POLICY FOR SLUM TOURS

Slum tourism is defined as the practice of travelers visiting poor urban areas, typically in the parts of Mumbai and Delhi in India, to view the impoverished conditions and understand more of the lifestyles of local inhabitants.

For those travelers who want to take a slum tour, we propose a set of responsible slum tour guidelines for travelers. These guidelines are designed for those tourists who plan to take a slum tour and want to do so in the most responsible way possible.

We provide lots of tips and advice for travelers in choosing us as a responsible tour operator, engaging in behaviors that minimize potential harm and maximize potential benefits to the visited community, and visiting in a safe and responsible manner.

• The company is locally based and employs local resident guides
• The company focuses on small group walking tours
• The company pays fair wages to guides and compensates any visited households
• The company uses tours to benefit the local community (e.g., profits support a local community project)
• The company provides guidance on tourist behaviors concerning photography, dress, safety, tipping, and home visits
• The company promotes its tours with a focus on learning about the local community rather than on the more voyeuristic aspects of visiting slums
• The company allows tourists the opportunity to support local businesses and projects if they wish
• The company doesn’t promote tour activities that are likely to exploit or cause harm to children, animals, or vulnerable people
• The Company only provides the tour by walk through the slum areas to avoid carbon foot-print.
• Every tourist must treat everyone they Meet with Dignity and Respect
• We stress firmly but politely inform tourists not to take Photos or Videos without Permission. If photography is permitted, they have to be sure to be respectful if they do choose to take photos and to be especially cautious while taking photos of children.
• Be Cautious about Visiting Schools, Clinics, or Orphanages
• After the tour, we request tourists to leave a feedback for the guide and us about things that can be particularly important to note of any issues about safety, and their personal view if the tour was conducted in a responsible manner.

POLICY FOR VISITING ORPHANAGE

Mother Teresa once said, “The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” The world is full of children who are not only looking forward to their next meal, but also for a home and a family to eat every meal with. Many orphanages are legitimately run, it’s important to be aware that scams exist as well. So, Travel XS only suggests and organizes visits to government approved centers that has long association with international clubs such as Lions Clubs / Rotary Clubs’.

• The company has to send a local employee to assist tourists to visit orphanages to support them to understand the local languages.
• The company focuses on small groups to visit orphanages
• The company uses these visits for the benefit of the local orphanages
• The company provides guidance on tourist behaviors concerning photography, dress code, safety measures, tipping, and orphanage visits
• The company encourages these visits with a focus on providing support financially through tourists and volunteer activities such as teaching languages, science and skill development.
• The company doesn’t promote tour activities that are likely to exploit or cause harm to children and homeless persons.
• We strongly advocate on bringing tourists’ who have compassion and good intentions. If tourists have donations of toys, food or packaged water, clothing, or other useful items, by all means, feel free to bring them and encourage those who would like to volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of the community.
• Every tourist must treat everyone they Meet with Dignity and Respect
• We firmly inform tourists not to take Photos or Videos without Permission. If photography is permitted, they have to be sure to be respectful if you do choose to take photos especially of taking photos of children.
• After the tour, we request tourists to leave their feedback for the guide and for us on things that can be particularly important to note of any issues about safety as also if the tour was conducted in a responsible manner.

I hereby agree to abide by the terms and conditions as provided in the Mount Gilead Board of Education Acceptable Use Policy Number EDE. I understand that any violation of the aforesaid terms and conditions may result in the revocation of my access privileges and/or disciplinary action may be taken.

POLICY FOR TOURISTS VISITING SCHOOLS

Travel XS is continuously supporting educational institutions through every possible way. Either directly or in association with regional social clubs Travel XS supports financially to build basic infrastructure, chairs and tables, books and scholarships. Also, with the support of educational institutions Travel XS organizes awareness campaigns for Hygiene, Health, Safety and Environmental Pollution.

Aim of the Policy

• Enhance tourists understanding of Indian school systems and students’ activities
• Provide opportunities to motivate, support rural schools and students
• Interaction with teachers for their role in grooming students

Educational Visits will therefore be planned and operated in accordance with this policy and guidance so that everyone involved understands their responsibility and can participate in these excursions.

Policy

• Company shall seek permission with the school management in written letter format prior to the desired date of visit.
• Tourists and company staff much know the dress code for visiting schools and make sure it is monitored and practiced.
• Make sure the visits do not disturb the students and teachers during their academic hours. It is mandatory to conclude a mutual understanding on timings with the school management.
• Makes sure tourists understand the aim / objective of the school visits.
• Ensure tourists follow the country’s rules & regulations against abusing children in any manner.
• Tourists must provide in written letter through the company to school management if they want to provide any voluntary teaching support, fund and or provide any basic infrastructure.
• Ensure the teaching staff accompany students and tourists during the course of interaction.

Prior permission must be obtained for taking photographs of students in the school premises.