Our Ethical and Environmental Policies
The founder-partners of our company are also the founder members of the Green Thinking Association in Turkey. Our main aims are to protect the environmental, cultural and historical heritage both in Turkey and abroad.
We aim to help reinvent the tourism industry for the long-term benefit of local people, the environment, travelers and the tourism industry. The entire premise of our business is to market and distribute more responsible holidays, thereby creating more jobs for local people, greater income for local people and increased benefits for conservation, whilst at the same time minimizing negative impacts on local environments and cultures.
We take our responsibilities to the Environment, local communities, customers, partners, and employees very seriously and constantly review our policies and strive to make improvements where we can
Our relationship with our suppliers
Since our launch in 1987, we have worked with hundreds of suppliers and accommodations to help them develop and implement effective responsible tourism policies.
Our impact on society
Within tourism destinations
The entire premise of our business is to market holidays that have a greater positive impact on the local communities, cultures, and people visited. Whether it is in Turkey or abroad, the services we provide help create jobs for local people, greater income for local
people and minimize negative impacts on cultures. We require all suppliers and accommodations listed in our portfolio to provide our customers with information that helps sensitize them to local cultures and different ways of life.
Supporting small businesses
In 2006 started an initiative with NGO Conservation International which provides free marketing through our site for community-based tourism ventures around the world in order to help promote them to consumers and tour operators. Many such local communities are too small or remote to be able to market themselves successfully. This means that booking levels and occupancy are low and they have to rely on support from donors or go out of business. We are proud to support such projects, many of which are based in areas of outstanding, and often vulnerable, natural and cultural heritage
Charity donations
We regularly donate money to charity and between 2006 and 2014 this equated to 8 % of our profits. Organizations we've supported in this way include UNICEF, The Green Thinking Association, The Buğday Association, Scholarship for students who are in need of funding.
Local suppliers
We have a policy of always using local suppliers wherever we can, so as to bring as much income to the local area as possible. We work with a locally based web developer, IT equipment supplier, usability/information architect, stationery supplier, and cleaning company.
Our impact on the environment
Within tourism destinations
We market holidays that are taking steps to actively reduce the negative impact of tourism on the local environment – this is integral to our business. Every holiday on the site has been screened for its environmental criteria. In this regard, we are leading the way in tourism by bringing together in one place thousands of holidays that are helping to create innovative environmentally-friendly business solutions.
Office environmental, recycling and waste policy
We work under the principles of reducing, reuse then recycle. We are committed to continuous improvement in all areas within this policy and the education and training of all employees in environmental issues and the environmental effects of their activities.
Paper: We commit to being a 'paperless' office except for essential documentation, and use both sides of the paper before recycling. Printed materials are kept to a minimum and our business cards
Recycling and composting: We recycle as many materials as possible including paper, cardboard, printer cartridges, cans, plastics.
Transport: Staff uses public transport (rather than private vehicles) whilst on company business wherever possible. Employees are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to work (currently 100% do so).
Energy use: We turn off (not leave on standby) PCs and electrical items overnight or during holidays, and we turn off our computer monitors during lunch breaks and meetings.
Purchasing: We buy recycled/biodegradable / Fair-trade products, including recycled printer toners, where possible and refill containers. When buying furniture, we look for wood from sustainable (managed) forests or sourced from local charity shops where possible. Old furniture and computer equipment is donated to local charities.
Suppliers: We expect high environmental standards from our suppliers where possible.
Our relationship with our employees
We are passionate about creating a place to work which is supportive, empowering, friendly, fun and which rewards excellence and loyalty. We offer staff flexible full-time and part-time working arrangements. We are committed to a good work/life balance for our staff. The staff is also encouraged to undertake courses as and when applicable.
We have initiated a profit share scheme whereby 5% of profits are shared amongst staff (not including directors).
Our Criteria for Environmental & Cultural Issues
Environment
Wildlife
We know our wildlife, are committed to conservation it and encourage guests to follow our lead.
Waste
We free the land, sea, and waterways from rubbish and pollution.
Water
We show we understand why water is too precious to waste and when it rains, we savor every drop.
Energy
We reduce our energy and find local renewable energy sources for our energy.
Buildings
We build, restore and equip using carefully sourced local materials and in a style that tells the cultural or geological story of the landscape.
Transport
We recommend low carbon transport and make the journey as stimulating and sustainable as the stay.
Suppliers
We use suppliers that match our environmental values.
Community
Friends & Neighbours
We know where to find all things local and we support/ recommend our neighbors, spreading tourism income to those most in need.
Campaigning for change
We recognize local issues and actively campaign to address them.
Volunteering & charity
We support local projects & people through volunteering, fundraising or charity.
A Fair-deal.
We offer local people good working conditions, a fair wage, and empower them with training opportunities.
Local crafts and culture
We sustain jobs and cultural diversity by supporting local craft makers and artisans and promoting cultural attractions.
Traveling with respect
We work to create good relationships between tourists and the local community