MIT Members' Compliance

Members’ Compliance Policies

We will accept membership from organisations, agencies, and individuals who commit to complying with KEEP’s Minimal Impact Travel (MIT) guidelines and KEEP's Porters' Code.

Tour operators and other tourism-related agencies must adopt these guidelines in the design and operation of their adventure programs. They are also required to establish their own corporate Porters' Policy regarding the treatment of porters.

By making themselves committed to this travel ethic, we hope that this will give their customers the ‘real and authentic’ experience and a full appreciation of all aspects of their adventure holiday.

Overall, member tour operators and other tourism-related agencies shall be committed to the following:

  1.  Implementing MIT Guidelines, and adhering to KEEP’s Porters’ Code in their overall operations.
  2. Keeping all group sizes small (max 15 people) to minimise the impact on the local culture and resources and allow participants to have a far more independent and interactive experience.
  3. Treating people with respect, honour their cultural traditions, and avoid condescending attitudes. Encourage your customers to follow this approach by providing them with information about local cultural and religious practices, and suggest they learn some basic phrases in the local language.
  4. Regularly investing in the education of guides, leaders, and other field staff by funding their participation in workshops on environmental awareness and responsible, ethical practices.
  5. Offering a variety of opportunities for local people to engage in and learn from tourism activities in meaningful ways.
  6. Employing local leaders and guides who understand the environmental issues of the areas visited and who can help guests to understand local customs and traditions- and ensuring at least a minimum level of local involvement in their operations.
  7. Regularly monitoring social, political, and safety issues at both local and national levels, and provide customers with all relevant information prior to departure, when possible.
  8. Minimising the use of helicopters for ferrying trekkers, mountaineers, and sightseers, reserving their use exclusively for rescue or emergency situations.
  9. Using local products and services that also comply with ethical practices.
  10. Using locally run hotels and guesthouses whenever possible, and avoid foreign-owned hotel chains whose profits leave the country. This ensures that the money customers pay stays within the host country and supports the local economy.
  11. Encouraging their customers to spend locally, purchase locally manufactured products instead of imported ones, and buy gifts and crafts from local shops and markets.
  12. Supporting all types of conservation efforts and their enforcement at both local and international levels.
  13. Respecting all local regulations set out by specific National Park, Conservation Area, or local conservation management committee to control negative impacts of tourism on natural ecosystems and indigenous communities.
  14. Informing customers how their trip aligns with sustainable tourism principles and providing a comprehensive information pack, including MIT Guidelines, resource-saving tips, and advice on minimising environmental impact, prior to departure.

 

The following procedures must be followed by KEEP to ensure the successful implementation of the MIT Guidelines:

  1. Organise regular awareness workshops and training courses for guides, leaders, field staff, and various local communities engaged in tourism, emphasizing MIT Guidelines and its implementation.
  2. Continually assess the social, economic and environmental impacts of tourism, and make adjustments to MIT Guidelines as necessary. This can be achieved through completing regular ‘trip monitoring’ forms.
  3. Seek ongoing feedback from travellers, participants in outdoor recreation activities, and tour operators on the effectiveness of this policy, including any recommendations for additions or amendments.
  4. Look after the welfare of staff engaged in this trade, including porters, and ensure fair and ethical treatment in wages, incentives and other company benefits.
  5. Distribute a copy of the MIT Guidelines Handbook to all trainees, staff members across tourism sectors, tour operators, and members of host communities, and ensure it is available to all travellers and those engaged in outdoor recreational activities.
  6. Cultivate responsible travellers through education, those who appreciate the differences rather than the similarities.
  7. Continuously strive to foster and promote the philosophy, ethics, and practices of sustainable tourism among local communities, where environmental awareness is often limited. Educating locals about the impacts of deforestation and littering can lead to greater commitment to preserving their natural environment, especially as they see the benefits of tourism.
  8. Respect and support the establishment and enforcement of local regulations and management practices to control negative impacts on natural ecosystems and indigenous communities.
  9. Collaborate with governmental, academic, commercial, and non-profit partners on education, research, partnerships, and volunteer efforts.
  10. Build partnerships by networking with local stakeholders to enhance our capacity to address sustainability in tourism.