Dear Tourist
A tourist destination is not a pin placed on a map or a post published on social media.
“It’s a territory, a culture, an ecosystem…
It’s a living being that notices the changes in the tourism model we are creating as a society. The decisions we make as tourists and as citizens matter.
The model we use today to create and create tourism will allow us to do so and continue creating tourism tomorrow as well. And the day after tomorrow.
It’s a legacy of sustainability and ethics that we will leave to future generations.
Welcome!”
The recommendations we present to you are based on the 17 objectives established in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (World Tourism Organization), and the Global Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ST+20).
1. Know your rights
The current Tourism Law of the Basque Country establishes the rights of users of tourism services and products. These rights include:
- To receive complete and accurate information in advance about the characteristics and prices of the products and services offered.
- Ensure that the good or service received meets the advertised and offered characteristics.
- Receive an invoice or proof of payment for the price paid for the tourist product or service.
- Receive appropriate treatment and access to all establishments open to the public.
- Be able to file complaints, claims, and reports and receive a free complaint form.
2. Promote local development
If you have the chance, consume local products, as added to enjoying local cuisine, culture and crafts, you will be contributing to the conservation and sustainable development of the environment and to generating quality employment.
Hire local guides who are well-versed in the tourist
resources of the BASQUE COUNTRY.
Respect the livelihood of shopkeepers and artisans,
paying a fair price for products and services. Do not buy counterfeit products and items, which are prohibited by national or international regulations.
3. Encourage appropiate behaviour towards workers
Treat the people who provide services during your visit with respect. And remember that you can exercise your right to lodge a complaint or objection if you are not happy with any of the services received.
4. Respect diversity
Help eliminate barriers that limit the integration of people due to gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, or other reasons; avoid sexist language and offensive expressions.
Ensure equal opportunities and facilitate access for people with accessibility and communication needs; respect spaces or services designated for these individuals.
5. Enjoy the local culture
The BASQUE COUNTRY is a place with cities, towns, streets and squares with lots of personality.
Some manifestations of our culture can be enjoyed in local festivals, music, painting, architecture or folklore among others.
6. Contribute to heritage conservation
Help preserve the tourist attractions, while respecting the rules and access designed for their preservation and conservation.
Preserve the universal values of the Heritage and avoid negative impacts that compromise its survival.
7. Contribute to environmental preservation
Reduce environmental impact and protect natural resources, especially forests and wetlands. Respect forest life and its natural habitat.
Reduce water, energy, and packaging consumption and manage waste responsibly, leaving no litter and using selective collection containers.
Do not introduce invasive species or harvest protected flora and fauna or products derived from them. Do not extract materials from geological formations of interest.
8. Choose sustainable products and services
Choose accommodation, restaurants and tourism companies that work toward sustainability and take into account recycling, energy and water savings, and respect for the local community and for the natural and cultural heritage, and check that they are members of the Consumption Arbitration System.
9. Use sustainable transport
Preferably use public transportation to and from the Basque Country (bus, train, tram, etc.). This will help reduce emissions and prevent urban collapse, while also saving time and money.
Travel on foot or rent bicycles for a healthy experience.
10. Be a responsible tourist
Treat people with respect, respecting their dignity, as equals. Discover the beauty and interesting features of the tourist resources you visit. This will promote not only the development of tourism in the Basque Country, but also the local economy and culture.
Natural, cultural, and heritage resources are limited, so we must protect and preserve them for tourism in the Basque Country to be sustainable.
First word in Basque
Ongi etorri = Welcome
Kaixo = Hello
Agur = Goodbye
Egunon = Good morning
Arratsaldeon = Good afternoon
Gabon = Good evening
Mesedez = Please
Eskerrik asko = Thank you
Ez horregatik = You’re welcome
Bai = Yes
Ez = No
Barkatu = Sorry
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