The Responsible Tourist and Traveler

In order to improve the relationship between local people and tourists, the city of Granada’s Department of Tourism proposes these tips for the development of a responsible form of tourism:

• Prioritize the use of public transport when moving around the city and its outskirts. Ask about the city’s traffic restrictions if you are moving by car. 

• Respect the traffic signaling. Do not invade the bus lanes. The information offered by some devices, such as GPS, may not include the latest updates about the accesses of the city. There are cameras around the city which guarantee the order and respect of the traffic norms. It is advised to park outside of the city centre and make use of public transport. 

• It is not advised to stay in unauthorized tourist accommodations. You can check if your accommodation is currently active on the Regional Government’s Tourism Registry. Do not participate in the touristification of historic neighbourhoods.

• Respect diversity. Pay attention to local cultural and social practices. Siesta, sleeping times and some other local habits should be respected. We encourage you to be civil and polite during your stay. 

• The use of earphones is recommended for guides when doing visits and tours. The use of megaphones, vuvuzelas and similar devices is forbidden by the local norms. 

• If you are a group, avoid clogging the streets and interrupting the circulation when moving around the city. 

• If you are going to make use of bikes, electric scooters or other similar devices, know that pedestrians always have priority over you. 

• Respect the state and the safety of your destination’s Historical and Natural Heritage. Keep a civil, respectful, healthy and hygienic behaviour. 

• Make a respectful use of the city’s natural resources. Pay special attention to water consumption. Prioritize showering over bathing. Do not throw inappropriate materials, such as wipes or plastic, in the toilet. 

• Respect the resident’s privacy. Respect the state of the streets, houses and private gardens.

• We encourage you to exchange interactions with the locals - respecting the basic needs of silence and sleep. 

• Visit Granada’s shops and try local products. Check our list of tourist-friendly services. 

• Keep in mind the Covid-19 safety measures during your visits, such as social distancing, the use of masks and hand sanitizer.

THE GLOBAL CODE OF ETHICS FOR TOURISM OF THE WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION

The Responsible Tourist and Traveler

1) Travel and tourism should be conceived and practiced as a way of personal and collective growth. If undertaken with an open mind, they are an irreplaceable factor in self-education, mutual tolerance and learning about the legitimate differences between peoples and cultures and of their diversity.

In Spain, and especially in the South, the timetables are different: there are more hours of sunlight and, in summer, the temperatures can be extreme from midday. During summer, wandering around in the middle of the afternoon is not very much recommended. Please take this into consideration for your own safety.

2) We all have a role to play in order to achieve responsible travel and tourism. The governments, the enterprises and the regions should make every effort, but you, as a tourist, can also support this goal in many ways.

3) Be open to cultures and traditions different from your own: your experience will change, you will gain the respect of local people, and you will be greatly welcomed by them. Tolerate and respect diversity, observe local cultural practices and traditions.

Visit other districts of the city and get to know the life of its neighbourhood.

4) Respect human rights. Any form of exploitation is a violation of the fundamental goals of tourism. Sexual exploitation of children is a punishable offence, both in the place where it takes place and in the country of residence of the perpetrator.

5) Help conserve the natural environment. Protect wild flora and fauna and their habitat. Do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals.

Natural spaces like Vega de Granada and Dehesa del Generalife are only twenty minutes away from the center of Granada.

6) Respect cultural resources. Tourist activities should be carried out with respect for the artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage.

Look for guided tours or free tours of reduced size. Groups of more than 10 people clog the streets and disturb the neighbours.

7) Your trip can contribute to economic and social development. Buy local crafts and products to support the economy of the place, and take fair trade principles into consideration. When bargaining, keep in mind the concept of fair wages.

There is no bargaining in Granada. Inlay (taracea, in Spanish) and pottery from Falajauza are the city''s most traditional crafts. You can also find great guitar makers.

8) Before traveling, check the current health situation at your destination, as well as the access to consular and emergency services. Make sure that your health and personal safety will not be at risk. Make sure that your specific needs (food, accessibility or medical care) will be covered in your destination before traveling there.

9) Inform yourself as much as possible about your destination. Take time to understand the local traditions and norms. Avoid behaviours that may be offensive to the local population.

10) Inform yourself about the country’s current law, in order not to commit any act that is considered criminal in your destination. Do not deal in drugs, weapons, antiques, protected species, products or substances that are dangerous or prohibited by national regulations.