SpiceRoads Cycling Tours

Responsible Travel

We passionately believe that Responsible Tourism can be of immense help to local communities; providing income, positive cultural exchanges and an incentive to protect the natural environment. Recognizing that there is always room for improvement, we continually strive to narrow the gap between principle and practice.

Local community

Prior to our tours, we liaise with local community leaders to ensure we are welcome and in a manner that minimizes negative social and cultural impact. We visit local development and community projects specific to the region, encouraging our clients to donate and/or assist such projects in appropriate and sustainable manners.

Through sensitive hands on experience, we encourage cross cultural interaction and education between clients and the local communities. This is achieved by limiting tour group sizes, which also minimises any social and environmental impact. We also assist in the development of local infrastructure such as rural pathways.

We make sure that where and whenever possible our tours positively benefit the local community. We stay at locally owned accommodation or when camping we make sure that any area we visit is unharmed and unspoilt, so that it remains as beautiful for future generations to come.

We eat locally grown and cooked food, supporting restaurants on our route while at the same time providing guests with the freshest, most authentic tastes of the region.

We often travel through areas where tourism is less established. By cycling through remote regions and working with local hotels, restaurants and other suppliers, we are contributing to the even distribution of income and economic growth.

Whenever possible we visit cottage industries for local handicraft souvenirs, generating income for local businesses. We employ and train local guides, drivers and assistants on all trips to ensure that the local community benefits not only short term but with increased employment opportunities for the future.

Environment

Adopting a “carry in – carry out” policy, we actively engage in environmentally responsible practices to minimise tourist impact upon the local habitat. From biodegradable soaps to re-usable water containers, we provide clients with the best information and means to help them identify and implement effective ways to positively protect local nature and communities. It is a vital ethos that can be passed on and abided by all, long after the trip has ended.