Fobotravel

What is the Fobo Ranking?

Fobo hopes to empower youth travelers to make better choices when travelling abroad and inspire them to become responsible tourists. We intend to help them to make more informed decisions by implementing the Fobo Ranking This meter is a grading system that grades the quality of the travel operators and agents that we work with. For example, a green symbol on the meter will indicate to our users that the travel operator is socially responsible and eco-friendly.

The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destination defines Responsible Tourism as follows:
Responsible Tourism is tourism which:
• minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts
• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
• improves working conditions and access to the industry
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
• provides access for physically challenged people
• is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence

As such, Responsible Tourism operators are highly valued and recommended by Fobo to all our users. Fobo also hopes that by implementing the Fobo Ranking, more travel operators will be encouraged to adopt greener practices in their daily operations.

How does it work?

All travel operators and agents are assessed based on the following checklist.  If a company passes one criterion on the checklist, it will be given an orange symbol. A travel operator which has taken extra steps to be responsible in its operations will be awarded with a green symbol. If a travel operator is specifically recommended by Fobo, it will be awarded with a purple symbol. The colour of symbols will affect the ranking of the travel operators on our website.

No.	Criterion (Company needs to satisfy at least one bullet point from each section)	Symbol
1.	The company is managed and operated by locals of that country
2.	Has received tremendous positive user reviews ( from travel communities such as Trip Advisor and Travel Pod) Is featured and recommended by the Government or Tourism Board
3.	Has received an ISO-certification Has received a Tourism Award locally or internationally Has received any other awards or recognition
4.	Minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities Improves working conditions and access to the industry Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues Provides access for physically challenged people Is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence
5.	Has received a Responsible Tourism Award/ Green Award that is internationally recognised Is ISO 1400 certified
6.	Is a non-profit organization/ charity / association that supports and funds projects that conserve the environment and wildlife Is a non-profit organization/ charity / association that supports and funds projects that helps marginal communities and disadvantaged persons
7.	Is recommended by Fobo These companies are usually the smaller tour operators who operate in the rural and remote parts of the country. Fobo hopes to promote these companies as the revenue that they make will help to support and sustain the livelihood of its community.

Others

Are meals included in my activity packages?

If meals are included in the price, this will be stated in the 'More Info' section on the website.

How do I find out the total cost of my planned itinerary including taxes, surcharges and fees?

All prices reflected on Fobo already includes taxes and any booking fees (where applicable). All details will be shown in the breakdown of fees before you proceed with the payment process.

What documents do I need to present upon arrival?

As Fobo believes in being responsible tourists, you will not need to present any printed booking confirmations upon arrival at your activity location. Just show an official form of photo identification, i.e. passport or driver’s license, and take note of your booking reference number (which can be stored on your mobile phone or any form or electronic devices).

In the event that an activity operator requires you to bring a printed copy of your booking reference, you will be notified of the arrangements when you receive your booking confirmation email.

Will I get a ticket?

As Fobo believes in being responsible tourists, you will not need to present any printed booking confirmations upon arrival at your activity location. After you complete your planning and payment, you will get a confirmation email.  This is followed by another email confirming that your booking has been processed.

When you arrive for your activity, just present a photo identification, i.e. passport or driver’s license, and inform the staff of your booking reference number(which can be stored on your mobile phone or any form or electronic devices).

In the event that an activity operator requires you to bring a printed copy of your booking reference, you will be notified of the arrangements when you receive your booking confirmation email.

What can I do to change or cancel my activity booking?

Changes and cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of the activity booking that you have purchased.

If you would like to amend or cancel your booking, please contact the operators directly. Please note that your deposit is non-refundable. Fobo will not be able to entertain requests for amendment or cancellation as your booking contract is with the activity operator (please see our Terms of Use). 

How can I cancel my package booking?

Please note that you have purchased a package booking with components that have been combined to offer you the best value.

Fobo will not be able to change or cancel any one component of the trip and retain the other, or cancel the entire booking. Any issues will have to be brought up directly to the activity operator. As per the package conditions that you have agreed to at the time of purchase, bookings are non-changeable and may be non-refundable (depending on your booking terms and conditions at the time of booking) once confirmed.

Will the price of my activity/ package change after I’ve purchased it?

No, prices are guaranteed when your activity/ package is purchased and confirmed.

If the above FAQs do not answer your question and you need help from Fobo, please drop us an email at admin@forgetboundaries.com or fill up a form at Contact Us.