| Dr Jim Duff, international coordinator. |
 |
There has been a lot of activity since the last newsletter. Articles have appeared in several large newspapers and magazines worldwide, highlighting the porter issue. The BBC has made a short program in Nepal, which is about to go to air, about porters and the difficulties they face.
Many trekking companies have taken up, or are seeking, IPPG endorsement. This is granted if companies promote porter safety and include a question on porter treatment in their post trek questionnaires. It needs to be stressed that there has always been a core of trekking companies who have looked after their porters well and have been innovative in standards of porter care. Many of these companies have been highly supportive of the work of the IPPG. It is now possible to seek those companies out on the IPPG's website, or by looking for the IPPG logo on company publicity.
The rising tide of interest in ethical and sustainable tourism is helping raise awareness. Publications such as The Community Tourism Guide, published by Tourism Concern (www.gn.apc.org/tourismconcern/) are the way of the discerning traveler. Looking into the crystal ball, it would seem that the way ahead for adventure tour operators is to combine adventure holidays with practical and well thought out aid to the communities visited.
It is IPPG's wish to promote an ethical and sustainable trekking industry to benefit all concerned. Please help to achieve this end by encouraging people to go trekking and to care for their porters.
Finally many thanks to our reps and their supporters who are working so hard to keep the issue alive.
|
