ETHICAL, or responsible, travel is the new catchphrase.

In a nutshell, it means that travellers have a duty to give something back to the place they visit, or exhibit behaviour that is gracious and respectful.

While no one travel agent in Singapore advertises tours under the label ethical, there are niche operators whose lineups of adventure tours subscribe to the principles of responsible tourism.

But even if detractors are sceptical if the do-good principles can last beyond the holiday, there are also others who say that awareness of responsible travel is a useful first step.

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times Life!.