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Responsible Tourism

Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism

At Six Degree Adventures, we believe that travel should benefit the people and places that make each destination unique. Our responsible tourism practices in India are designed to ensure that every trip supports local communities, protects cultural heritage, and preserves fragile ecosystems. We work closely with village leaders, guides, artisans, and conservation partners to create authentic, community based travel experiences.

Our small-group tours are carefully designed to minimize environmental impact while providing meaningful cultural exchanges. We prioritize local sourcing, fair wages, and long-term partnerships with local businesses, ensuring that tourism income stays within the community. Cultural traditions, festivals, and local stories are respectfully shared by the people who live them, offering travellers genuine insights into the region’s intangible cultural heritage.

We follow strict animal welfare guidelines, support plastic-free travel, and adapt our itineraries to align with the natural rhythms of the environment. Our open, transparent approach allows both travellers and communities to see exactly how tourism can be a force for positive change.

By choosing Six Degree Adventures, you are not only exploring the beauty of India –  you’re directly contributing to sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. Responsible travel isn’t just a policy for us – it’s the way we do business, every single day.

Responsible Tourism Policies – Six Degree Adventures

1. Purpose & Scope

These guidelines explain how Six Degree Adventures (SDA) designs and delivers travel that is fair, inclusive and environmentally responsible. They apply to everyone who works with or travels with us.

2. Guiding Principles

  • Community First – Tourism should leave host communities stronger.
  • Planet Care – Trips are planned within the ecological limits of each place.
  • Respect for All Beings – People and animals are treated with dignity and care.
  • Transparency – We share how and why we do things.
  • Learning & Improvement – We review, listen and refine our approach on a regular basis.

3. Policy Areas & Commitments

3.1 Animal Welfare

  • We follow widely accepted animal‑welfare principles and avoid any activity that uses wildlife for entertainment.
  • Encounters with wild animals are observation‑only and organised with conservation partners.
  • Working animals are cared for with proper rest, nutrition and humane equipment.

3.2 Inclusivity & Diversity

  • Everyone is welcome on our trips and in our workforce, regardless of background or identity.
  • Marketing materials reflect this inclusivity.
  • Accessibility notes are provided for each itinerary so travellers can make informed choices.

3.3 Community Partnership

  • Itineraries are co‑designed with local leaders and businesses.
  • We agree to fair prices and pay suppliers promptly.
  • A portion of revenue is reinvested in community‑led projects.

3.4 Environmental Care

  • We discourage single‑use plastics and offer refill options and low‑impact packaging wherever possible.
  • Group sizes are set to respect each location’s carrying capacity.
  • Leave‑No‑Trace practices are briefed to travellers and checked by staff.
  • We measure our environmental footprint and work to reduce and balance it through local conservation efforts.

3.5 Child & Vulnerable‑Adult Protection

  • We do not allow child labour in our supply chain.
  • Guests are encouraged to support vetted community programmes rather than give gifts directly to children.
  • All staff receive safeguarding guidance.

3.6 Staff Well‑being & Training

  • Team members receive fair pay, time off, safety cover and access to professional development.
  • Freelance guides receive ongoing training opportunities.
  • Staff feedback is welcomed and acted upon.

3.7 Ethical Marketing

  • We avoid exaggeration, poverty imagery and wildlife selfies.
  • Comfort and fitness levels are described honestly to prevent mis‑selling.
  • Traveller reviews are shared openly.

3.8 Safety & Risk Management

  • Each trip is supported by a risk assessment and an emergency plan.
  • Guides carry first‑aid supplies and maintain relevant safety training.
  • Routes and activities are adjusted if local conditions make them unsafe.

3.9 Monitoring & Reporting

We monitor our progress and share general insights with stakeholders.

Policies are reviewed and updated regularly.

4. Governance & Feedback

Responsible‑tourism decisions are overseen by the SDA leadership team with input from a community advisory group. Anyone can raise concerns confidentially, and all reports are investigated promptly and fairly.

This document is updated as our understanding, destinations and partnerships evolve.