A.2.2. Environmental Pillar - Awareness-Raising and Information on Environmental Conservation
Why does this matter?
Tourists protect nature better when they understand it. This indicator ensures that visitors:
- Receive clear information about ecosystems and conservation rules.
- Know how to behave in protected areas.
- Understand why certain rules exist.
- Are encouraged to actively support conservation.
How is this measured?
The tour is checked against a list of requirements. Each item is marked Yes or No. The more requirements that are fulfilled, the higher the percentage, and the higher the final score (from 0 to 5).
What does it take into account?
It checks whether visitors receive clear and consistent environmental information:
- Before the tour, rules, ecosystem information, and company policies are shared.
- During the tour, guides or materials remind visitors how to behave and identify sensitive areas.
- After the tour, feedback is collected and used to improve environmental communication.
It applies differently depending on whether the tour is guided or self-guided.
About the Score
Evaluation Checklist / Requirements
Initial Briefing
Is there an initial briefing covering the environmental and cultural values of the area?
Does the briefing include practical guidelines for responsible behavior during the tour?
Are tourists informed about the protected status and regulations of the visited areas?
Does the briefing address emergency procedures and safety in natural environments?
Is there a Q&A opportunity for tourists to clarify doubts before the tour begins?
Before the Tour
Post-sales documentation includes information about visited ecosystems?
Is written information on environmental conservation rules provided to tourists?
Are the company's environmental and sustainability policies available to the visitor?
Does the operator provide instructions on how to act regarding improper third-party behavior?
Is there clear mention of the protected/classified areas visited?
During the Tour (Guided)
Does the guide have knowledge about the specificities of the areas visited?
Does the guide periodically remind about conservation behavior along the route?
Does the guide alert to sensitive points when approaching these locations?
Are there defined procedures for inappropriate tourist behavior?
Does the program stimulate contribution to conservation actions/projects?
During the Tour (Self-Guided)
Does the self-guided info identify natural/cultural values with visit recommendations?
Is there reinforcement of conservation behaviours in support material?
Does navigation material include warnings about sensitive areas or rules?
Is there contact with the tourist during their trip?
Does the program encourage contribution to conservation actions/projects?
After the Tour
Is there a feedback questionnaire evaluating environmental conduct?
Does the questionnaire assess perception of natural values visited?
Does the operator collect indicators on environmental communication effectiveness?
Are environmental awareness contents reviewed annually?
Is feedback integrated into adjustments to tour procedures?
Developed with the support of
Touristic Footprint Index (TFI) by
Portugal Outdoor Alliance (POA)
is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
