Responsible Tourism Code of Practice

While tourism can bring many benefits to communities in the countries tourists visit, it can also cause social and environmental problems. By making environmentally friendly, sustainable, ethical and respectful choices when travelling, tourists themselves can make a real difference. The Responsible Tourism Code for the Pacific is a practical guide to those travelling to the Pacific Islands on how to make their visit a positive experience for everybody. The Code does not endorse particular tourism and travel ventures but rather encourage tousrists to take responsibility for their own choices and behaviour.

Learn about the country	learn key words in the local language be aware of religious and social customs visit the visitors centre on arrival for local information
Know the appropriate cultural behaviour	respect the dignity and privacy of others - ask before taking photos dress and behave respectfully especially in villages, religous and cultural      areas be careful giving gifts or money to children beggars
Protect the coral	do not buy products made from coral, endangered plants or animals do not stand on, touch or remove any items from the reef, including coral
Minimise environmental impact	dispose of rubbish carefully, recycle where possible, reuse your drink bottles,     and say "No" to plastic bags minimise water and power use choose environmentally responsible tour operators
Support local initiatives	purchase local products, arts and crafts eat local rather than imported food support local tour operators and stay in locally owned accommodation
Pay a fair price	50 cents may not mean much to you, but it may be a meal for the vendor pay a price that reflects what something is worth to you
Think about your impact	remeber you are a guest - don't do anything you wouldn't do at home practise safe and responsible sex make your trip a positive experience for both you and the people in the     country you visit