JourneyOnline
THOSE who love travelling in Asia but feel concerned about the negative impact of tourism on local environments, livelihoods and cultural traditions can now turn to Responsible Travel, an initiative by the Commission for Mission of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
I always felt guilty at enjoying being a tourist while so many people lived in desperate poverty, and on a visit to East Timor in 2003 I donated some funds I had raised at home.
It was life-changing to see how dramatically this improved the lives of the recipients, and I became involved in various projects in East Timor.
Inspired by stories about my experiences, others started to join me in small group tours of the country.
When the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship in Victoria funded a position through the Commission for Mission for a Responsible Travel Advocate, I jumped at the opportunity.
In addition to advocating for responsible travel, I organise Uniting Journeys that are profoundly moving experiences for each participant.
Over $4000 has now been given to projects in East Timor.
Participants sell fair trade products, submit articles to local papers and speak to their local communities about responsible travel and the projects they have encountered in their travel.
In 2013, our Jetaway Travel Uniting Journeys will again travel to East Timor, where we'll support training for massage therapists as well as enjoying massages ourselves.
We'll teach some English and visit remote villages, supporting the Alternative Technology Association as it provides training and employment in installing solar energy equipment.
We can all travel more responsibly with just a little effort and research.
Think about the impact of your travel.
Ask where the money you are spending is going and make decisions accordingly.
If you visit a developing country and stay at a chain hotel or resort, the profi ts are probably leaving the country even if it employs local staff .
Learn more about Responsible Travel at www.responsibletravel.org.au or email Rhonda.Sutton@victas.uca.org.au or phone (03) 9251 5965
Photo : (From left) Responsible Travel Advocate Rhonda Sutton, Jim Wakelam and Elyse Le Cerf from Victoria, and Penny Hearn from Noosa, with East Timorese guides on the most recent Uniting Journey trip. Photo courtesy of Rhonda Sutton
