At Back to the Source Tours, we believe in transparency and building trust with our customers. That’s why we’ve made all our important policies readily available on our website. Here you’ll find everything you need to know, from our Booking and cancellation Policy to our Privacy Policy and Sustainability Initiatives.
Explore our policies page to: Understand our booking and cancellation processes, Learn how we protect your privacy, Discover our commitment to responsible tourism, and Gain peace of mind knowing you’re in good hands
Long-Term Destination Management Strategy for Sustainability Goals
Vision: To be the leading eco-friendly tour operator in Uganda, recognized for our commitment to responsible tourism, environmental protection, and community empowerment.
Mission: To create sustainable, authentic, and transformative travel experiences that benefit local communities, conserve the environment, and enrich the lives of travelers.
Strategic goals
Environmental Stewardship:
- Achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 through carbon offsetting, renewable energy investments, and energy-efficient practices.
- Reduce waste generation by 50% by 2025 through responsible packaging, waste reduction initiatives, and partnerships with local recycling and composting programs.
- Conserve water resources by 20% by 2025 through water-saving technologies, guest education, and community water conservation projects.
- Implement sustainable land management practices in all operations, including responsible sourcing, responsible disposal, and minimizing deforestation.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Regularly monitor progress towards sustainability goals using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as carbon emissions reductions, waste generation, local employment rates, and community development project outcomes.
- Conduct annual stakeholder consultations to gather feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Publish annual sustainability reports that transparently communicate progress and challenges.
- Continuously review and update the long-term destination management strategy to reflect changing circumstances and emerging best practices in responsible tourism.
Community Development:
- Increase local employment by 20% by 2025 through partnerships with local businesses, community-based tourism initiatives, and skills development programs.
- Support local entrepreneurs by 15% by 2025 through fair trade practices, direct procurement of goods and services, and promotion of locally-made souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Invest in community development projects in partnership with local NGOs and community leaders,addressing critical needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
- Contribute to cultural preservation by supporting local artisans, promoting traditional music and dance, and engaging in cultural exchange programs.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
- Develop 5 new tours annually that explore lesser-known destinations and promote responsible tourism practices.
- Partner with local communities to create unique and authentic experiences that showcase the diversity of Uganda’s culture, nature, and traditions.
- Educate travelers on responsible tourism principles and encourage them to be mindful of their impact on local communities and the environment.
- Promote sustainable transportation options like cycling, walking, and local transport to minimize environmental impact.
Action Plan
Year 1:
- Conduct a comprehensive environmental audit to measure our carbon footprint and identify areas for improvement to include with our partners.
- Develop a detailed sustainability action plan with specific targets and timelines for each goal for both Back to the Source Tours and its partners.
- Implement carbon offsetting initiatives and invest in renewable energy initiatives.
- Partner with local communities to develop and launch new off-the-beaten-path tours.
- Develop educational materials and training programs for staff and travelers on responsible tourism principles.
Year 2:
- Implement waste reduction initiatives and partner with local recycling programs.
- Launch a community development program, focusing on local employment, education, and healthcare.
- Increase support for local entrepreneurs through fair trade practices and direct procurement.
- Expand the portfolio of off-the-beaten-path tours and promote them through targeted marketing campaigns.
- Conduct a mid-term review of the sustainability action plan and adjust strategies as needed
Year 3:
- Achieve net-zero carbon emissions through continued offsetting and investments in renewable energy.
- Reduce waste generation by 50% and implement sustainable land management practices.
- Increase local employment by 20% and invest in skills development programs.
- Expand support for local entrepreneurs by 15% and promote cultural preservation initiatives.
- Achieve a 50% increase in travelers booking off-the-beaten-path tours.
- Conduct a final review of the sustainability action plan and celebrate achievements.
Conclusion:
By implementing this comprehensive long-term destination management strategy, Back to the Source Tours can solidify its position as a leader in sustainable tourism in Uganda and expand to the rest of East Africa. Through responsible tourism practices, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment, we can create a positive and lasting impact on the destination and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
