Ethical tourism
Tourism has indeed now come to be regarded as a "universal right" and as "one of the best possible expressions of the sustained growth of free time".[2]
But tourism development can also bring significant adverse effects. As warned by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), excessive or poorly-managed tourism and tourism related development can threaten the integrity of ecological settings, heritage sites and living cultures.[3] The tourism industry can subvert local traditions by transforming these into spectacles or commodities for visiting tourists, while bringing little benefit to the host communities.
The Mandal Code of Ethics
At Mandal Tours, we hope to set an example for sustainable cultural tourism practices in Mongolia by promoting the implementation of a clear code of tourism ethics.
By travelling with Mandal Tours, you help support an ethical tourism model that benefits local cultures and communities rather than exploiting them, and that contributes to the preservation of historic monuments and cultural traditions.
Ethical Principles
- Visitors should be offered accurate and in-depth interpretation of the cultural heritage of the host country and communities, in a manner that promotes understanding of this heritage and generates an appreciation of cultural diversity.
- Local people and communities should be involved to the greatest extent possible in planning tourism activities and in providing first-hand interpretation of their cultural heritage.
- Tourism investment and activities should provide tangible benefit to host communities, by providing income-generation and employment opportunities as well as by ensuring that revenues are shared in an equitable manner.
- Tourism resources, including both physical monuments and intangible cultural traditions, should be used in a sustainable manner, taking into account their cultural values and appropriate limits of acceptable change, so as to preserve their authenticity and integrity.
- A reasonable proportion of tourism revenues should be dedicated to the development of cultural resources and the creation and implementation of management plans.
- The sanctity of spiritual places, practices and traditions must be respected at all times.
More about Mandal Tours
Read on about...
- Mandal Tours
- Cultural tourism
- Community-based tourism
- Travel in Mongolia
- Mandal Tours and ethical tourism
- Nomadic Civilizations tour (August 2007)
- Frequently asked questions
- Booking terms and conditions
Notes
- ↑ According to the UN World Tourism Organization, international tourism receipts in 2005 were estimated at US$ 680 billion, or close to 30% of worldwide service exports. UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2006 Edition.
- ↑ United Nations General Assembly. UN Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, 2001. Article 7.2. Adopted by Resolution A/RES/56/212 of the UN General Assembly.
- ↑ ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Charter.
 | In commemoration of the legacy and teachings of His Holiness Dulduit Danzanravzhaa Fifth Wrathful Noble Xutagt of the Great Gobi (1803-1856) I did not overbearingly sophize Nor preach with pride and arrogance But having found a sense in this world Spoke the truth of my dear heart. |   |