Code of Good Practice: Walking, Hiking & Trekking

As part of our commitment to advancing sustainable tourism, we encourage our tourism partners to improve their sustainability performance by providing them with the guidance below.

• Ensure applicable legal permits & permission to access the activity area are in place
• Ensure insurance is in place for participants and team
• Identify health & safety risks, implement management systems, and provide appropriate safety equipment
• Ensure enough team members are available in case of emergency
• Monitor activity area conditions (including weather) in advance & during the activity, avoiding areas at risk of erosion, e.g., due to recent rainfall or unstable soil
• Prepare contingency plan in case activity must be stopped / altered, e.g., trail conditions deteriorate, or participants be unable to continue
• Be familiar with activity area and ensure that navigation and communication tools are in good working order
• Maximize local economic benefits through employment and purchasing
• Apply best practice for porter working conditions, including equipment, provisions (food and water), load limitations, age screening, and medical support in case of injury / illness
• Avoid single use & disposable items, pack out what you take in, pick up any rubbish found along the way
• Use eco-friendly products, e.g., cleaning products for hiking equipment
• Be waterwise and take pro-active measures to use water sparingly
• Minimize energy used in the activity as part of a climate action strategy
• Provide information in advance about your sustainability actions, activity accessibility, what to expect, and what to bring, e.g., drinking water purification requirements
• Screen participants ahead of time to make sure that the activity is well suited to their fitness & level of ability
• Manage group size to minimize impacts on people & the planet, and ensure safe guide: participant ratio
• Obtain written confirmation, e.g., via indemnity, that participants are aware of activity risks
• Brief participants before the activity starts about do’s and don’ts , safety, what to expect, applicable etiquette / conduct to be respectful of, logistical considerations, hazards to be aware of, not disturbing / removing flora and fauna, rubbish collection and disposal, ‘bush toilet’ etiquette, and rules regarding alcohol and fires
• In sensitive environments, clean footwear before and after activity to prevent spread of invasive species
• Share information about local nature and culture, and social development / conservation projects that participants may want to support
• Show respect for the land, waterways, wildlife, and other activity area users
• Stay on designated route and apply least impact principles where no trail exists
• Repair and compensate for any damage caused to the activity area
• Participate in conserving activity area integrity; notify authorities of concerns and participate in rehabilitation projects