Empowering Communities and Protecting Nature Through Responsible Tourism in Eritrea with Encounters Travel

At Encounters Travel, we are committed to promoting responsible tourism in Eritrea. We focus on sustainability, supporting local communities, and fostering inclusivity to ensure that our travel experiences benefit both the environment and the people who call this unique destination home. Here's a look at how we uphold these values on our tours.

Environmental Responsibility

Our approach to sustainable travel includes a careful selection of transport options that minimize environmental impact. In Eritrea, where public transport options are limited, we use private vehicles such as minivans to navigate the country’s routes. This ensures that our travellers are comfortable while also reducing emissions compared to larger, less efficient vehicles. For the Dahlak Islands section of the tour, we use motorboats, which allow us to explore the area in an eco-conscious way.

Accommodation is another key area where we prioritize sustainability. In Asmara, we choose locally owned 3- to 4-star hotels that focus on eco-friendly practices such as water conservation and waste management. In Keren, our group stays in a comfortable 3-star hotel with similar sustainable practices. On the Dahlak Islands, where resources are scarce, we opt for Igloo-style tents with basic amenities, providing an environmentally mindful experience in this remote area. Our meals feature locally sourced ingredients, supporting local businesses and minimizing transportation-related emissions.

Supporting Local Communities

One of the core principles of responsible tourism is ensuring that local communities benefit from the travel industry. We support this by prioritizing locally owned businesses for accommodation, meals, and experiences. This ensures that the revenue generated by tourism stays within Eritrea, directly benefiting local communities.

Additionally, we employ local guides, many of whom come from marginalized groups, to share their knowledge and cultural insights with travellers. This not only provides economic opportunities for these groups but also ensures that travellers gain a deeper understanding of Eritrean culture and heritage. By empowering local communities in this way, we create a more inclusive and sustainable travel experience for all.

Fair Wages and Inclusivity

At Encounters Travel, we believe in fair wages and inclusive practices. All our staff, including guides and support staff, are paid at least the local minimum wage, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their work. We also prioritize diversity and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for people from all backgrounds, including women, indigenous groups, and marginalized communities. Our tours are LGBTQ+ friendly, and we strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Language and Customs: Fostering Cultural Respect

Eritrea is a multilingual country with no official language, as the Constitution promotes equality for all Eritrean languages. The most commonly spoken languages are Tigrinya, Arabic, and English. Many younger Eritreans speak English, as it is often used as the language of education, while older generations may also speak Italian, a legacy of the country’s colonial past. 

As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we educate our travellers on the customs and cultural practices of Eritrea, ensuring that they approach their experience with respect and awareness. One of the most recognized customs is the Coffee Ceremony, where coffee is offered to guests as a symbol of hospitality. If coffee is declined, tea is usually offered instead. We also inform travellers that it is customary for Eritreans to eat with their right hand, as the left hand is considered impure. These cultural insights are provided in our tour notes to help travellers understand and appreciate the traditions they encounter, fostering a deeper cultural exchange.

Reducing Plastic Waste: Staying Hydrated Sustainably

In our efforts to reduce single-use plastics, we encourage our travellers to stay hydrated responsibly. At Encounters Travel, we have partnered with Water-to-Go to provide an easy and effective solution for filtering water. These bottles feature a filtration system that removes over 99.9% of contaminants from any non-saltwater source, turning even questionable water into safe drinking water.

This partnership not only helps travellers avoid using single-use plastic bottles but also minimizes waste and reduces their environmental footprint. By choosing Water-to-Go bottles, you actively support sustainable tourism practices while ensuring you have a reliable source of clean water during your journey.

To make this choice even more accessible, we offer a 25% discount on Water-to-Go bottles and other products (such as filters, lids, and carriers). This initiative makes it easier and more affordable for our travellers to embrace sustainability and reduce plastic waste in Eritrea and beyond.

Through these initiatives, Encounters Travel aims to create a travel experience in Eritrea that is both responsible and enriching. From minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities to educating travellers about cultural traditions, we strive to make a positive contribution to both the destination and the people who make it so special. Our sustainable practices help ensure that our tours have a lasting, positive impact, promoting responsible tourism for generations to come.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Encounters Travel is proud to offer journeys that empower communities, protect the environment, and foster cross-cultural understanding. For more information about our responsible travel initiatives and how we aim to make a positive impact, feel free to reach out to us:

📧 Email: http://[email protected]

🌐 Website: http://www.encounterstravel.com