The following advice is based on the World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and is part of "The Responsible Tourist and Traveler":
Travel and tourism should be conceived and practiced as a means of personal and collective development. If undertaken with an open mind, they are an irreplaceable factor in self-education, mutual tolerance and learning about the legitimate differences between communities and cultures and their diversity.
We all have a role to play in promoting responsible travel and tourism. Governments, businesses and communities should certainly strive to do so by all means, but you too, as a visitor, can significantly support this goal in many ways:
Your experience will be transformed, you wil gain the respect of the local population, and they will welcome you more easily. Be tolerant and respectful of diversity; observe local traditions and social and cultural practices.
Any form of exploitation violates the fundamental objectives of tourism. The sexual exploitation of children is a punishable offense, both in the place where it takes place and in the country of residence of the perpetrator.
Protect wild flora and fauna and their habitat, and do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals.
Tourism activities must be practiced with respect for the artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage.
Buy local handicrafts and products to support the local economy, and adhere to fair trade principles.
Before leaving for your trip, find out about the current health situation in your destination and the accessibility of consular and emergency services there, and make sure that your health and personal safety will not be at risk. Make sure that your specific needs (food, accessibility or medical care) are covered before deciding to travel to a particular destination.
Gather as much information as possible about your destination, and take your time to understand its customs, norms and traditions.
Avoid behavior that may offend the local population.
Be informed of the current legislation in order to avoid commiting any act that may be considered criminal in the country visited.
Do not traffic with drugs, weapons, antiques, protected species, dangerous products or substances or those prohibited by national regulations.
The Valencian Community has the Tourism Law, which establishes the rights of users of tourism services and products.
LAW 15/2018, June 7, of tourism, leisure and hospitality of the Valencian Community contemplates the promotion of hospitality as a basic element in the relationship between residents and tourists.
This Law defines Hospitality as the “attention and treatment provided to the users of tourist services with respect for their language, habits, traditions, beliefs and freedom of conscience, in order to provide the greatest possible satisfaction of their expectations in accordance with the values that identify us as an open, tolerant and Mediterranean society.”
Articles 16 and 17 of the aforementioned Law develop the rights and duties of the users of tourism services to preserve this central pillar of the relationship between the tourists that visit us and our destination:
Article 16. Rights
Users of tourist services, without prejudice to the provisions of the general legislation for the defense and protection of consumers, shall have the right to:
Receive from the tourist companies objective, truthful and understandable information, complete and prior to their contracting about the services offered to them, as well as about the final price, including taxes. And to be protected against misleading information or advertising in accordance with current regulations.
Obtain documents evidencing the terms of their contract.
Receive tourist services under the conditions offered or agreed upon and, in any case, that the nature and quality of their provision be in direct proportion to the category of the tourist company or establishment.
Enjoy accessible tourist spaces, infrastructures and services.
Have free access to tourist establishments and services under the terms established by the law.
That tourist establishments comply with the regulations on the safety of their facilities and fire protection, as well as the specific regulations on tourism.
Be informed, in a clear manner, about the facilities or services that may pose a risk and the safety measures adopted in this regard.
Receive an invoice or proof of payment for the tourist service provided with the information required by the law.
File complaints and claims and to obtain accessible and truthful information on the procedure for filing them and their treatment, being able to resort to a system of extrajudicial resolution of conflicts through mediation and arbitration. Likewise, they have the right to have the competent public administration ensure maximum efficiency in the attention and processing of their complaints or claims.
Resort to arbitration formulas for the extrajudicial resolution of their conflicts with economic consequences.
Require the public display, in an easily visible place, of the distinctive signs accrediting the establishment’s classification, capacity, prices of the services offered and any other activity variable, as well as the corresponding quality symbols.
Article 17. Obligations
Users of tourist services, without prejudice of to the provisions of the applicable sectorial regulations, shall have the following obligations:
Respect the traditions and social and cultural practices of the tourist destinations, as well as their richness and value.
Respect the environment, historical and cultural heritage and tourism resources.
To pay for the contracted services, either at the time of presentation of the invoice or at the agreed time, place and manner, without the fact of filing a complaint or claim implying, in any case, exemption from payment.
In the case of the tourist accommodation service, respect the agreed date and time of departure from the establishment, leaving the occupied accommodation unit free.
Observe the rules of respect, education, social coexistence, clothing and hygiene for the proper use of tourist establishments and services.
Respect the facilities and equipment of tourist establishments and bussinesses.
Respect the internal rules of tourist establishments, schedules and rules of conduct in places of visitation and tourist activities.
Information brochure rights and obligations of the tourist.