EQUITy TRAVELER GUIDE
YOU, TRAVELER, are the most powerful agent of change in the tourism industry.
EQUITY GLOBAL TREKS not only focuses on changes within the trekking tourism industry but also on the mindsets of present and future travelers. As part of the transformational experience that a traveler can undergo with our adventures, our hope is that we redefine the notion of “responsible travel” by adding the principle of fair and equitable treatment of everyone on our travels. Thus, we envision our EGT travelers as not just aspirational in their intent but rather as doers and role models who embody the characteristics of an Equity Traveler.
Here is a list of philosophies and actions that an Equity Traveler embodies:
RESPECT FOR ALL. Our travelers demonstrate the utmost respect toward their expedition staff members, the local people and fellow travelers. The expedition staff is viewed as equals rather than subordinates. Any form of abusive/derogatory language or behavior will not be tolerated.
ANTI-OPPRESSION, ANTI-COLONIAL MENTALITY & ANTI-IMPERIALISM. Our travelers are advocates for equity and inclusion and are proactive in their pursuit towards dismantling any form of oppression, as well as, colonialist and imperialistic attitudes.
ANTI-RACISM, ANTI-SEXISM, & ANTI-HARASSMENT. Our travelers do not tolerate any form of racism, sexism or harassment involving everyone throughout their travel experience.
ANTI-WHITE SAVIOR MENTALITY. Our travelers understand the complexities of the marginalization and/or the economic hardships that local people face in their communities and that a savior mentality by way of hand outs or over-tipping, for example, only compounds the problem. Our travelers aim to empower local people to become resourceful, self-sufficient, and acquire work/trade skills that will improve their lives on a more permanent basis.
AIM TO DECOLONIZE THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AND TRAVEL DESTINATIONS. Our travelers view themselves as guests in the destinations they visit and as such they defer to the knowledge and expertise of the local community. Decolonizing means placing value on the authenticity of the travel experiences that are curated and designed by the local communities; rather than those of outsiders. Supporting community-led tourism means elevating the roles of local people while directly creating long term benefits for the community. In some instances, local communities wish to regain ownership of their local tourism from big companies that have monopolized the operations. Equity-minded travelers aim to disrupt the big companies’ overreaching power and dominance so as to create the space for locals to compete fairly and advocate for the best interests of their communities.
PRACTICE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. In destinations where indigenous communities have a presence, make an acknowledgment of the land that you stand on by noting the original habitants of the land. For example, “I am acknowledging standing on the indigenous territorial lands of the Quechua community.” This reinforces the fact that as travelers we are merely guests to lands that are lived on by indigenous people and that there is an intricate relationship between the indigenous people and their territories that should be respected and acknowledged. Read more about land acknowledgments via Rooted and Travel Impact Alliance.
As Equity Travelers, we commit fully and long-term to creating global equity-based changes in the tourism industry and the world.
Wish to learn more how to become a part of our Equity Traveler community or have resources to add to our list below, send us a message (equity@browngaltrekker.com).
Ready to be an Equity Traveler? Join our treks now.
RESOURCES FOR EQUITY TRAVELERS
8 Ways Tourists Can Advocate for Workforce Equity for Porters in Peru, Nepal and Tanzania
The Fight for Workforce Equity in Kilimanjaro
What Does It Mean to Decolonize Travel?
The Fragility of the Western Traveler
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 26 Ways (& More) to be an Ally in the Outdoor Industry
When Money is the Bottom Line: The Inclusion Problem in the Outdoor Industry