Responsible Travel

Exotissimo is a strong advocate of responsible travel. We are fully committed to conserving natural resources, protecting local cultural heritage and making positive impacts in the communities with which we come into contact. 

Calling Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand our homes, we love to showcase the beauty of our countries through our tours and inspire in guests a genuine interest in the region. We firmly believe in giving back to society and working with local charities to support community development. Wherever possible, we try to introduce our guests to local partners in sustainable tourism, such as disabled handicraft centers or vocational institutions that train local youths or the disadvantaged.
  
We aim to tread as lightly as possible when conducting our tours. Our travel partners adhere to our responsible travel policies and all Exotissimo guides strive to assist travelers in understanding local culture and etiquette. To encourage travelers to act responsibly, all guests on arrival to our destinations will receive an Exo Cares booklet that provides guidelines on cultural and environmental sensitivities.

We have also set up the Exotissimo Foundation, an initiative that raises funds for charitable projects and contributes to the development of sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia.

Exotissimo Foundation

The charitable arm of Exotissimo Travel, Exotissimo Foundation offers financial support to charitable projects and contributes to the development of sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia. Each year a charity is selected as the recipient for the Foundation’s aid.

In 2008, the Exotissimo Foundation donated over 100,000 US dollars to assist the affected communities of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. With these funds, a clinic was built, schools were repaired, humanitarian supplies and agricultural equipment were donated to local villagers. For 2009, we are looking at a variety of organizations in Southeast Asia to which we will direct this year’s funds.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

Exo Cares: As part of our responsibility to protect Southeast Asia's unique natural and cultural heritage, Exotissimo’s Exo Cares booklet is a guide that outlines simple things you can do to have an enjoyable but low-impact trip. All guests to our destinations receive this useful booklet on arrival. Download your copy here, or view it online: French Version : English Version.

Here are some simple guidelines:

• Stay informed. Be familiar with the history, customs and biodiversity of the destination before embarking on the trip. Learn a few phrases in the local language.
• Respect cultural differences. Always seek permission before taking pictures of the locals. Respect local dress standards and dress appropriately.
• Protect the environment. Do not support illegal wildlife trade or purchase items made from endangered species. Do not touch limestone formations or coral reefs underwater.
• Green your stay. Stay in an eco-lodge. Reuse hotel towels and request housekeeping not to change the bed linens everyday. Turn off the lights, fans and air-conditioners when you leave your room. Use water sparingly.
• Waste minimization. Waste should be recycled or properly discarded. When trekking in remote areas, use toilet facilities provided and avoid polluting water sources. Minimize the use of plastic packages and opt for a recyclable shopping bag instead.
• Support the local economy. Buy locally made crafts or products. Bargain fairly, and with a smile. Enjoy local food at local restaurants.

Our Initiatives

Exotissimo is involved in a wide range of community-based projects in Southeast Asia. Some of these include:

• Partnering with the German Cooperation Agency (GTZ), Exotissimo Laos operates the "Akha Experience" tour. Small groups trek through Northern Laos to see the rural villages of the Akha, a struggling ethnic minority group. Proceeds from these tours go directly to the Akha people.
• Exotissimo Cambodia is an active operator along the Mekong Discovery Trail and supports many community-based ecotourism products along the trail.
• In the wake of Cyclone Nargis which struck Myanmar in May 2008, Exotissimo Travel Group set up an emergency fund which collected more than 100,000 USD and Exotissimo Myanmar provided relief efforts to affected residents in the Irrawaddy Delta.
• In January 2009, Exotissimo Cambodia donated office equipment to ACODO, a local charity that helps Cambodia’s disabled and orphaned children by equipping them with vocational and life skills.