Is your Hotel serious about sustainable tourism?

-Ask the hotel owner if they have a written policy regarding the environment and local people. Ask them to show it to you.

-Ask them to describe the single contribution to conservation or local people that they are most
proud of.

-Ask them how they measure their contribution to conservation and local communities.

-Ask the hotel how many local people they employ, what % this is of the total, and whether any are in management positions.

-Ask them what they have specifically done to help protect the environment and support conservation, and which local charities or initiatives they work with.

-Ask them what % of produce and services are sourced from within 25km of the hotel.

-Ask them how they treat waste water (marine ecosystems and other wildlife is being destroyed by pumping effluent out to sea), and how they heat their building (i.e solar)

-Ask them what information and advice is provided to tourists on local cultures and customs.

-Ask them if they employ guides from the local community (local guides not only provide unmatched insights into local cultures, but are also aware of areas/behaviour that might cause offence among local people).

-Ask them for ideas on how you might get involved with local people and conservation in a worthwhile and rewarding way for you and the destination.

Finally, observe their staff attitude towards sustainability & the environment. A policy might exist but change only happens with the right attitude.

Remember no-one is perfect but we should all do our best to be responsible and promote sustainability!