Leave A Smaller Footprint

For Malia Asfour, it’s important that travellers have a local mindset when travelling. The Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, North America, suggests visitors find out more about where they will be staying and consider factors like: is the food sourced locally? Is the electricity solar? Do they give back to the local community — what and how?

“What percentage of the employees are locally hired? Know about their environmental policies before you book,” she says. “By working with local tour guides, you are helping fuel the economy while learning about the destination.”

Other ways to support the local community include visiting independent restaurants versus big international chains, hiring tour guides and supporting local coops and women’s groups.

“Buy locally made handicrafts and learn about the community that made what you bought and how your money is a force for good,” she adds.

For the full story, check out this week’s CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS.