At GEC, we're committed to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritize the well-being of local communities, the protection of the environment, and the preservation of cultural heritage. We recognize that our travel activities have impacts, and we strive to minimize negative impacts while maximizing the positive contributions we can make. These Responsible Travel Guidelines describe our commitment to sustainable and ethical travel.
Respect for local culture and customs
We respect and value the cultures, traditions, and customs of the communities we visit. We strive to learn about and adhere to local norms and customs, and ensure that our actions don’t cause offense or disrespect. We encourage our employees and travelers to be culturally sensitive, engage in meaningful interactions, and support local businesses and artisans.
Environmental Responsibility
We strive to minimize our environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices throughout our travel operations. Our goal is to reduce waste, conserve energy and water, and promote responsible use of resources. We prioritize the use of environmentally friendly transportation, minimize single-use plastic, and promote recycling and waste reduction.
Support for the local economy
We recognize the importance of supporting local economies and communities in the destinations we visit. We strive to work with local suppliers, tour guides and vendors who share our commitment to responsible tourism. We prefer to partner with organizations that strengthen local communities, promote fair wages and contribute to their socio-economic development.
Protecting wildlife and nature
We’re committed to protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats. We encourage responsible encounters with wildlife and discourage any activities that harm or exploit animals. We adhere to local regulations and international best practices for wildlife conservation, such as avoiding interactions with endangered species and supporting initiatives that promote their protection.
Responsible Travel Education
We believe in the power of education to promote responsible travel behavior. We provide our employees and travelers with information and resources to help them understand the impact of their actions and make informed decisions when traveling. We encourage learning about local cultures, ecosystems and conservation efforts to increase appreciation and promote responsible behavior.
Community engagement and giving back
We actively seek opportunities to engage in local communities and give back to the places we visit. We support charitable initiatives, social enterprises and non-profit organizations that work to improve the places we travel to. We encourage our employees and travelers to participate in volunteer activities and make a positive contribution to local projects when appropriate and welcome.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of our employees and travelers is our highest priority. We comply with local laws, regulations and policies related to health and safety. We provide the necessary information, resources and support to ensure the well-being of our employees and travelers during their journeys. We also promote responsible behavior, including compliance with COVID -19 protocols and precautions.
Continuous Improvement
We’re committed to continuously improving our responsible travel practices. We monitor and evaluate the impact of our activities, solicit stakeholder feedback, and adjust our policies and procedures accordingly. We work with industry partners and organizations to share best practices and promote responsible travel broadly.
At GEC, responsible travel is an integral part of our mission to create meaningful and sustainable travel experiences. Through these responsible travel guidelines, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities and destinations we visit.
These guidelines are communicated to all employees, partners, and students, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to adhere to and promote these principles in all aspects of our travel activities.