The adventure tourism industry has grown significantly over the last decade and experts expect it to continue doing so across the next. Valued at USD 282.1 billion in 2021, forecasts anticipate the global adventure tourism sector will grow to a mighty USD 1.009 trillion by 2030 (GVR). 

That’s an awful lot of money. And how that money is spent and distributed amongst the varied individuals who participate in the industry raises a big question. In recent years, as awareness of ethical tourism concerns increases, there have been positive changes and we’re starting to see more providers adopt responsible tourism practices. But the industry is by no means perfect and there remains a large number of organisations that actively exploit (or are implicit in the exploitation of) local guides and their communities.

Ensuring a fairer future in the adventure industry

As the sector grows and competition increases, there is a danger that positive industry developments are undone by a race to the bottom and a desperate desire to reduce costs and undercut the competition. If this is the case, history suggests it will be guides, their families and their local communities that are squeezed and suffer most intensely.

Both expedition providers and consumers must play a role if we are to avoid this. Expedition providers must do their utmost to ensure fair working conditions for local guides and employees. They must be transparent and clearly communicate how they deliver a just deal for those living and working in their trekking destinations. At the same time, consumers must demand trek organisers implement responsible travel practices and back those that do by booking with them.

This may mean paying a little more for your trek. But we think it’s certainly worth it. And we’re willing to make a compelling argument for why responsible travel and trekking are absolutely necessary.

Local guides are what make it all possible

The first thing to recognise when discussing this issue is that local guides make trekking expeditions logistically viable. They are the very essence of a trip. Without them, many expeditions would be impossible, and those we could still run would be less safe, interesting, enjoyable and insightful.

But fair pay for local guides is about more than meeting the minimum requirements for running a trip. It directly impacts the quality of expeditions. Paying local guides and teams fairly and ensuring ethical working conditions means 360 attracts high-calibre guides with heaps of experience. These are the guides who know the terrain, the people, the history, the culture and the stories better than anyone. They’re the guides who are best equipped to communicate this knowledge. They’re the guides who turn a good trip into an excellent one.

So, from a purely selfish perspective, supporting fair pay and ethical working conditions benefits customers by ensuring they get the best trekking experience possible.

Fair working practices are a safety issue

But it’s not just about the extent to which you enjoy your expedition. It’s also about your safety. Higher-quality guides have more experience and can draw on greater expertise when operating in challenging environments and situations. They are better equipped to keep you safe and are more likely to know how to respond when the pressure is on.

Fair pair and ethical working conditions also mean greater personal investment in the work. At 360, we want our guides to feel like part of the team, to want to be part of the team and to feel motivated to give their all. We want to build long-lasting relationships with our guides and create an environment that works for everyone involved. That is not possible if resentment over pay and working conditions is allowed to grow.

Monitoring and accreditation organisations and initiatives

In our introduction to this article, we mentioned positive industry developments. Many of these are the result of the emergence and acceptance of new monitoring and accreditation organisations and initiatives. Often operated by individuals rooted in local communities, these organisations strive to ensure fair pay and working conditions and supply independent monitoring and accreditation services, enabling expedition providers to demonstrate their responsible tourism credentials to customers.

For instance, at 360 Expeditions, we work with IMEC and participate in its Partnership for Responsible Travel, which provides a framework for the responsible treatment of ground crews in Tanzania and around the world. It includes standards for minimum wages, maximum porter carrying weights, and guide accommodation and meal policies. Partners that sign up to this program receive an IMEC Quality Mark.

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) ensures compliance with these standards by monitoring partner performance. But they also support guides in other ways. It distributes mountain clothing and equipment to porters who cannot afford it otherwise, advocates for fair treatment on behalf of porters and guides, and empowers guides through workshops and other educational opportunities.

Not all regions and destinations benefit from these types of initiatives. Nor are relevant accreditations always available. Consequently, you may not always see a quality mark or seal of approval. But you can always check with expedition providers directly and ask what steps they take to ensure fair treatment of local teams in different locations.

Responsible travel with 360 Expeditions

At 360 Expeditions, we do everything we can to practise what we preach and ensure our guides benefit from fair pay, ethical working conditions and a pleasant work environment. Supporting local guides and communities is important on so many levels. 

Practically, it results in safer, more enjoyable expeditions and a better experience for customers. Ethically, it reflects the contribution guides make to expeditions and the overall trekking experience. It is the right thing to do. Financially, it benefits the local economy and, by extension, the well-being of the communities and regions we work with and in. It can help lift individuals and families out of poverty. And it lays the foundation for a more sustainable form of tourism, guaranteeing destinations’ long-term viability by stabilising and securing locals’ futures. 

If you want to know more about the ethical considerations associated with a particular destination or learn more about how 360 Expeditions guarantees fair treatment of our local teams, we recommend getting in touch. We’re more than happy to talk you through the many steps we’ve taken to implement responsible travel practices.