Campaign calls for fair working conditions for mountain porters
Tourism Concern, the charity campaigning for ethical and fairly traded tourism, has launched a new campaign demanding fair working conditions for mountain porters.
The new campaign briefing Trekking wrongs: porters’ rights highlights the harsh conditions in which porters work in the Himalayas, on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and at Mount Kilimanjaro.
The briefing includes suggested guidelines for UK operators on porters rights and working conditions. The guidelines address issues such as the relationship between UK tour operators and destination country ground agents; terms of employment and special provisions in case of accident and sickness; and client awareness and behaviour. The aim is for operators to adopt policies on porters within their wider responsible and/or sustainable tourism policies.
A meeting for UK trekking and climbing operators to discuss the guidelines and their practical implementation will be held on Thursday, 25 April (1-5pm, University of North London, Holloway Road) chaired by Paul Deegan of the British Mountaineering Council. Speakers include mountaineer Doug Scott, Tourism Concern Fair Trade in Tourism Project Officer and representatives from Exodus, Andean Trails and Nepalese Trails.
Lara Marsh, Tourism Concern’s Campaigns Officer, said: “UK trekking and climbing operators need to accept responsibility for improving the harsh conditions in which the porters who service their clients work. We are encouraged by the response of operators so far, but there is much more to be done. This meeting provides a unique opportunity for operators to compare ideas and experiences, and discuss ways forward.”
To attend the meeting on Thursday 25 April contact Lara Marsh, campaigns officer, or Patricia Barnett, director, at Tourism Concern. Tel. 020 7753 3330.
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