ECO-TOURISM POLICY

The Definition

Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990)

Principles of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate.

The above is the definition and principles of Ecotourism  from TIES  For more information go to this link. http://www.ecotourism.org/

The thrust of the Stone Huts Eco-touism policy is simple.

We carry out our tourism activities in a way that will have a minimum negative  impact on the environment we work in. The policies by which we carry on our activities  will be such that we will contribute to the  protection and improvement of the environment we work in. We include in the term environment the place, the fabric, built and natural, the people and the culture which makes up the whole of what it is that makes an environment a holistic entity.

We will work with other people in the area and look to increase the amount of mutual cooperation between existing and new business’ in the area, especially other business’ which share an eco friendly ethos. We will provide an element  of education for our guests while they spend time with us but will also ensure they enjoy their interactions with us and the environment. On a broader  level we will strive to support environmentally sound campaigns, whether it is in the area of nature, commerce or social activities.

We will value our staff as an important part of what we are and what we do.