Our Mission
Our aim is to contribute to a sustainable society and to sustainable tourism. Any activity we undertake endeavors to tread lightly on the planet; empowering travelers and local communities to leave a positive impact on the surrounding environments in which they visit or live. We will always strive to manage our resources so economic and social needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity and biological diversity – therefore preserving the elements that make our destinations such desirable places to visit. We also work closely with our suppliers to deliver higher sustainability standards and motivate them towards more sustainable travel behavior.
Sustainability Policy
Destination Asia operates in 9 countries across Asia with 17 locally owned operational offices across these destinations. We strive to run our business along ethical lines, embracing the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social and environmental. We endeavor to maximize the positive benefits received by local communities as a result of our presence, while minimizing any negative impacts. Whenever possible, we will work with local partners and suppliers who share our philosophy and actively monitor their business practices and services.
This policy details our commitment to deliver our services in a responsible manner, whilst providing outstanding an outstanding and innovative product offering to our valued clients. It addresses not only the areas where will endeavor to minimize damage to our environment, but also details the measures taken to guarantee the health and safety of our employees and those in our supply chain. Additionally, Destination Asia is committed to developing, operating and marketing our tourism services in a sustainable manner.
We are committed to respecting all individuals, recognizing their inherent dignity and worth. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, political ideology, creed, gender, national origin, family background, or disability. Our policy ensures that every member of our team and all stakeholders are treated with fairness and respect.
Fair & Equitable Dealing
We believe in fostering a competitive marketplace through free and fair competition. We do not engage in improper restraints of trade or any unfair commercial practices that would hinder competition. Our business practices are transparent, and we ensure that all our dealings are conducted ethically and equitably.
We do not engage in activities that could unfairly restrain competition. This includes avoiding any collusive behavior, such as sharing information with competitors or entering into agreements that could affect pricing or sales. We take great care to prevent any actions that could be perceived as cartel-like behavior, ensuring that our business operations are transparent and competitive.
No Abuse of Superior Bargaining Position
We are committed to maintaining fairness in our commercial relationships. We do not exploit our position to unilaterally modify commercial terms or impose unacceptable requirements on our business partners. We strive for mutually beneficial agreements that respect the interests of all parties involved.
We are committed to competing in a fair and ethical manner. We do not engage in defamation, slander, or disparagement of our competitors, nor do we improperly obtain or misuse their intellectual property. Our approach to competition is based on the quality of our products and services, and we respect the rights and reputations of our competitors.
Reduction of disposable and consumable goods
We always aim to reduce the amount of disposable and consumable goods used in our operations, and when this is not possible, will recycle as much as we can. Employees are provided with reuseable bottles to avoid one-time use bottles being purchased. When reduction is not an option, we recycle waste through the utilization of recycling bins that are accessible to all employees. Plastic, paper, glass, compostable waste and batteries can be placed into recycling bins.
Paper Consumption Reduction
Paper use is monitored and computer devices are set to print double sided, and old contracts and documents that have been printed on one side are reused to print personal documents on the remaining blank side. We also encourage employees to use ink efficient printing settings, reducing consumption by 15%. Our Xerox printers enable us to monitor paper and ink usage so we can share monthly reports on use reduction.
Sustainable Purchasing
Sustainable procurement means we aim to buy only locally produced fair trade coffee and tea for our employees. We always aim to purchase in bulk and buy sustainable and green cleaning products. Our giveaways are also locally sourced to reduce CO2 emissions and provide employment opportunities for local companies.
Energy Reduction Policy
Destination Asia takes a number of actions to ensure energy is not needlessly wasted in its offices. These include; saving energy from air conditioning units which are switched off at night and at weekends. (AC in the DA Thailand & Group office is only in operation from 7:30AM – 6PM daily (Mon - Fri); Saving energy on lighting - energy saving lights are standard *(T5 Essential Batten TCH086C); saving energy use of technical equipment – this includes purchasing computers or printers with energy efficient labels and ensuring devices are switched off during breaks. Printers are switched off and unplugged at the end of each working day and over weekends.
Staff Travel Policy and Sustainable Transport Policy
A shuttle minibus service is available to all staff from the nearest MRT stop to the Thailand office. The office was chosen for its excellent location on a river and major crossroads, enabling a number of staff to take a canal boat to and from work. We will also give preference to transport suppliers that are committed to supplying sustainable local transport alternatives. We commit to ensuring that drivers turn off their engines when the vehicle is not in use and we are currently looking into a preferred carbon offset program that we can use for all business staff travel. This will also be offered to our customers for their travel in the future.
Code of Conduct for Suppliers
Our suppliers play a crucial role in our sustainability efforts. We expect them to adhere to the same high standards of ethical behavior that we uphold. This includes complying with all applicable laws and regulations, treating their workers fairly, and minimizing their environmental impact.
Cultural Conservation We recognize the importance of preserving the rich tapestry of human history and culture. Our company is dedicated to creating opportunities for meaningful global interaction, exploration, and discovery. We strive to respect and protect cultural heritage, ensuring that it is conserved for future generations.
Sustainable Accommodation Policy
All accommodation suppliers are made aware of our key sustainability goals and objectives. Standard sustainability clauses are placed into contracts with accommodation suppliers and signed accordingly. We will always offer multiple accommodation options and include traditional homestays where possible to provide a deeper cultural experience, whilst increasing benefits to local communities. Our accommodation suppliers must agree to no forced labor or child labor, 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.
Sustainable Excursion Policy
We ensure that all preferred excursion suppliers are aware of our sustainability objectives and encourage them to adopt a responsible approach. Each supplier is made aware of our sustainability policy, which is specified in the contract; this will include codes of conduct on sensitive excursions. All excursion suppliers must commit to respect basic human rights and fight against child labor.
We ensure that our suppliers understand the importance of taking sustainability issues seriously. Each excursion supplier is required to evaluate how ethical and responsible their services are and train their guides accordingly. Protecting the biodiversity and wildlife at each destination is also a priority.
Marketing Messages and Product Information
Destination Asia will never promise more than it can achieve or provide a false impression of the destinations in which it works. We take full responsibility for our actions and strive to create a positive impact through our activities on the environment, consumers, employees and communities. At all times we monitor and ensure active compliance with the spirit of the law, ethical standards and international values. We communicate relevant sustainability issues to our clients in the destinations they visit and provide options for those who wish to donate or give back. An extensive list of products and destination information is accessible online for guests to access. We also provide customers with a 24-hour reachable emergency contact and guidelines in case of an emergency situation.
