For the travellers between us, a bit of information on how to behave with ethnic minorities all over the world.



For the world's indigenous people, tourism is both a benefit and a curse.


Studies show indigenous cultures are a major drawcard for travellers and attract substantial revenue. However, little of it directly benefits these minority groups, who are often among their country's poorest and most disadvantaged.


Hill-tribe communities or ethnic minorities around the world aren't usually involved in initiating tourist activities, often they aren't the major economic beneficiaries from these activities, are powerless to stop the tide and have little say in its developpement.


Tourism can bring many benefits to these communities. This include cross-cultural understanding, improved infrastructure, cheaper market goods, tourist-dollars supporting handicraft industries and providing employment opportunities.


However, there are also negative effects. Tourism creates or contributes to overtaxing of natural resources, increased litter and pollutants, dependency on tourist-dollars, proliferation of drug use and prostitution, and erosion of local values and practices.



If you travel to these regions, you can make a positive contribution and ensure the benefits of your stay outweigh the costs.




Interaction

- Be polite
- Dress modestly
- Minimise litter
- Do not urinate of defecate near villagers' households; bury faeces
- Do not take drugs (young children tend to imitate tourists' behaviour)
- Do not engage in sexual relationships with other people, including prostitutes
- Try to learn something about the community's culture and language and teach something good about yours

Gifts

- Do not give children sweets or money. It encourages begging and paves the way for prostitution for 'gifts' and money. Sweets also contribute to tooth decay
- Do not give clothes - communities are self sufficient
- Don't give medicines - it erodes traditional healing practices and the medicine may not be correctly administrated
- Individual gifts create jealousy and create expectations. Instead make donations to the local school, medical centre or community fund.
- No matter how poor they are, villagers are extremely hospitable. However, feeding a guest can result in food shortages. If you accept an invitation to share a meal, be sure to bring a generous contribution. Usually it's possible to chip with a chicken or something similar in a remote village. However, most guides will be able to offer help on what is appropriate



Shopping

- Haggle politely and always pay the agreed (and fair) price for goods and services
- Do not ask to buy a villager's personal household items or the jewellery of clothes they are wearing
- Don't buy village treasers, such as altar pieces or totems

Photographs

- Do not photograph without first asking permission - this includes children. Some communities believe the camera will capture their spirit. Don't photograph altars
- If you take a picture, do it quickly and avoid using flash. It is polite to send copies (if possible) - if you promise to do so, keep your word

Travel

- Travel in small less disruptive groups
- Stay, eat and travel with local businesses
- Try to book tours with responsible tourism outlets who employ hill-tribe people or contribute to community wellfare




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