Changes in security, safety, health, and the environment have greatly impacted our travel choices. On the other hand, we now have new options that seek to help small communities develop economically, and that allow visitors to better understand the culture and realities of those places. A growing group of consumers want their travel to be less invasive, so responsible tourism, including emerging f
air-trade tourism and anti-poverty tourism, is changing the face of travel. 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. Ottoman Hotel Park 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. Responsible tourism encompasses much more than "eco-tourism" - it is about adopting responsible environmental, social and economic practices that will bring real benefits to the community in which the individual hotels operate. Ottoman Hotel Park’s properties meet the needs of visitors and the destination, while minimising the negative effects of tourism by protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. All in all, caring envoirenment is about making better places to live and visit, while at the same time providing enriching and rewarding experiences for guests who stay at Ottoman Hotel Park. We know and believe that hotels can help maximise the positive effects of tourism, such as creating jobs and benefiting small businesses, enhancing guests' awareness of local culture and traditions and identifying ways to conserve and protect areas. Ottoman Hotel Park is keen to support and promote the local community, encourage visitors to stay in the area, but most importantly, protect the area. We have been recycling and reducing waste for some time now, but it is just recently that we have made guests aware of the Responsible Tourism Scheme we are actively involved with. This scheme recognises that the hotel has taken significant steps to reduce the operational impact on the environment and local community, which includes; energy and water conservation, encouraging the use of public transport and reduction in waste generation by recycling and reusing. As well as operating responsibly, Ottoman Hotel Park supports a variety of charitable projects in Turkey. Below are just a few examples of projects Ottoman Hotel Park currently supports in conjunction with different foundations:
TEMA
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. Ottoman Hotel Park 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 Ottoman Hotel Park. Please click to learn more about the activities of Tema : http://english.tema.org.tr
LOSEV
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/english
For more information about our responsible travel policies and the travelers tips to see what you can do, please check out & download the below links :
Ottoman Hotel Park Responsible Tourism Scheme
Responsible Travel Handbook
