The world is your "oyster" is a reality to more people than ever before because of travel. Tourism is taking centre stage, even overtaking the oil business as the biggest industry in the world. As such, we as Tourism providers have an obligation to provide this service in the best interests of all concerned by applying environmental ethics, cultural sensitivity and sustainable travel principles in our daily activities.

Viaventure is an innovative tour operator with a broad focus on sustainable tourism. Contact with local people and experiencing village life can be part of our trips. As a tour operator we have the role to inform our clients about issues that may effect the environment and social situation of an area.

Our policy is to periodically analyze our positive & negative impact on these areas & develop and implement actions to build on the positives and to work to eliminate or reduce as much as possible any negative impact.

We have a responsibility regarding the environment and the (local) culture of the destinations we visit. We focus on three elements:

• Environmental protection: nature conservation and environmental care.
• Social / cultural issues: respecting local cultures and fair working conditions.
• Economical development: profits and benefits for local communities and fair payments for the laborers.

We want to involve all stakeholders in the process including our staff, our guests, our suppliers and the communities in which we operate.

• We do yearly trainings about sustainable tourism to our suppliers, staff, drivers and guides to keep them updated.
• If we have a choice we want to recommend hotels that have won a "green" certification, or are hotels that we believe have very high levels of sustainable practices. We have sustainable profiles on many hotels that we make available to clients and we continue to develop these profiles.
• We are working to educate and support hotels in how they can be more sustainable and provide practical solutions on how to implement strategies here in Central America.

This document provides specific guidelines about sustainability. We expect all our partners to meet the requirements and follow the guidelines below.

1.1. Environmental protection

Small groups may 'leave fewer footprints' but they still leave footprints! We are aware that wherever we go we are having an impact on the environment. We endeavor to minimize this impact and, where possible, engage in projects and activities that not only make the environment sustainable but contribute to improving it.

1.1.1. Carbon offset scheme

Viaventure does not have the ability to influence the sustainability of

International air transport, however we do provide information in our welcome packs for all our clients about carbon offset schemes (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/individuals.html) which calculate carbon dioxide emissions from air transport and promote offsetting of these through reforestation projects. Emissions and compensation costs are calculated based on the distance flown. Clients can make their whole trip climate neutral.

Many of the wholesalers and travel agents we work with are also given this option on their bookings forms as they are the ones that normally buy the international flights.

1.1.2. Use of Transport

Viaventure tries to ensure that vehicles used on tours do not cause more than average pollution. Ground transportation operators can promote greater fuel efficiency by ensuring that their fleets are well maintained, and by requiring drivers to switch off engines when vehicles are stationary.

We encourage our land transport to turn of engine when possible & only use AC when it is really necessary.

1.1.3. Use of water

Water should ALWAYS be used sparingly. Even in countries with seemingly ample water supplies. Energy is used in sewage and clean water processing. Overuse could be depleting the water table and causing further pollution. All should follow the following policy:

• Consider taking a shower rather than a bath.
• Consider whether you really need two showers a day or if one would be sufficient
• Do not leave water to run and make sure the tap is closed well when you are done. (e.g. when brushing your teeth, or washing hair and body while taking a shower).
• When toilets have a water economy flush, please use this when possible.
• Talk to hoteliers about towel washing options and encourage them to introduce a system where clients fold towels for reuse rather than wash every day
• For our drivers we ask them to use a bucket for washing their vehicle instead of a hose.

1.1.4. Use of energy

• Advise to turn air-conditioning, computers, lights, TVs and fans off when not in room and consider not using air-conditioning. TVs should be switched off, not left on stand-by as this uses electricity.
• Look out for any hotels that use more sustainable resources – e.g. hotels with solar panels.
• Check if hotels recycle any goods and encourage others to adopt the system if it works.
• We do not encourage our drivers to let the engine warm up before leaving.

1.1.5. Construction and building materials

Preference is given to accommodations that:

• are using local building materials
• are using sustainably produced materials
• are built by taking environmental issues into account (no clearing of important nearby vegetation)
• have invested in a waste disposal system
• have invested in sustainable energy systems (such as solar)

1.1.6. Litter and waste disposal and reduction of waste

Litter is a huge problem in many countries where there is limited or no infrastructure for waste disposal, let alone recycling facilities. The first step is to ensure that we minimise our use of resources in the first place -in order to generate less waste. Then we try to ensure that waste is disposed of in the most effective way possible.

• Litter should always be disposed of responsibly. It is absolutely forbidden to throw trash out of the window when we are traveling. Therefore rubbish collection should be provided for in the vehicle..
• If there is nowhere to dispose of litter, please take it with you.
• Cigarette ends should not be dropped on streets / behind bushes / overboard boats etc. but put in a rubbish bin or in pocket until a rubbish bin is available.
• On boats, rubbish must be carried back to facilities on shore and never dumped over the side of the boat or hidden behind rocks.
• We promote a refilling system of drinking water; we give every client a new bottle and our goal is to use these bottles and refill instead of buying new bottles every day.
• Check if any recycling facility exists locally and use it where possible.
• Avoid use of plastic bags while buying in shops and market, consider bringing a reusable one.
• When you buy food to go be aware what they use to pack it in, try to avoid all plastic and Styrofoam waste.

1.1.7. Sanitation and toilets

Be aware of and work within the limitations of local plumbing! In some countries toilet paper and sanitary protection cannot be put down the toilet as the sewage system is not able to cope with non-human waste. In these cases we advise clients appropriately and ensure that bins are emptied regularly.

1.1.8. Respecting animal welfare

• Never feed animals/fish. Giving them food other than or additional to what they usually eat is likely to make them ill or make them dependent, so they cannot survive on their own in the wild
• Do not pursue animals, thus distressing them, for the sake of a photo / better look
• Do not try to touch animals/fish; apart from being dangerous, it can distress them
• Always respect park laws regarding speed limits, times of driving and off-road driving etc.
• Never pick flowers / leaves.
• When snorkeling or diving, do not stand on coral – or even touch it
• Never anchor a boat on a coral reef. Use a mooring buoy / platform. Moor on the beach or drop anchor on sand. If this is not possible, snorkel or dive elsewhere.
• Where animals are used for transport on tours we try to ensure that animals are well cared for and have no signs of mistreatment, illness or malnourishment
• Viaventure does not offer activities like deepseafishing, ATV tours due to the fact that those activities are clearly highly disturbing to the environment.

1.1.9. Souvenirs: antique, coral, shells, ivory, butterflies etc.

Do not buy items derived from endangered / fragile species (flora and fauna). Be aware which goods are made from forbidden animals or plants. It is FORBIDDEN to take such souvenirs to Europe and EEUU, and you risk a big fine. Here follows a list of products/materials that are forbidden:

• Any type of coral and products made of corals
• All big shells (such as Karkoshell or Doopvontshell)
• Ivory and products made of ivory
• Cactuses or orchids (e.g. rain sticks are made of cactuses and are forbidden)
• Any products made of the shells of tortoises, skins of crocodiles, snakes, big cats
• Butterflies and parrots

For more information about the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna, you can visit the website: www.cites.org

1.1.10.Food and meals

Do not eat food from endangered / fragile species. Ensure game is sourced from a managed cull. As with objects, be aware which goods are from sustainable sources. Besides 'bushmeat' and meat from endangered species, we also advise not to eat: tortoise eggs, bird nest soup, whale meat and shark fin soup.

1.1.11.conservation issues

Nature and wildlife are key parts of our tours, yet just the pressure of sheer numbers of visitors can do serious damage to wildlife and sensitive sites. We provide information to our clients so they can experience the natural environment while protecting it for others to enjoy in the future. We encourage and develop nature-based tours based on international best practices which can help raise awareness of the environment and conservation issues.

1.2. Social / Cultural issues

1.2.1. Cultural differences: hierarchy, gender etc.

• Crew should be treated as equals socially. Respect for social and cultural diversity is important.
• When visiting local people, we will always behave according to norms and values of the particular community. Sensitivity to the host culture is important. We train our guides so they can well inform our guests and ensure that all tours are respectful of local communities, traditions and ways of life
• We have developed different tours which support cultural diversity & protect cultural heritage & which help to educate local communities about the importance of this issue

1.2.2. Gifts and presents

• It is not advisable to give any money, sweets, gifts, medicines or presents to children, nor adults.
• We discourage giving to beggars that are begging to tourists in particular. Whilst in many countries some people depend on begging for their livelihood, we regard giving money as a short-term solution to a more fundamental problem. Viaventure tries to find ways we and our customers can offer more long –term support to the communities visited by supporting local charities and projects.

1.2.3. Viaventure Foundation

An integral part of our Sustainable Tourism program is the VIAVENTURE FOUNDATION. After many years of successfully bringing visitors from all over the world to see the splendors of Guatemala, Belize and Honduras, Viaventure decided in Sept 2006 to get actively involved in the new sustainable tourism movement, and take a positive, pro-active step to put something back into the countries in which we work, and be more conscientious as to the positive and negative aspects of tourism. One of the first steps taken was to create a charity fund: the Viaventure Foundation.

The foundation receives nearly all its funds from Viaventure on a per day amount per traveler in country (0.50US$ per day per person) and distributes this to a number of local development programs in areas of education, health, micro-credit, conservation and reforestation

For more information on the Viaventure Foundation please go to www.viaventure.org

1.2.4. Visiting ancient sites

When visiting ancient sites, the guide must inform the clients about certain regulations:

• Do not touch ancient monuments, as oils, acid and dirt from hands can cause erosion
• Respect laws against flash photography in sites as the bright light can cause damage to frescoes etc
• Do not pick up or take with you artifacts, stones, fossils, potshards or similar. These are part of the site!
• Keep to the set paths
• Never climb on or over ruins / walls
• Respect the work of scientists, do not enter scientific installations or work sites without permission.

1.2.5. Photographing

• We do enforce strongly not taking pictures of persons, properties, etc except with permission, as this is out of respect but also primary a safety issue.
• Never take photographs secretly. If people do not want to be photographed we have to respect this.
• If people ask for money to be photographed, it is good to check out whether this is the norm in this community. We do not encourage paying to photograph people, except when this is the social norm for tourists.

1.2.6. Dress code

We encourage our clients to dress appropriately to the local norm, even if other visitors do not. We want to be respectful and share in harmony with all the local people we encounter on our tours.

1.2.7. Foods and Crafts

We promote local sourcing of food and other local products. We encourage our clients to visit local bars and restaurants and experience local products and cuisine. Our guides educate our customers about local food and crafts and encourage their appreciation; this can help to make a real difference to the preservation of local skills and jobs.

1.2.8. Visiting local communities

• All advice concerning photographing, begging, dressing etc. should be taken into account very strictly.
• All tourists should realize that they are 'guests' in the communities that are visited. (A good example is that it is polite to take time to greet a family instead of taking photographs quickly.)
• Tourists and crew should not feel free to walk around on a private compound without asking permission. Realize that this is private property and some areas might be holy and walking is not allowed.
• Tourists should not give money to individuals. If they want to donate something, it is good to donate to a community project.

1.2.9. Souvenirs:

• Be aware of goods that may be manufactured through child labor.
• Be aware of local laws regarding purchase and export of antiquities.

1.2.10.Working conditions in tourism sector

Local crew should not be given an unreasonable workload. Working hours should be reasonable and safe within local regulations and not involve dangerous practices in carrying out the job.

1.2.11.Adoption travel

Viaventure rejects any inquiries for travel services related to adoptions in Guatemala since 2006 due to high irregularity and doubtful processes of child selection, often children are sold through third parties to their adoptive parents.

1.2.12.Fighting against child labor

Not all work done by children should be classified as child labor that is to be targeted for elimination. Children's or adolescents' participation in work that does not affect their health and personal development or interfere with their schooling is generally regarded as being something positive.

The term "child labor" is often defined as "work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development"

It refers to work that:

is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and interferes with their schooling by:

• depriving them of the opportunity to attend school;
• obliging them to leave school prematurely; or
• requiring them to attempt to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work.

In the tourism sector we have noticed several forms of child labor, that we want eliminate:

• children below 18 years driving cars without licenses.
• children that work many hours in bars, hotels, restaurants
• children that work on an (almost) daily basis in the entertainment industry (dancing, singing etc.).
• children that are working as guides on an (almost) daily basis

1.2.13.Code of Conduct against Child Sex Tourism

We recognize that the sexual exploitation of children is a world-wide problem. In all our activities and operations we actively disagree with all kinds of sexual exploitation of children. We have developed regulations that we strictly want to fulfill:

• The employees will not visit bars, restaurants or other premises where minors are sexually exploited (the income from admissions and drinks is an income for the persons who are involved in the sextrade with children).
• In the case that guides notice that a certain accommodation, restaurant or other premises are tolerating sextrade with children, they will report it to the office and the office will make sure that it is discussed with these companies.
• Guides and Drivers are asked to report to the office cases of sextrade with children and the office will make sure that it is reported to the police. When clients are involved in sextrade, it must be reported to the police.
• The employees are not permitted to search for child pornography via internet. It is also prohibited to seek contact with children for sexual purposes via chat rooms, discussion groups or similar. In case child pornography is found on the computer of an employee it is reported to the police.

1.3. Economic development

1.3.1. Profit division

• We encourage our clients to buy locally made craft products and support local skills. To bargain for a lower price for souvenirs is often the accepted and expected custom, but clients should not drive a hard bargain just for the sake of it.
• We encourage hotels to buy their food and equipment locally.
• We intend to include a number of Community Based Tourism Products in our travel itinerary; part of the revenue of these products is dedicated to social development projects in the communities.
• We incorporate local community guides in tours in all areas such as Lake Atitlan, Antigua, Peten, Toledo etc.

1.3.2. Ownership of products

Though it is often difficult to find qualified tourism products owned by local people, we intend to include mainly tourism products that are locally owned. We give priority to those accommodation/sites that are owned by communities or local entrepreneurs. If quality is lacking we will try to find out whether investments are possible. If the service provision is not of the quality we expect, we will consider assisting in training and human resource development activities. Products that are not locally owned can also be included in our tours, as long as local people are employed and paid fair wages.

1.3.3. Payment and labor conditions of employees in tourism sector

• We try to use local guides & services where possible and developing new tourism product with them.
• We expect from our providers to pay their workers a fair salary that is at least the minimum wage, preferable more than this. None of the employees from our providers should depend completely on tips from tourists.
• We find it also important that employees in tourism get paid on time according to the contract which is made between the employee and employer.
• The employees will get opportunities for skill development training.

1.3.4. Corruption

Guides and crew are not allowed to be involved in any corruption that benefits themselves, family members or friends. We do not encourage being part of a corruptive system, though sometimes we don't have any other option. In some countries we will have to pay a police-officer a small amount of money to prevent further hassle. Only by exception we can do this.

1.3.5. Tipping

Clients are advised to give a fair, reasonable tip to the local guides, cleaners, cooks, drivers etc. Tipping is very important but we can never force clients to tip, as it is voluntary. Our advice for local crew depends on the work, the country, the currency etc. We will brief our clients on what tipping means to us (our culture) which is very different from what it means for the crew (their culture), so clients are aware that tipping is very important.

2.IN-HOUSE

It is not only what we do on tour that counts; here in the office we have to ensure that we too act to minimize our impact on the environment.

The following is the policy we issue to all Viaventure office staff:

2.1.REDUCING WASTE

Recycling is good, but not generating the waste in the first place is even better! Doing so also saves us money, and this is ultimately in everyone's interest.

• Re-use paper: rather than ordering a new notepad, please keep used paper for general jottings.

• Stop printing! Think: do you really need to? Try to avoid printing every document. Try filing electronically in the system – it is often easier to locate files and it keeps your desk clear!

• Print double sided: where you can – reducing the font size or margins can save pages too. We always try to buy recycled paper for printing inside the office.

• Disposable cutlery / plates: please don't use these – we have plenty of glasses and plates for most occasions

• Plastic bags: Avoid use of plastic bags when buying in shops, markets and take away foods.

• We are not printing any new promotional material: All of our promotion we are doing via internet to avoid more paper garbage.

2.2.RECYCLING

Why recycle? Because we're filling up too much of the country with ugly garbage belts. We have a reduction of waste plan; part of this plan is recycling. Here's the list of what we recycle in the office:

• Paper, including newspapers, magazines, envelopes, old brochures

• Any cardboard, including food packaging

• Glass jars / bottles

• Food & drinks cans

• Plastic bottles, including tops

• Plastic food (& other) packaging

• Carrier bags

• Toner cartridges where possible

• Computers

2.3. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• Lighting: We are using energy saving bulbs in all rooms, where the lights are on for a long time (as the saving is lost turning the lights on and off all the time. (For example in toilets).

• Hot water: we do not use hot water.

• PCs: switch your computer, monitor, UPS off at night and unplug it as this saves electricity and reduces the fire risk. Every PC has a screen security that will go on after 5 minutes (making sure the screen is black and not showing pictures or a video as this consumes much more electricity). Even better is to shut off you're screen while you are in a meeting or lunch break.

• We monitor electricity use monthly and we have a responsible electricity plan & control.

• Viaventure pay for offset carbon for all electricity use in the office as well as business trips (hotels & flights) through STI (sustainable tourism international).

2.4. WATER EFFICIENCY

Water should ALWAYS be used sparingly. All should follow the following policy:

• Do not leave water to run and make sure the tap is closed well when you are done.
• Our toilets have a saving button, please use this when possible.
• We have a water refill system to avoid buying water bottles.
• We monitor water use monthly and we have a responsible water plan & control.

2.5.BIOLOGICAL CLEANING PRODUCTS

At the office we only use biological cleaning products, like disinfectant, hand soap, soap for washing towels and dishes.

2.6.BUYING GOODS

If we buy goods for the office we will bring our own bag, to minimize the use of plastic bags. If we have the possibility, we look for goods that are more sustainably packed, for example goods that are in a paper box, glass or cans rather then plastic. Most of our supplies we buy at small, locally owned shops.

2.7.CHARITY EVENTS

We have every once in a while charity fundraising events / sales / raffles etc. and it's great to support colleagues in this way. Every little helps, even if you can't afford to give much! Let us know if there is anything you'd like us to support.