Читать книгу Start & Run a Tour Guiding Business - Barbara Braidwood Susan Boyce & Richard Cropp - Страница 51

There is an ever-increasing and long overdue awareness of environmental issues, and the tourism industry as a whole is working hard to promote this awareness. Tour guides and directors have a responsibility to encourage the protection of our fragile planet.

(a) Do not litter. Manmade garbage is just as big a problem in the city as the wilderness. If you pack it in, pack it out — even in town. And make sure members of your group follow this rule too.

(b) Reduce, reuse, recycle. Help keep pollution under control whenever possible by observing the Three R’s — reduce, reuse, recycle. Watch for energy efficient power alternatives such as propane buses, or perhaps you could walk the two blocks to the restaurant rather than busing everywhere. It is also wise to encourage your driver to turn off the bus engine whenever possible. This is not only for environmental reasons but also for your clients. We were once on a tour where the only way to see the view at one site was to stand directly in front of the spot where the fumes poured out of the bus’s exhaust system. It made a big impression. Too bad it was not the right one.

(c) Do not pick the flowers. Don’t allow tour participants to take flowers, artifacts, or other “souvenirs” from natural or historical sites. Make sure they don’t feed wildlife, as this can disrupt the animals’ natural feeding habits. Remember the principle: “Take only pictures; leave only footprints.”