Reduce My Footprint

Tourism Benefits

Reduce My Footprint accepts that tourism can have adverse effects, and is committed to work to eliminate these where possible and to mitigate where action is possible. Those involved are committed to improving the balance. Tourism brings many benefits to host communities including:

Economic contribution to many developing countries
Cultural exchange and awareness promoting understanding
In some areas only tourism can help address major conservation issues

The Travel Foundation, one of the key organisations involved in Reduce My Footprint, has taken a world lead in establishing relevant programmes.

In Brazil, new excursions are being set up by communities, providing opportunities for tourists to experience local culture and participate.
	New self-drive tours are available in Cyprus, encouraging tourists to visit rural villages, meet local producers, and get a taste of the "real Cyprus".
In the Yucatan jungle in Mexico, Maya villagers are producing "jungle jams" and honey to sell to the hotels in Cancun.
	A new crafts market in Mombasa, Kenya is helping to address the waste management problem by selling goods made from recycled materials.
A new excursion in the Gambia is helping to support a demonstration farm and agricultural training centre for young people.
	In Tobago, 75% of farmers are earning a better income by participating in an "Adopt a Farmer" programme with hotels.
In Kenya, cultural tours to the Maasai villages in the Mara Triangle have generated enough income to build new classrooms, and employ more teachers.
	In Sri Lanka, tourists can assist in the re-vegetation of coastal areas devastated by the tsunami by participating in the "Trees for Life" programme.