RESPONSIBLE POLICY

Mission

Our working philosophy is following three pillars of sustainability: economic, social and environmental responsibilities. We maximize our work benefitto local communities while minimizing negative impacts whenever possible. We prefer working with local suppliers who share same philosophy on business practices and services.

In line with our commitment to being a more responsible DMC, we are practising sustainability in every travel style. We appreciate whatever nature of the destinations has to offer and never take it for granted. Our tour itineraries are designed with definite mindfulness to the natural environment.

I.Our CSR

1.Respect the nature habit

Working with local communities to create authentic travel experience that benefit the destination.

• -Maintain the integrity of the local community: promote tours that respect local culture and give back to community.
• -Stand up for equal rights at the workplace and the community: follow the local employment regulations and promote equal rights.
• -Help our clients to avoid poverty exploitation: educate about tipping and how to face with challenging situation.
• -Give preference to sustainable suppliers: give them priority that whole sustainable policies align with our own.

2. Environment care

Encourage and constantly remind our clients about preserving the natural environment everywhere they go, especially in extremely environmentally sensitive areas.

From small details of notice for green travel tips in the itinerary to well-educated tour guides, we are making huge efforts from smallest actions to make every trip more responsible to the environment.

Practise 4Rs: refuse, reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Refuse

• -No excursions and attractions in which captive wildlife is held, except for properly regulated activities in compliance with local, national and international law. In case of living specimens of protected and wildlife species these are only kept by those authorized and suitably equipped to house and care for them humanely.
• -Avoid choosing popular destinations and places to visit to cause overcrowding. Being aware of this issue when planning a travel itinerary will help reduce pressure on the already fragile  environment and ecosystem, as well as the local community.
• -Help to protect children at risk, say no to all orphanage tourism and school visit.

Reduce

• -Reduced air pollution as carbon-footprint is also among our great concerns by encouraging  our clients to use more environmentally friendly transportation for sightseeing.
• -Reduce disposable and consumable goods. Reduce the use of single-plastic within all offices by discouraging staff’s food and drink orders used plastic containers.
• -Reduce consumption of natural resources at a sufficient level to help restoring natural resources and reducing waste to the environment.

Reusable

• -Choose eco-friendly suppliers: choose a property that adopts a sustainability policy.
• -Encourage visitors to bring shower gel and shampoo bottles from home for travel.
• -Recommend to use stainless steel bottles which can last for many years.

Recycle

• -Encourage travelers to bring reusable bags such as eco-friendly canvas, paper or plastic bags at the grocery store or sundries at the local market.
• -Make our trips non-plastic by replacing plastic water bottles with biodegradable or refillable bottles.

3. Promote economic development

• -Support and give preference to local suppliers and local communities.
• -Support community-based tourism initiatives. Purchase locally produced products/goods and working with small local business as they reply solely on local passing trade for their survival.
• -Allow time for local interaction. Be responsible and fight corruption.

II.Sustainability Management

1.Social Policy and Human Rights

We recognize that our success is linked to staff’s commitment and performances. Thus, we have set up profit-sharing scheme: medical insurance (we contribute to the national welfare insurance scheme, as per national legislation for each staff with 3 kinds of national social insurance), maternity/holidays/sick leaves and other kinds of leaves.

We aim to encourage our employees to reduce their carbon footprint while working for, thus we
offer the following benefits:

• -Encourage bicycle purchased to commute from home to work or public transportation use to come to work.
• -Our employees are entitled to parental leave in accordance with the national legislation.
• -We are committed to providing a safe working environment and eliminating all forms of discrimination.
• -Create a diverse workplace reflecting the diversity of our own society. For any new position opening, we strive to recruit internally to give more opportunities of career advancement to our employees.
• -Our employees have freedom of employment, can terminate contract with us with notice of 1 -2 month without penalty.
• -We offer the possibility to work remotely and with flexible working times, upon mutual agreement between staff and direct supervisor.

2. Sustainable office and working places

2.1 Use only Sustainable packaging material:

• -Use recycled bags, paper bags, cloth/canvas tote bags, or bags made of biodegradable materials (instead of plastic);
• -Send e-brochure instead of paper ones;
• -Buy in bulk or reusable packaging, such as glassware;
• -Give materials such as fabric, gift boxes, bows, a second life;
• -Give preference to wood/natural or handmade products.

2.2 Reduction of disposable and consumable goods

• -All locations will be equipped with at least 3 different bins for: plastic & solid things, paper, organic things.
• -Waste paper is put together in a particular area in the company and picked up 3 times per week for recycling. Besides, to minimize the waste from printing, both two sites of paper are used. Non-recyclable items such as mobile phone, battery, electronic components are sorted out.
• -Reduces paper consumption in the office by reducing print runs and conduct paper-less meetings.
• -Use thinner paper, using less paper by effectively transferring microsoft files and other online google forms to staff, tourguide and partners by emails.

2.3 “Switch off” Policy

• -Turn off lights at toilet when unused
• -Turn off lights at public space when there is no guest
• -"Limit the parking space.
• -Encourage staff to take the bus or who lives nearby the company to walk or cycle to work with some incentives such as coffee vouchers.

2.4 Sustainable purchasing

Our company has a responsibility to reduce the environmental impacts of our operations. At all steps of purchasing, tours, construction or daily operations steps will be taken to consider impacts and think through the implementation of positive change.

We give preference to:

• -Products and services have been produced with respect for people and the planet (local, organic, fair-trade, recycled).
• -Prefer suppliers locally owned who are sustainably certified or have implemented a sustainability policy.
• -Repair or reuse before purchasing new and try to find a new purpose to objects before discarding them.
• -Purchase in bulk to reduce packaging and add the following sentence to every supplier we contract with: “Please deliver our order without unnecessary or plastic wrapping, we prefer if you can provide reusable or no wrapping at all”
  • +Paper: buy recycled paper / environmentally certified paper / lower density (eg: 60gr)
  • +Tea and coffee: buy directly from producer or fair trade certified in bulk
  • +Office supplies & uniforms: order 1 times per year and look for sustainable options (eg: reclaimed wood, refillable pens, reusable notebooks, mouse with wire, organic cotton etc.)
  • +Catering: expect to offer a minimum range of sustainable products (seasonal, locally produced, fairtrade, organic and MSC labelled). We also make sure that they do as much as possible to reduce packaging and take concrete measures to avoid food wastage.
  • +Giveaways: buy crafts that represents the diversity of local cultures and purchase directly from artisans or community led initiatives.
  • +Cleaning materials: buy natural products less harmful to our environment and train our housekeeping personnel to use eco-friendly cleaning techniques (using less water, refilling products purchased in bulk etc.)
  • +Light-bulbs: LED lights are the best option, look at their energy use (in Watt) and light production (in Lumen). The more lumen per watt, the more efficient is your light. Place them in the right place.

3. Code of conduct

Our Code of Conduct policy applies to all employees and provides the framework of principles in dealing with other employees, clients, suppliers and community members as follows:

• -Act and maintain a high standard of integrity and professionalism.
• -Be responsible and scrupulous in the use of company information, funds, equipment and facilities.
• -Be considerate and respectful of the environment and others.
• -Exercise fairness, equality, courtesy, consideration and sensitivity in dealing with other employees, clients, suppliers and community partner.
• -Promote the interests of our company in an ethical manner and ensure you are not involved in any type of unethical activities (Cf: ethical code).
• -Perform duties with honesty, care and alignment with our company’s values.
• -Abide by policies, procedures and lawful directions that relate to your employment (eg: sustainability, child protection, wildlife etc.)

We expect all employees to conduct themselves in a professional, ethical and socially acceptable manner. Any employee in breach of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

III. Sustainable Operation

1.Sustainable Collaboration

• -Integrate sustainability in daily correspondence with agents abroad to inform them about more sustainable travel options for clients.
• -Conduct a working policy with suppliers about Threeland’s sustainability policy and expectation.
• -Commit to work with suppliers who meet the requirements and refuse to work with those who don’t comply with the sustainability practices.
• -Commit to communicating its sustainability goals and objectives to key partners in order to motivate existing partners to greater sustainability. Additionally, when selecting new partners, we will factor in their sustainability performance.

2.Transportation

Suggest clients more environmentally friendly travel options while sightseeing in the tour itinerary whenever possible: taking cyclo, cycling, taking electric car, or walking.

3. Accommodation

We will always offer multiple accommodation options and include traditional homestays wherever possible to provide a deeper cultural experience, whilst increasing benefits to local communities.

Our accommodation suppliers must agree to no forced labour or child labour, among other conditions, and we ask that they actively support community involvement and development initiatives. Preference is also given to accommodation providers that work with international sustainability certification schemes.

4. Activities

In our effort of selecting the most sustainable excursion suppliers available, we prefer establishments
who follow these core principles:

• The right product for the right price

The establishment is hygienic, sanitary and safe and is able to offer a good comfort and service to the expectation of our clients. Sustainable excursion practices can be found in all price ranges; hence we aim to identify the most sustainable options available within the budget of our clients.

• Fair business

The establishment follows fair business practices, including transparency and adherence to law, human rights and economic/social equity, and environmental and animal protection.

• Minimizes impact on the environment and society

The establishment places high priority on sustainable practices, aiming at minimizing its effect on the surrounding environment and society.

5. Tour leaders/Local representative/guides

We set out principles in recruitment and working policy for tour guide:

• -Guides recruited have the relevant qualifications for the type of tour, and appropriate level of expertise as required by local regulations;
• -The company recruits licensed guides and keeps current copies of their credentials;
• -Guides recruited meet the legal minimum age to work and have clear contract employment documentation;
• -Guides are informed about appropriate behaviors towards customers (the company will investigate any claims or suspicions of inappropriate behavior, and implement a disciplinary procedure when required);
• -Guides are regularly trained and provided with the necessary knowledge (including sustainability, destination, customer service, etc.).

Before the tour:

• -Inform travelers about eco-friendly means of transportation in the destination city and provide detailed directions to the meeting point (when applicable);
• -Inform clients about the potable water situation in-country, and advise on whether they can bring a reusable water bottle to minimize single-use of plastic during the tour;
• -Inform clients about the dress code, especially if visiting culturally sensitive areas or religious places;
• -Inform clients about the company’s photography policy (e.g., ask locals before taking pictures) and sites where they will not be allowed to take photographs.

During the tour:

• -Help travellers behave responsibly and appropriately in the destination;
• -Support the learning and practice of the local language (basic words);
• -Inform guests about how to behave to minimise their footprint (e.g., which side of the sidewalk to walk on, regulations about smoking in public places, illegal souvenirs to avoid purchasing etc.);
• -Guide travellers towards positive ways of supporting your local communities while in the country and after their return home (e.g., donating to non-profit organizations, purchasing souvenirs from responsible shops, dining at vocational training restaurants);
• -Inform your guests about risks and precautions related to health and safety matters in your
• destination.
• -Inform your travellers about political or social issues in the destination;
• -Discourage the purchase of endangered flora and fauna products that may be offered for sale;
• -Provide tips on how to minimise waste, and give information about any specific waste management regulations, for example how recycling and composting works in your city, where guests can refill their water bottles, etc.;

After the tour:

• -Ask for constructive feedback, and be sure to include questions about responsible travel (e.g., if the guest learned anything new, if sustainability practices met their expectations, etc.);
• -Deliver what you promised (e.g., send photos you promised to send, restaurant recommendations);
• -Keep the traveler informed about how their money was spent (e.g., if donations or carbon offsetting are included in the tour price).

6. Destination

We consider sustainability aspects in destinations in the selection of new destinations and in the product development process. We intend to provide social and environmental benefits to the communities we visit.

We understand the importance of visitor dispersion and of not exceeding the carrying capacity of destinations, therefore, we encourage the promotion of lesser-known areas to prevent over tourism and its negative impacts.

7. Customer communication

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all of our guests and users, and we would like to reassure you that all of the information you provide us with is kept strictly private and confidential.
Any personal data is only collected if relevant and necessary for us to provide the services sold. All personal data is kept for maximum 1 year.

8. Support community-based tourism initiatives

• -Prioritize promoting tours that respect the local culture and tours with activities to protect natural resources to visitors.
• -Prioritize working with businesses that put the interests of the community, natural resources and cultural resources first. Breathe life into the local community by creating opportunities to work with small businesses or simply by using locally produced goods and services.
• -Launch travel programs associated with the local community. Using inherent local resources such as cultural characteristics, food specialties to include in the tourism program, making menus with specific features of the region or designing sightseeing programs with paramount responsibility.
• -Ensure the efficient and rational exploitation and use of indigenous cultural values, cultural heritages, and human resources.
• -Maintain the integrity of the community includes preserving and protecting natural resources and the ecological environment in tourism activities and preserving cultural heritage and traditional values, ensuring a more meaningful connection between tourists and tourists.
• -Require our suppliers to comply with local employment regulations and promote equality between men and women, employers and employees.

9. Wildlife Preservation

• -Refuse any request for elephant ride, animal circus visit or any unauthorised organizations which involve wildlife forced participation for tourism.
• -Suggest clients more ethical wildlife experience such as elephant distant visit in Yok Don National Park and visit to other national parks with skilled guides.
• -Remind tour guides to become conscious and skilful when interacting with wildlife, and to be able to instruct clients on how to preserve nature in sensitive nature areas.
• -Discourage clients not to purchase souvenirs or local products made from endangered species.
• -Support the projects/ organizations working on environmental and biodiversity protection