What is Responsible Travel?

At Wayfairer, we believe that to travel is to live. The journeys that we take not only broaden the lives and minds of the traveller but also have an impact on the lives of those we interact with and who call these destinations their home. All human activity has an impact on the planet. At Wayfairer, we aim to reduce our business as much as possible, conducting our business with a conscience and being mindful of the path we tread and the people, animals, and environments we touch along the way.   

To us, responsible tourism means travelling in a positive, empowering, and regenerative way, causing no negative social, economic or environmental impacts on the places you visit. Travelling in this way means gaining untold knowledge, building cultural bridges, empowering underprivileged communities, regenerating the natural environment, and preserving cultural traditions. 

About the people we work with

We believe that the true rewards of travel come from experiencing different cultures while also giving something back to the communities who make us welcome.  

We recognise the positive contribution that tourism can have to different communities and individuals around the world. We encourage our clients to broaden their travelling experiences and step into the lives of the local communities, truly immersing themselves in their culture.  

 However, we also recognise that as the demand for experiential travel and social, cultural and community-based tourism grows, so does the risk of negative impacts upon these communities. Therefore, at Wayfairer, we engage local communities in our travel itineraries and treat local people as stakeholders in our business. We employ local guides and support staff, with whom we pay fair wages, often exceeding government standards, which we still consider too low, and thereby remove the reliance on tipping for livelihoods.  

About our animal protection policy

Astounding animal encounters are one of the main aspects of a trip, and they truly impact the traveller. Whether witnessing a majestic herd of elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro or an elusive polar bear stalking a seal across the ice, these experiences can inspire, impress, and create awareness of the beauty of our animal kingdom.  

 At Wayfairer, we recognise the positive contribution that responsible wildlife tourism can make to animals, communities, and individuals. We love celebrating the educational and conservational benefits that can arise from our travellers' journeys. By supporting truly ethical animal initiatives and encouraging our customers to do the same, Wayfairer Travel can harness tourism’s potential to be an economic rationale for the protection of wildlife and nature.  

We believe that travel should benefit and not harm both the visitor and the visited. We apply this to the land we step across, the communities we interact with, and, equally, to the animals we engage with.  

At Wayfairer, we recognise the significance of the well-being of our planet and the existence of the tourism industry. As a global industry, we have a global impact that reaches every stretch of the planet to which we send our travellers. We believe that the further we stretch in exploration and discovery, the more we must equally extend our commitment to creating valuable impact, fostering sustainability, and driving positive change.   

Biodiversity is essential for the travel experience. Whether it is trekking through lush rainforests, diving in pristine waters, or encountering exotic wildlife, these experiences are irreplaceable and must be conserved for future generations. As an industry, by collectively committing to sustainable practises, embracing biodiversity conservation and promoting responsible tourism, we can work towards a future where travel enhances lives, supports communities and safeguards the beauty of our planet for years to come.