02.    INTERNAL MANAGEMENT: SOCIAL POLICY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Our business partner is committed to sustainable internal management by implementing a clear, written, and well-communicated social policy that includes the following principles:

• Employees are guaranteed freedom in employment and contract termination with notice periods and without penalty.
• Working conditions in accordance with national labor law and a job description are included in the employment contract.
• The salary, which meets or exceeds the national minimum wage, is specified in the contract.
• Overtime is determined and compensated based on agreements.
• Health and liability insurance in accordance with national law is provided.
• Employees are granted paid annual leave and sick leave, as well as unpaid annual leave.
• A health and safety policy for employees is in place, which complies with national legal standards.
• First aid kits and trained personnel are available at all relevant locations.
• National regulations regarding the minimum age for employment are observed.
• Effective procedures are provided for employees to express their grievances and expectations.
• There is a clear disciplinary procedure that is effectively communicated to employees.
• Employees receive regular guidance and training on tasks, rights, and responsibilities related to health and safety, including fire protection and relevant natural disasters.
• If employment opportunities for students are available, they are provided with the chance to participate in internships or training programs.

 

Our business partner is committed to upholding human rights by enforcing the following practices:

• Membership in trade unions, collective bargaining, and union representation are not impeded.
• Participation in, and compliance with, a (sector-wide) collective labor conditions negotiation structure is ensured (where available locally).
• Discrimination in hiring, employment conditions, access to training, leadership positions, or promotions based on gender, race, age, disability, ethnicity, religion/belief, or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited.
• It is ensured that all employees have equal access to resources and opportunities for personal development through regular training and further education.
• Our partner stands against all forms of child sexual exploitation worldwide.

03.    INTERNAL MANAGEMENT: ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Our business partner is committed to practicing environmental protection and strengthening community relations by adhering to the following practices:

• The use of disposable and consumable goods is actively reduced.
• The purchase of sustainable goods and services, office and catering supplies, promotional items, and merchandise is prioritized.
• Essential products are purchased in larger quantities to reduce the amount of packaging material.
• Copiers and printers are set by default to duplex printing or other forms of paper-saving measures.
• Cleaning products that are non-hazardous, non-eutrophic, biodegradable, and certified with an eco-label are used whenever locally available.
• Brochures are printed on environmentally friendly paper by a printing company that operates with a certified environmental management system, provided this is locally available at reasonable costs.
• Measures are taken to reduce brochure waste, and an "online-only" policy is pursued where feasible and economically sensible.
• Energy consumption is measured, monitored, and reduced wherever possible.
• A calculation of CO2 emissions is undertaken, followed by compensation efforts, and emissions are compared over different periods.
• Green energy is purchased whenever possible, and energy-efficient lighting for all areas is pursued.
• Lights and devices are turned off when not in use, and automatic on/off controls with timers or motion sensors are utilized. Devices are set to energy-saving mode by default wherever possible.
• When purchasing new equipment, energy-efficient options are considered, taking into account cost and quality.
• There is an active policy to reduce water consumption.
• Sustainable water sourcing is used, which does not negatively impact environmental flows.
• Water-saving fixtures are installed in toilets wherever possible.
• National regulations regarding waste disposal are adhered to.
• A policy for the reduction and recycling of solid waste is developed and subsequently implemented.
• Measures are taken to reduce the amount of packaging material and to avoid using non-recyclable or non-biodegradable packaging materials.
• Measures are taken to reduce the number of (non-reusable) plastic water bottles in the office.
• All recyclable materials are separated, collected, and properly disposed of.
• Methods for reducing waste are applied when using ink and toner cartridges for printing and copying.
• Batteries are properly recycled and disposed of.
• National regulations on waste-water treatment are complied with, and the waste-water is reused or safely discharged.
• The use of hazardous substances is minimized and, where possible, replaced with safer alternatives. Additionally, the storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals are managed properly.
• Lead-free and water-based paints are used for both indoor and outdoor applications, provided they are available locally.
• Measures are taken to minimize environmental pollution from the office building, as far as the company can control it.
• The impact of transportation is reduced through telecommuting, video conferencing, remote working policies, or other measures.
• Company vehicles are regularly maintained and inspected to reduce emissions and energy consumption and to ensure they meet legal emissions standards.
• Employees receive regular guidance, training, and/or information about their roles and responsibilities related to internal environmental practices.
• The business partner adheres to regulations and laws related to land use, zoning, and protected or historic areas when planning, designing, constructing, renovating, or demolishing company buildings and infrastructure.
• The planning, design, and construction of new buildings or renovations are based on locally appropriate and sustainable practices and materials.
• Efforts are made to protect and preserve locally important historical, archaeological, cultural, and spiritual sites and practices, ensuring that access for the local community is not compromised.
• The office's environmental footprint is minimized by primarily using public transportation, working as paperlessly as possible, separating waste, and using certified recycled paper.

04.    TRANSPORT

The business partner strives to ensure that the vehicles used for travel produce no more than average levels of environmental pollution. Transportation is a key aspect of sustainable tourism, and the business partner makes every effort to reduce the average pollution levels:

• Sustainable (public) transportation is incorporated for international travel, and guests are provided with information about public transit options for their arrival.
• Luggage transfers are scheduled as efficiently as possible to avoid empty journeys.
• When selecting transportation options for necessary transfers and excursions at the destination, sustainable alternatives are considered and given priority, while still taking price, comfort, and practical considerations into account.
• Drivers are requested to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as fuel-efficient driving and turning off the engine while loading and unloading the vehicle.

05.    ACCOMMODATIONS

Our business partner aims for a fully sustainable tourism supply chain. Partner accommodations play a crucial role and are encouraged and motivated to adopt sustainable practices:

• Preference is given to accommodations that are locally owned and managed.
• Preference is given to accommodations that employ local personnel.
• Collaboration is preferred with accommodations that incorporate regional architecture, art, and cultural heritage.
• Collaboration with accommodations will be terminated if there is clear evidence that the provision or integrity of essential services such as food, water, energy, healthcare, or land is being compromised for neighboring businesses.
• Efficient waste separation is considered important; therefore, accommodations are also required to implement effective waste management practices.
• Efforts are made to avoid single-use plastics, and accommodation partners are also encouraged to do the same.
• Saving energy helps reduce CO2 emissions; therefore, the use of energy-efficient appliances and the mindful use of electrical devices are also priorities for accommodations.
• Guests are advised to use water-saving measures and refillable containers, and accommodations are also expected to support these practices.
• Contracts are neither directly nor indirectly established with accommodations that involve forced labor or employ children to perform tasks typically carried out by adults. For children under 14 working in the company, specific working hours and conditions apply, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and/or ILO Convention 138.
• Not all work performed by children should be classified as "child labor," such as helping with household chores, assisting in a family business, or earning money outside of school hours and during school vacations. "Child labor" refers to work that: 1) is mentally, physically, socially, or morally hazardous and harmful to children; and 2) interferes with their education. In its most extreme forms, child labor includes situations where children are enslaved, exposed to severe dangers and diseases, or employed as child soldiers.

06.    EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

The business partner places great importance on the well-being of animals and communities and aims for excursions and activities that leave a minimal footprint. The authenticity of local communities and natural environments is protected, and the business partner is firmly against pollution and harm to wildlife.:

• The travel offerings do not include excursions that harm people, animals, plants, natural resources such as water and energy, or that are socially and culturally unacceptable.
• No excursions are offered that involve keeping animals in captivity.
• Business relationships are not established with companies that hunt, consume, display, sell, or trade wildlife species, unless these activities are regulated to ensure sustainability and comply with local, national, and international laws.
• Guests are encouraged and advised to participate in excursions and activities that support the local environment and biodiversity, such as visiting protected areas or environmental conservation projects.

07.    LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES AND STATIONS

The business partner aims to involve as many locals as possible in the tourism industry by employing them. They are committed to providing a fair and safe work environment that supports and respects local communities:

• It is ensured that all employees have a written employment contract outlining the working conditions and job description, and that they fully understand the terms.
• Preference is given to working with local representatives, drivers, and other local staff, provided their skills are equivalent. Training is offered when necessary.
• It is ensured that local partners comply with all applicable international, national, and local laws and regulations, industry-wide minimum standards, and all other relevant legal requirements, regardless of which requirements are stricter.
• Compliance with all relevant national laws protecting employee rights by local representatives/partner companies is ensured.
• Local representatives, such as luggage handlers, station managers, and other field staff, are paid at least the legal minimum wage or the relevant industry standard, ensuring a living wage.
• Luggage handlers, station managers, and other field staff are ensured to be qualified and receive regular training.
• It is ensured that local employees are informed about relevant aspects of the sustainability policy and adhere to it, such as through emails and training.
• Station managers and/or other field staff inform guests about relevant sustainability issues at the destination, such as the protection of flora, fauna, and cultural heritage, as well as resource use.

08.    DESTINATIONS

The business partner aims to maximize positive impacts and minimize negative impacts at the destination to ensure sustainable development of the areas in which they operate:

• Destinations are not selected where tourism leads to structurally negative local impacts unless the company's involvement has clear mitigating effects.
• When selecting new destinations, those that are accessible by more sustainable transportation methods, especially public transit, are considered.
• Legally regulated land use planning, including requirements for protected areas and heritage conservation regulations, is adhered to.
• No souvenirs are promoted that contain endangered plant and animal species (as listed in the CITES agreement and the IUCN Red List) or historical and archaeological artifacts (unless legally permitted).

09.    COMMUNICATION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

The business partner places great importance on the well-being and information of guests. Clear and constant communication, along with a high level of protection for guests, is ensured:

Before booking:

• Customer consultation follows the provided customer consultation guidelines, if available.
• It is ensured that the privacy of the guests is not compromised.
• The business partner adheres to applicable standards and voluntary codes of conduct in marketing and advertising messages and does not promise more than can be delivered.
• The product and pricing information regarding companies, products, and services, including sustainability statements, are provided clearly, completely, and accurately.
• Target information—including sustainability aspects—is provided in a way that is factually accurate, balanced, and comprehensive.
• Guests are informed about various transportation options to the destination (if not included in the package) and are offered sustainable alternatives if available.
• Potential customers are clearly informed about sustainability commitments and measures.
   

After booking and during the vacation:

• Guests are informed about important sustainability aspects and issues at the destination and are given recommendations on how they can make a positive contribution.
• Guests are informed about health and safety risks and precautions at the destination.
• A dedicated contact person and an emergency phone number are available.
• Personnel know how to deal with emergency situations and all necessary guidelines are provided.
• Guests are encouraged to support local restaurants and shops (when appropriate).
• Guests are informed about potential sustainable transportation options at the destination.

 

After the vacation:

• Customer satisfaction is measured, and the results are considered to make improvements to services and products.
• Sustainability is incorporated as an integral part of the customer satisfaction survey.
• There are clear procedures for handling guest grievances.