Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tourism Concern, meanwhile, is an independent, non-industry based UK charity that fights
exploitation in tourism. They believe that it is vitally important for volunteer organisations
to demonstrate that they have attained a recognised level of responsibility in the way they
recruit volunteers, find placements and manage the volunteering process, and they have de-
veloped the Gap Year and International Volunteering Standard (GIVS). International Volun-
teering Organisations in the UK are now being assessed under GIVS and Tourism Concern
advises you look for the GIVS kitemark in order to ensure that you sign up to worthwhile
and rewarding placements.
GIVS assesses organisations on eight key principles:
1.
Purpose:
achievable objectives that have been identified by host partners and com-
munities.
2.
Marketing:
marketing and imagery that is consistent with good practice.
3.
Recruitment:
fair, consistent and transparent recruitment procedures.
4.
Pre-placement Information:
clear and accurate information on the sending organ-
isation, their partners, programmes and volunteer placements.
5.
Pre-placement training:
appropriate preparation, training and induction.
6.
Volunteer support:
ongoing support appropriate to the placement and volunteer.
7.
Risk Management:
ensuring protection, safety and well being of volunteers and
those they work with.
8.
Monitoring & Evaluation:
ongoing monitoring and evaluation in order to improve
performance and ensure work remains relevant.
For more information go to
www.tourismconcern.org.uk
Here are some easy steps to follow from Tourism Concern to help you be a more ethical
traveller - and your experience will be richer as a result.
1.
Your holiday, their home:
your travel destination is a place where people live;
people who may have different values and sensibilities to your own. Opening your
mind to new cultures and traditions is part of the joy and adventure of travelling. Be
respectful but don't be afraid to ask questions. Getting to know the local people is
the best way of learning about a place.
2.
Switch off and relax:
whilst your visit may provide some economic benefits to loc-
al people, it can also use up scarce natural resources. Water is in short supply in
many tourist destinations, and one tourist can use as much water in one day as 100
