Sustainability Policy

Mission: Through the Sustainability Policy, Rolandia Travel aims to address its impact on the environment, society, and economy, while promoting responsible tourism.   

Vision:  By integrating these practices into the core of Rolandia Travel's operations, we want to contribute to a more sustainable tourism industry and attract increasingly environmentally and socially conscious travelers.   

Our sustainability policy presents ESG principles along with 6 other important themes.

Environmental Sustainability

a. Reduce Carbon Footprint

• Transportation: Partner with eco-friendly transportation providers that use electric or hybrid vehicles, or promote cycling and walking tours.
• Offsetting Carbon Emissions: Provide guests with information on offsetting their own travel (e.g. donations to NGO’s that which reforests areas)
• Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient office equipment, lighting, and appliances. Encourage accommodations that implement renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

b. Waste Management

• Minimize Plastic Use: Avoid single-use plastics (water bottles, bags) during tours. Encourage guests to use reusable water bottles and bags.
• Recycling Programs: Partner with hotels, restaurants, and other providers that have robust recycling programs.
• Waste Reduction: Implement paperless booking and communication systems. Use digital tickets and vouchers.

c. Responsible Water Use

• Encourage accommodations and suppliers to adopt water-saving measures such as low-flow showers, toilets, and greywater recycling.
• Educate travelers on responsible water use in water-scarce regions.

d. Wildlife and Nature Protection

• Create itineraries prioritizing visits to eco-friendly and responsible wildlife sanctuaries or nature reserves.
• Avoid tours that involve harmful wildlife interactions (e.g. disturbing nesting sites).

Social Sustainability

a. Support Local Communities

• Local Employment: Prioritize hiring local guides, drivers, and staff to create economic opportunities for local residents.
• Fair Wages: Ensure all staff and suppliers are paid fairly and treated ethically.
• Community-Based Tourism: Promote tours that directly benefit local communities, such as homestays, local markets, and community-run projects.

b. Cultural Preservation

• Respect for Traditions: Ensure that tours respect local customs, dress codes, and traditions and that travelers are educated on these before and during their visit.
• Promote Authentic Experiences: Include culturally authentic experiences such as local crafts, music, dance, and culinary traditions in a way that benefits local artisans and communities.

c. Responsible Travel Education

• Provide pre-trip materials that educate travelers on minimizing their impact, respecting local culture, and supporting conservation efforts.
• Offer on-site education about the destinations’ ecosystems, history, and social dynamics to encourage responsible behavior.

Economic Sustainability

• Local Suppliers: Work with local businesses (accommodations, restaurants, guides) to ensure money stays within the community.
• Sustainable Accommodations: Promote eco-friendly hotels, lodges, and resorts that adhere to sustainable practices.

Ethical Partnerships and Supply Chain Management

• Partner with vendors (hotels, restaurants, transport) that share similar sustainability goals and have certifications like Green Key, EarthCheck, or similar.
• Encourage local restaurants to offer farm-to-table, organic, and low-impact food options. Promote plant-based meals to minimize environmental impact.

Certification and Monitoring

1. . Eco-Certifications

• Obtain recognized sustainability certifications for the agency, such as Travelife. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
• Implement a system for regularly assessing and improving sustainability performance. Conduct audits on resource use, supplier compliance, and traveler feedback.
• Engage with industry leaders and attend sustainability workshops to stay informed of best practices. Encourage ongoing staff training in sustainability and responsible tourism.

Collaboration and Advocacy

• Work with environmental and social NGOs to support conservation projects, education programs, or community development initiatives.
• Support and advocate for sustainable tourism policies on a local, national, or international level, pushing for responsible tourism infrastructure and policies.

Responsible Marketing and Communication

• Avoid over-commercializing destinations in a way that can lead to over-tourism. Promote lesser-known destinations to reduce pressure on popular tourist areas.
• Be transparent with customers about the sustainability efforts of the agency, suppliers, and destinations.
• Promote longer stays rather than short trips to reduce carbon emissions from travel. Offer slow travel options like train journeys, walking tours, or cycling excursions.

Crisis Management and Adaptation

Adaptation to Climate Change

• Monitor and respond to climate-related risks, such as extreme weather or biodiversity loss, by adjusting travel itineraries and focusing on climate-resilient destinations.

Safety and Health Protocols

• Ensure that health and safety measures align with sustainable practices, especially in light of global health issues (e.g., COVID-19).

Respect all the laws for Child exploitation

Our company promotes as a mandatory policy:

• Child labor / sexual exploitation of children
• Anti-corruption / bribery

 

Romania for a

sustainable future (ROVIS)

Joining this trip will redirect 10% of our profits
to Rovis projects that support the sustainable
development of Romania.
All projects support the local communities
and ecosystems following the UN
Sustainable Development Goals.

see details

Romania for a

sustainable future
(ROVIS)

Joining this trip will redirect 10% of our profits
to Rovis projects that support the sustainable
development of Romania.
All projects support the local communities
and ecosystems following the UN
Sustainable Development Goals.

see details