How your choices can positively support the environment, local communities
and cultural heritage throughout your stay.
We, Katathani, welcome guests from around the world who travel for many different reasons. We believe that one of the most meaningful parts of any journey is the opportunity to discover new and memorable experiences. Because our beautiful beach, local community, marine life, culture, and natural surroundings are central to every guest’s stay, protecting and supporting these treasures lies at the heart of who we are — as a resort and as responsible travelers
We have learned that meaningful change happens when many individuals take simple actions. No matter how much a hotel improves, true success also depends on guests choosing to act responsibly. We invite you to read on to discover how you can help make a positive impact during your stay.
When booking your travel, choose companies that actively work to reduce their environmental and social impacts. Responsible providers usually share transparent sustainability information, publish annual reports, and hold independent certifications from reputable sustainability standards. Selecting these businesses helps support destinations, local communities, and the environment.
Travel is more enjoyable when you have some knowledge of how to respect local customs and culture. Even simple things like how to tip, dress or say thank you are useful to know before you arrive.
You can help ease congestion, pollution and emissions by opting for taxi and transfer companies with low-emission fleets, using public transport and exploring the destination on foot or by bike when it is safe and practical to do so.
Spend some time learning how to identify the signs that someone is being trafficked, abused or exploited, then find out how to report it if you ever see it. You should be able to find reputable information and training resources online, often provided by the police or an NGO, otherwise ask for advice from a relevant local charity or check with your travel agent
Pack light
Whether you are travelling by plane, train, ship or car, a lighter load means that less fuel is required to complete the journey, leading to lower emissions.
Pack to bring it back
Unwanted items you leave behind add to pollution in destinations that lack good waste and recycling solutions, and in all destinations they add stress to local waste management systems.
Personal care products
Washing or swimming when using shampoos, lotions and gels that contain ‘microbeads’ can cause serious long-term harm to biodiversity. Many countries have already banned
them so please do not travel with these items.
Temperature
Keeping your room at a comfortable temperature is important yet this is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in accommodation.
You can help by not adjusting the thermostat more than necessary.
Water
There are always greenhouse gas emissions created from sourcing and disposing of water, and in some destinations water is an extremely precious resource.
You can help by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap whilst brushing your teeth and making use of any low-flush option on toilets.
Eating and drinking
Around a third of all food produced is never eaten, yet food production accounts for a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. You can help by only ordering what you will eat,
choosing local items over imported ones and opting for more meat-free meals during your stay.
Find out about recycling
Every location has different recycling rules that can be confusing when you travel, so ask hotel staff about what you can recycle and how.
Support local businesses
Try to dine and shop at locally owned and operated businesses in the area. If you are buying gifts or mementos, see if you can find something that is handcrafted by a local artist or produced
by a small business.
Explore the culture and area
Even if you are on a lazy beach holiday or a short business trip, you are likely to get more out of your visit if you find time to take in some of the local sites, culture and activities.
Safeguard children
Avoid activities that could harm children such as orphanage and school visits that can disrupt education or lead to exploitation. The best way to support children is to donate to a reputable charity.
If you suspect that any child is being exploited or abused, immediately report the issue to law enforcement. You can speak with accommodation staff or your travel agent if you are not sure how do that safely.
Respecting people
Make sure you know about, and observe, any local laws, customs or traditions. Do not take photos or videos of people without their permission, especially if you intend to post these online.
Remember that only parents or legal guardians can give permission for children.
Protect biodiversity
Be sure to properly dispose of your waste and follow any guidance about how to protect sensitive areas such as sand dunes, reefs or forests. Do not take anything away from these areas such
as shells or stones and likewise, do not leave anything behind.
Support local charities
If you have had a great time at your destination and would like to give something back to the people who live there, then we suggest looking for a local improvement initiative or charity to support.
You could ask staff at your accommodation for ideas as they may already have something in place. For example, raising funds to build a new medical centre, to improve a local park or
to protect an important natural area.
Stray or abused animals
If you are concerned about stray or abused animals, ask staff at your accommodation about the best course of action. They may already be working with a local animal welfare organisation or
have some advice for you. If not, you can ask your travel agent. International organisations like World Animal Protection and Born Free often have online advice about what to do if you see
abuse or neglect of captive wild animals (e.g. snakes, tigers, bears, elephants).
Animal activities and attractions
We suggest that you avoid any activities that could possibly be harmful to the mental or physical wellbeing of animals. This could include activities involving feeding or touching wild animals and
any attractions where animals are forced to behave in a way that would not be normal for them in the wild.
If you witness or feel concerned about any case of exploitation involving children, people, or animals, please report it immediately to:
For more information or assistance, please contact:
