It's all about 'Ecotourism'.

An article we have found recently is further championing the cause for ‘ecotourism’. We think it’s important to draw your attention to it, as there are many misconceptions surrounding this area of tourism. The article highlights the fact that ‘ecotourism’ has become a bit of a blanket term that, in certain circumstances it being exploited to sell holidays that do not actively enhance environmental sustainability but instead are just nature holidays. This is why it is important to conduct thorough research into the type of holiday you are booking. This is where we at Travelroots encourage you check out our website as an easy alternative where you can guarantee that all our destinations have been well researched and fully adhere to the notion of responsible travel.

WWF - Amazon Basin experiencing extreme drought

Although the Brazilian government launched the Amazon Protected Areas Programme (ARPA) in 2002, which sets aside almost 16 million hectares of land for conservation and sustainable use, WWF believes that much more needs to be done to save the world's most important rainforest.

Tsunami Troubles Continue:

Findings by Tourism Concern have been used to compile a report attacking the way in which the Tsunami-hit regions have received relief. 9 months following the disaster people are still homeless, there is poor aid distribution and money-hungry developers are grabbing available land for tourist means. An example of which can be seen in the village of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s east coast, which has seen an $80 million luxury development being planned. Such development will prevent the community-based tourism projects that were previously present in the village and will channel the available tourism income away from local residents.

These findings have led Tourism Concern to call government, aid industries and travel organisations to a co-ordinated review of the Tsunami relief effort, so that those who have already lost so much will not face further loss.

As an aside:

Friends of ours have recently set up the following website, so that you
can find out which bank is the bestest. Have a look!
www.ratemybank.com

www.wildmadagascar.org

Here's a great new website we’ve been using recently http://www.wildmadagascar.org/home.html. It allows you to get a comprehensive view of what there is to offer in the fantastic country that is Madagascar.
Check it out and maybe it’ll persuade you, if you haven’t been already, to get yourself involved in your own bit of responsible travel, or alternatively some expedition work.

A sad time for responsible tourism:

Our hearts go out to all those affected in the
earthquake in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The earthquakes happened in
some of the most beautiful parts of the world... areas that are only
just opening up to responsible tourism. Please help them in any way you
can.

Sad news about horse safaris:

One of our favourite destinations our Horse Safaris in South Africa suffered a devastating fire on 26 and 27 September. Lighning strikes started wildfires throughout the Waterberg Mountains,strong winds carried them everywhere, and Equus was not spared the consequences. All humans, horses, and dogs survived without injury. Except for the managers' house and the tented camp and lodge, the enitre reserve was burned to the ground, including the owners personal, beloved home with the Equus office and all its records. Their water and electricity system were seriously damaged as well.

Green Green Green

Research conducted by Devon county council has shown that domestic tourists are willing to pay a little extra in order to support responsible travel. The release of this information has come hand in hand with the release of Discover Devon Naturally green paper that highlights the issues, facts and benefits of this way of travelling. For example their research showed that 82% of these visitors are willing to pay extra for environmentally responsible products. Reported increases in business, repeat visitors and referrals by Devon tourist businesses back up these finding. Again for more information on what we have to offer visit www.travelroots.com

Raaaaaaaar

Tiger lovers avert your eyes, or start campaigning because China is reconsidering opening domestic trade in tiger parts from farm-bred tigers. This could have devastating effects on wild populations as illegal poachers could interpret it as a signal that it is acceptable to hunt wild tigers to sell on black markets. World tiger populations are already at an all time low and this potential legislation could be the straw that broke the tiger’s back!

Become Eco-Trendy

Press reports are showing increasing favourable interest in the idea of “Responsible Travel”. This is good news for all who want to combine the jet set lifestyle with world-awareness. This eco-friendly philosophy ofholidaying can now be seen in all shapes and sizes in the product that tour operators and hoteliers are putting out there. If this vacation-style appeals to you, why not check out some of our holidays (http://www.travelroots.com/)

Tourism Concern Report

A new report from Tourism Concern, with emphasis on re-building after the Tsunami

Why Travel Responsibly?

Why not? There are enough places worldwide for almost everyone to be
able to stay anywhere they want and do anything they want responsibly
(OK, OK apart from tank driving). Whether you want to go on safari, do a road trip or learn to dive there are both responsible and irresponsible options.

This blog aims to explore the many different opportunities available
to people who want to go away without leaving the world a worse place
than they found it, without boring your sandals off.