Safeguarding the Beauty

Written By: Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC | Issue: October 2023

As part of our destination stewardship initiative, the Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC recently developed a Responsible Travel Code to encourage responsible and respectful visitors to our area.

“We all treasure our environment, local history and small-town charm,” says Kaye McHan, Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “We believe that respect is the key to safeguarding the precious and delicate natural beauty of our town, both today and for future generations.”

Through our Welcome Center, website, newsletters, and social media, we are asking visitors to kindly read, understand and adhere to the Responsible Travel Code as they explore Highlands.

• Roam Responsibly: While you wander through Highlands, approach your journey thoughtfully and responsibly, demonstrating utmost respect for all living beings and the environment around you.

• Educate Yourself: Before arriving in Highlands, take the time to research and familiarize yourself with local regulations and community concerns. Recognize that these guidelines may evolve over time, so staying informed is essential. 

• Safety First: Maintain mindfulness of your surroundings, showing consideration for drivers, pedestrians, and wildlife. Please respect private property and refrain from using closed trails.

• Preserve Highlands: Protect and nurture the pristine outdoor spaces of Highlands by leaving only a light footprint during your visit. Be attentive to the delicate ecosystem and take care not to disturb or harm the flora and fauna.

• Embrace Community: As you appreciate the beauty of Highlands, support and contribute to the success of local businesses. Your actions play a crucial role in ensuring their long-term prosperity and the vitality of the community.

• Celebrate Culture: Immerse yourself in the richness of Highlands’ local cultures. Embrace the traditions and practices you encounter, appreciating the uniqueness they bring to our town.

• Teach Others: Lead by example and share these responsible travel practices with your fellow travelers. Together, we all share the responsibility to protect and preserve the natural wonders of Highlands.

Residents could also take this respectful approach to living here in Highlands. The philosophies are the same – respect for the environment, culture, and people who live, work, and visit here. It should be a collective effort to safeguard the charm of our town. If we all took a minute to be more thoughtful of our actions, we can leave a positive and lasting impact on Highlands.