Modern travelers are growing increasingly aware of the effects of ecotourism—some of which have negatively impacted both local cultures and the environment as a whole. Responsible tourism calls attention to the fact that most tourism simply is not responsible: locals are exploited; natural or cultural resources are treated with disrespect. Treating others with the same respect we would ask for in our own communities is the basis of responsible travel.

While the tourism industry has long touted "exotic destinations", we are, in fact, entering someone else's home. Responsible travel and ecotourism are two of the cornerstones of local, regional, national, and international sustainable development. Travelers play a pivotal role, whether we are independent or part of a group tour. As we rethink and re-imagine tourism, we are redefining the traditional guest-host relationship as an activity that motivates new eco-friendly, people-friendly action.

Travel Talk strongly believes in responsible tourism, and has promoted it right from the start. We aim to minimize the negative environmental impacts of the travel business, and make positive contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, and natural and human heritage. We also believe in tourism that respects culture and traditions, and fosters greater understanding between travelers and hosts:

People who work for Travel Talk are treated fairly and paid a fair wage, including the local suppliers at the tour destinations.

We respect (and regularly update our knowledge of) the customs, habits, and culture of the destinations we are visiting to ensure that we do not offend locals.

We try to minimize our impact on the environment by off-setting our carbon emissions and reducing waste. We train our local staff to understand and put into practice our policies of responsible tourism.

We make sure that local people benefit economically from tourism by employing them as tour leaders and guides, and using local restaurants and hotels rather than international chains.

As well as operating responsibly, Travel Talk supports a variety of charitable projects in Turkey. Below are just a few examples of projects Travel Talk currently supports in conjunction with different foundations:

Supporting reforestation, carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection projects in areas subject to erosion in Turkey, in order to regain the green cover, wild life, and ecological balance. Travel Talk supports Tema, “the Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats”. The foundation has planted 2.2 million saplings over an area of 2.350 hectares under 25 different reforestation projects through the sponsorship of individuals and companies, including Travel Talk. Please click to learn more about the activities of Tema : http://english.tema.org.tr/default.aspx

Sponsoring Losev, “the Foundation for Children with Leukemia”, in providing educational and emotional support, financial assistance, and health services for the children in Turkey who have Leukemia or other chronic blood disorders, to help them cope with the illnesses that threaten their lives. Through Losev, our mission is to give education at an international level about acquired and inherited blood diseases, to set up and operate research institutions. Please click to learn more about Losev : http://www.losev.org.tr/v2/en/

We believe that nature and culture are fundamentally interrelated with all aspects of a human being’s existence and identity. That’s why we support Cekul, “the Foundation for the Promotion and Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage”. This foundation strives to foster and build a nation-wide awareness of and social network for the preservation of Turkey’s environmental resources and cultural heritage. Please click the following link to learn about Cekul : http://www.cekulvakfi.org.tr/icerik/content.asp?sayfaID=55