists. Local businesses will gain the economic benefits through income and tourist will get unforgettable experience by interacting with local people.
We inform our clients about local culture, customs, how to behave, and what to wear whilst visiting places so as not to not offend local people and their culture.
For every holiday we organise we give the option of a stay with a local family. This is the best option to learn about the country. You can learn how to make traditional rice and curry from the locals!
We know our product well. We give instructions and training to our employees so they can provide the best and in-depth knowledge about the places that we are promoting.
Visits to nature reserves and national parks are popular among holidaymakers to Sri Lanka. We give instructions to both our clients and guides on how to minimise impact on environment disturbance to the wildlife.
We provide a list of places as well as local communities and institutions if you would like to leave donations.
 
Polanka Travel is a responsible travel company and has confidence in our capacity to operate as one because we do know the country well. We can truly give you detailed advice about the places you want to visit that would be of benefit to locals and to the environment, whilst serving your need to realise your holiday aspirations.
 
 
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32 Overton Road,
Oakwood
London
N14 4SY
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+44 (0)20 3086 7488
+44 (0)20 8127 4970
Mon-Fri: 9:00am-11:00pm
Sat: 9:00am-8:00pm
Sun: 10:00am-7:00pm
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