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Sustainability Policy
About Across Bhutan
Across Bhutan travel agency offers Organized Tours & Custom Tours through Bhutan’s tranquil landscapes.
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1. Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance
Across Bhutan is committed to responsible tourism that protects Bhutan’s environment,
culture, and communities.
We ensure:
- A dedicated Sustainability Focal Person to oversee actions and
reporting. - A public sustainability mission available on our website and to all
partners. - A written Sustainability Policy that aims to reduce negative social,
cultural, environmental, and economic impacts. - A yearly Sustainability Action Plan with goals, responsibilities, and
timelines. - Compliance with all Bhutanese laws, including tourism regulations, labour
rules, safety standards, and environmental laws. - Zero tolerance for child exploitation, with related clauses included in all
partner and supplier contracts.
2. Internal Management: Social Policy & Human Rights
Across Bhutan follows fair and ethical labour practices in accordance with the Labour
and Employment Act of Bhutan (2007) and Regulations on Working Conditions
(2012).
We ensure:
- Transparent employment contracts, fair wages, clear notice periods.
- Leave, medical and liability insurance provided as per regulations.
- Safe working conditions, first-aid availability, and emergency readiness.
- Equal opportunity employment with no discrimination based on gender,
ethnicity, age, religion, or background. - A confidential process for employees to report complaints or concerns.
- Regular staff training on safety, sustainability, and workplace rights.
3. Internal Environment Management & Community Relations Procurement
- Reduce single-use items and promote reusable materials.
- Prefer locally made, environmentally friendly, or sustainably sourced
products.
Energy
- Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.
- Switch off equipment when not in use and encourage energy-saving
behaviors.
Water
- Monitor office water uses and install water-saving practices.
- Encourage partners (hotels/homestays) to practise water conservation.
Waste
- Reduce, reuse and recycle where facilities exist.
- Proper disposal of printer cartridges, and non-recyclables.
- Minimize use of plastic water bottles by promoting refill systems.
Pollution Reduction
- Ensure wastewater and cleaning materials follow Bhutan’s environmental
norms. - Avoid harmful chemicals and ensure proper storage and disposal.
Community Relations
- Respect zoning laws and heritage-site regulations.
- Support community initiatives and use local materials where possible.
4. Transport
Transport is one of the biggest contributors to emissions.
We ensure:
- Use of well-maintained vehicles that meet Bhutan’s emission standards.
- Drivers trained on fuel-efficient and safe driving.
- Preference for shared vehicles, electric vehicles, or lower-emission
options when possible.
5. Accommodations
We prefer and support accommodations that:
- Practise sustainability (water saving, waste management, energy
reduction). - Train their staff on safety, hygiene, and child protection.
- Are locally owned or support local communities.
- Avoid serving endangered species or using illegal wildlife products.
- Respect cultural norms and intellectual property.
Partners are encouraged to work toward Travelife certification, but sustainable
behaviour is required regardless of certification.
6. Excursions and Activities
Across Bhutan promotes low-impact, meaningful experiences.
We ensure:
- No excursions that harm wildlife, local people, or the environment.
- No wildlife captivity activities unless legally regulated.
- Guidance to guests about responsible behaviour at temples, festivals, sacred sites, and natural areas.
- Activity providers understand our sustainability expectations.
7. Guides, Local Representatives & Trekking Staff
We prioritize local employment and fair working conditions.
We ensure:
- Hiring Bhutanese guides, drivers, cooks, and porters whenever possible.
- Fair wages and clear employment conditions.
- Guides are trained regularly in culture, safety, sustainability, and child protection.
- Trekking staff follow Tourism Council of Bhutan guidelines for equipment, weight limits, and safety.
Guides communicate sustainability messages to guests.
8. Destination Management
We operate tours that protect Bhutan’s heritage and natural environments.
We ensure:
- Destinations chosen do not experience harmful overtourism.
- Compliance with protected area and heritage site rules.
- No promotion or sale of illegal souvenirs, including wildlife products or
cultural artefacts. - Encourage visits to lesser-known communities to spread benefits more
equally.
9. Customer Communication & Protection
We ensure clear, honest, and responsible communication.
Before booking:
- Accurate pricing, itinerary details, and sustainability information.
- No misleading claims or greenwashing.
During the trip:
- Briefings on cultural etiquette, environmental practices, and safety.
- 24/7 emergency contact availability.
- Guidelines for visiting sensitive sites and nature areas.
After the trip:
- Collection of customer feedback including sustainability aspects.
- Transparent complaint-handling procedures.
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About Across Bhutan
Across Bhutan travel agency offers Organized Tours & Custom Tours through Bhutan’s tranquil landscapes.
