Sustainability Policy

Our Commitment to a Greener Future

Sustainability Policy

As a travel company that engages with various stakeholders in tourism, namely consumers, tour guides, travel agencies, hotels, transport companies, restaurants, and attractions, we understand our key role and influence in the sustainability development of tourism. Therefore, we are committed to promoting sustainability. We aim to follow, implement and promote good sustainability practices to maximize positive impacts and minimize negative impacts on tourism of our operations and to influence our clients and partners to do the same.

1. Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance

We commit to sustainability management, practiced by these following actions:

To have an appointed employee who is responsible for sustainability coordinator tasks;
To have a sustainability mission statement that is communicated to customers, partners and suppliers;
To have an accessible and written sustainability policy that aims for a reduction of the negative social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of the company’s activities; and includes employee-related health and safety aspects;
To conduct a baseline assessment of the company’s performance on sustainable practices;
To have a sustainability action plan with clear targets, actions, measures, responsibilities and time planning;
To develop documented procedures to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the sustainability policy, objectives and targets;
To ensure the company’s transparency in sustainability by public reporting and communicating;
To ensure that all staff are fully aware of our Sustainability Policy and are committed to implementing and improving it.

We commit to complying with all national legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

2. Internal management: social policy & human rights

We commit to sustainable internal management by having clear written and well-communicated social policy that includes the following principles:

To grant employees the freedom of employment and contract termination with notice (ideally minimum one month) and without penalty
To include labor conditions according to national labor law and a job description in the employment contract;
Wage rate is to be mentioned in the contract and equals or above the national legal wage;
To provide all relevant insurance according to the national law;
To grant employees fixed paid yearly holiday and unpaid annual leave allowance;
To have a health and safety policy for employees which complies with national legal standards;
To have first aid sets and trained staff are available at all relevant locations;
To obey the national law concerning the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment;

We commit to practicing human rights by ensuring the enforcement of the following practices:

To prohibit discrimination, regard to recruitment, conditions of employment, access to training and senior positions, or promotion in terms of gender, race, age, disability, ethnicity, religion/beliefs or sexual orientation;

Sexual Exploitation:

As a responsible tour company, we prioritize the protection of children from exploitation and abuse. In Jordan, engaging in any form of exploitation of children is strictly prohibited by law, with severe consequences in place to safeguard minors from such reprehensible acts. Clients must understand that participating in activities related to child trafficking, exploitation, or abuse is punishable by law in Jordan. Should clients witness or suspect any exploitation of children during their travels, it is imperative that they promptly report it to local authorities or seek assistance from the nearest embassy or consulate.

3. Internal Management: Environment and community relations

We commit to practice environmental protection and enhance community relations by ensuring the enforcement of following practices:

Actively reduce the use of disposable and consumer goods;
Set copy and printing machines by default to double-sided printing or other forms of paper saving modes;
Switch off lights and equipment when not in use, set equipment by default in the energy saving mode, where this is feasible;
Comply with the national legislation concerning waste disposal;
Comply with national legislation of wastewater treatment, which should be reused or released safely;

4. Transport

We aim to ensure that vehicles used on tours do not cause more than average pollution. We believe that transport is an important aspect of sustainable tourism, and we do our best to decrease the average pollution level.

We commit to this by;

Selecting the most sustainable options considering price and comfort when selecting transport options to the destination;
Considering and giving preference to more sustainable alternatives when selecting transport options for transfers and excursions in the destination, taking into account price, comfort, and practical considerations;

General rules for drivers when transporting tourists:

Driving safely and in control of the vehicle, (using both hands)
Never use the mobile phone while driving, except for earphones and in emergencies, also in emergencies, you can ask the tourists permission to stop on the side of the road for a minute.
Never speed and always abide by the DMV road speeds.
No smoking in the car, (even when there are no tourists in the car), or near tourists.
Leave a safe distance between you and the cars in front.
Basically, abiding by all the rules of driving by the DMV.

Eco-driving Rules:

Drive at the designated speed limit and on low gears to save carbon emissions;
Use the engine more consciously (let go of the gas pedal in time);
Check your route before leaving to avoid traffic and avoid getting lost;
Use a relaxed and defensive driving style and view ahead to avoid sudden stops (e.g., with traffic jams or red lights ahead, stop giving gas and just let the car go);
Do not idle; rather, switch the engine off when you anticipate a long wait.
Check tire pressure before leaving
Only use heating/air conditioning when necessary.

Communication with tourists:

1- Talking with a nice and proper tone of voice with travelers.

2- Touching customers is forbidden in any form that can be misunderstood, in case the traveler initiated a handshake or a hug at the end of the trip it is ok and acceptable, but never initiate anything except a handshake

3- Explain the role of a driver in the tour, especially when there is no tour guide with the group.

5. Accommodations

We aim to achieve a fully sustainable tourism supply chain. The partner accommodations play an important role in this and are stimulated and motivated to adopt sustainable practices.

We commit to this by;

Selecting accommodations that show proven records of sustainability practices and quality standards, especially ones that work with internationally acknowledged sustainability certification.
Preferring and selecting accommodations that are locally owned and managed, and that offer locally made products.
Selecting accommodations that employ local communities and source their food locally.
Encouraging accommodations to follow best practices/trainings on responsible tourism;
Communicate our sustainability objectives and requirements regarding accommodations to contracted and other relevant accommodations;
Preferring and selecting accommodations that accommodations that limit their negative impact on local and global biodiversity.
In case of clear evidence that contracted accommodations jeopardize the provision or integrity of basic services such as food, water, energy, healthcare, or soil to the neighboring communities, it can be a reason to terminate the cooperation with the accommodation.

6. Excursions and activities

We value animal and community welfare extremely high and aims at tours that only leave a minor footprint. We are safeguarding the authenticity of the communities and the natural environment, and are strongly against harming wildlife and polluting the environment.

We commit to this by;

Advising guests on behaviour standards during excursions and activities with a focus on respecting the local culture, nature, animal and environment;
Not offering any excursions in which wildlife is held captive, except for properly regulated activities in compliance with local, national, and international law;
Not being involved with companies that harvest, consume, display, sell, or trade wildlife species unless it is part of a regulated activity that ensures that their utilisation is sustainable and in compliance with local, national, and international law;
Having skilled and/or certified guides to guide our guests in sensitive cultural sites, heritage sites, or ecologically sensitive destinations;
Promoting and advising our guests on excursions and activities which directly involve and support local communities by purchasing services or goods, traditional crafts and local (food) production methods, or visiting social projects;
Promoting and advising our guests on excursions and activities which support local environment and biodiversity such as visiting protected areas or environmental protection projects;

7. Tour leaders, local representatives and guides

We aim at involving as many locals as possible by employing them in the tourism business. We stand for a fair and safe working environment that supports and respects local communities.

We commit to this by;

Ensuring that all employees have a written employment contract, including labour conditions and a job description, and fully understand the terms and conditions;
Preferring to work with local tour leaders, local representatives, local tour guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other local staff in case of equal ability, and provide training as required;
Paying tour leaders, local representatives, guides, porters and other local staff contracted by us at least a living wage that is equal to or above the legal minimum or relevant industry standard;
Having our tour leaders, local representatives and guides inform clients on relevant sustainability matters in the destination (e.g. protection of flora, fauna, and cultural heritage, resource use), social norms and values (e.g. tips, dressing code and photography) and human rights (e.g. sexual exploitation);

8. Destination

We aim to maximize positive impacts and minimize negative impacts at the destination to ensure the sustainable development of the places where we operate.

We commit to this by:

Support biodiversity conservation, including protected areas and areas of high biodiversity through integration into our product offers;
Not promote souvenirs that contain threatened flora and fauna species as indicated in the CITES treaty and the IUCN ‘Red List’; or historic and archaeological artifacts (except as permitted by law);
When selecting new destinations, prioritize those accessible through more sustainable means of transport.

9. Customer communication and protection

Customers’ welfare and information are very important to us. We ensure clear and constant communication and high protection to our clients.

Prior to booking, we commit to this by:

Ensure that customer privacy is not compromised;
Comply with relevant standards and voluntary codes of conduct in marketing and advertising messages, and do not promise more than is delivered;
Make product and price information clear, complete and accurate, with regard to the company and its products and services, including sustainability claims;
Provide destination information, including sustainability aspects, which is factually correct, balanced and complete;
Inform our customers about sustainable alternatives concerning accommodations, excursions, package holidays and transport options, if available;

After booking and during holidays, we commit to this by:

Provide information to our customers about the natural surroundings, local culture and cultural heritage in our destination;
Keep a contact person and a telephone number permanently available for emergency situations;
Train our employees and keep guidelines available, on how to deal with emergency situations;
Inform our customers about applicable legislation concerning the purchasing, sales, import and export of historic or religious artefacts and articles containing materials of threatened flora and/or fauna in the destination;
Motivate our customers to use local restaurants and shops (where appropriate);
Inform our customers on sustainable transport options in destinations, when feasible;

After holidays, we commit to this by:

Measure systematically our customers satisfaction and take into account the results, for service and product improvements;
Include sustainability as an integral part of the research into customer satisfaction;
Have clear procedures in case of complaints from our customers.

Energy Management

Objective: Our adventure tour company is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. This Energy Management Policy aims to reduce our energy consumption, minimize our environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Guiding Principles:

Energy Conservation: We do our best to reduce energy consumption by implementing efficient technologies and practices.
- Lights, electronics, and equipment will be turned off when not in use.
- Vehicles will be properly maintained to ensure optimal fuel efficiency.
Education and Awareness: We educate staff and participants on the importance of energy conservation.
Efficient Transportation: We optimize transportation routes to minimize fuel consumption.
Waste Reduction: We reduce unnecessary printing and encourage electronic communication.

Responsibilities:

Management:The management team lead by example, adhering to energy conservation practices.

Staff: All staff members are responsible for implementing and following energy conservation guidelines.

Participants: We inform participants about our energy management efforts and encouraged to contribute.

Pollution Reduction

Purpose: This Pollution Reduction Policy aims to guide our adventure tour company in minimizing its environmental impact, particularly regarding pollution. By implementing responsible practices, we seek to preserve the natural beauty of Jordan and contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly tourism industry.

Guiding Principles:

1- Waste Minimization:

Strive to reduce waste generation by adopting practices that minimize single-use items and encourage reusable alternatives.
Implement a waste separation and recycling program where feasible.

2- Water Conservation:

Promote water conservation practices among staff and tour participants.
Encourage the use of water-saving technologies and fixtures in our office.
Provide water refilling stations during our tours whenever possible and don’t offer single-use plastic bottles.

3- Energy Efficiency:

Invest in energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce our overall energy consumption.
Educate staff on energy-saving measures at our office.

4- Transportation Emissions:

Prioritize transportation options that have lower environmental impacts, such as fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative transportation modes.
Design tours with less emissions and include more hiking and cycling in our packages whenever possible.
Calculate and offset our carbon emissions once we have a system in place.

5- Chemical Management:

Minimize the use of harmful chemicals in cleaning, maintenance, and landscaping. Switch to eco-friendly and locally made options as soon as they’re available and affordable.
Ensure that all chemicals used are properly stored, handled, and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.

6- Environmental Education:

Educate staff, tour guides, and participants on the importance of pollution reduction and responsible environmental practices.

7- Local Community Engagement:

Engage with local communities to understand and address their environmental concerns.
Support local initiatives focused on pollution reduction and environmental conservation.
Organize frequent cleaning campaigns and include the local community.

8- Sustainable Purchasing:

Source products and materials that are environmentally friendly and have minimal environmental impact.
Prioritize suppliers with sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Sustainability Purchasing

Purpose: This Sustainability Purchasing Policy aims to guide our company in making responsible and eco-friendly purchasing decisions. By prioritizing sustainability, we strive to minimize our environmental impact and support local communities in Jordan.

Guiding Principles:

1- Local and Sustainable Sourcing:

Prioritize local suppliers and products that align with sustainable practices.
Encourage suppliers to adhere to environmentally friendly and ethical production methods.

2- Resource Conservation:

Optimize the use of resources, including energy, water, and materials, by choosing products and services that are resource-efficient.
Minimize waste by selecting products with minimal packaging or those that use eco-friendly packaging materials.

3- Biodiversity Preservation:

Prioritize suppliers and products that actively contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in Jordan.
Avoid purchasing items made from endangered species or harvested from ecologically sensitive areas.

4- Energy Efficiency:

Give preference to products and services that demonstrate energy efficiency.
Consider the energy footprint of goods and services throughout their lifecycle.

5- Social Responsibility:

Support suppliers that uphold fair labor practices and provide safe working conditions.
Consider the social impact of products and services, ensuring they contribute positively to local communities.

6- Certifications and Eco-labels:

Prioritize suppliers with recognized certifications and eco-labels, such as Green Key or other relevant certifications.
Verify and ensure that certifications align with international and local sustainability standards.

7- Waste Reduction:

Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging that is recyclable, biodegradable, or made from recycled materials.
Implement waste reduction strategies throughout our operations and encourage suppliers to do the same.

8- Continuous Improvement:

Regularly review and assess the sustainability performance of suppliers.
Seek feedback from staff and customers to identify opportunities for improvement.

9- Buying in bulk:

We buy all items that we use frequently in bulk, and try to reduce the consumption of all non reusable materials as much as possible by finding alternative reusable options.

Sustainable Accommodations

Purpose: This Sustainable Accommodations Policy outlines our commitment to promoting sustainability and responsible practices among our accommodation partners in Jordan. Recognizing the challenges of limited certified accommodations, this policy aims to encourage continuous improvement and flexibility while aligning with our sustainability goals.

Guiding Principles:

1- Environmental Awareness:

Encourage accommodations to demonstrate a commitment to environmental awareness and responsibility.
Promote the adoption of sustainable practices related to energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Prioratize accommodations that limit their negative impact on local and global biodiversity.

2- Local Community Support:

Advocate for accommodations to engage with and support local communities through responsible sourcing, employment opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
Encourage partnerships with local businesses to enhance the economic well-being of the community.
Upon request, our company supports collaborative initiatives with other tour operators and/or stakeholders to promote sustainability among accommodations in destinations.
We encourage our guests to choose locally owned accommodations that source their food locally and hire local staff.

3- Cultural Respect and Preservation:

Support accommodations in preserving and respecting local cultures, traditions, and heritage.
Encourage activities that provide guests with authentic cultural experiences and promote understanding and appreciation.
The company prefers accommodations and restaurants that incorporates elements of local art, architecture or cultural heritage; while respecting the intellectual property rights of local communities (taken into account price, comfort and other selection criteria).
The company will terminate the contract if the accommodation jeopardizes the provision or integrity of basic services such as food, water, energy, healthcare, or soil to the neighboring communities.

4- Education and Training:

Promote education and training programs for accommodation staff to enhance their understanding of sustainable practices.
Share best practices and resources to support accommodations in their journey towards sustainability.

Flexibility and Improvement:

1- Certification Support:

While recognizing the limited availability of certifications, provide guidance and support to accommodations seeking to obtain recognized sustainability certifications.
Consider accommodations making progress towards certification as valuable partners.

2- Customizable Sustainability Plans:

Work collaboratively with accommodations to develop customizable sustainability plans that align with their unique circumstances and capacities.
Recognize and celebrate incremental improvements in sustainability practices.

3- Flexible Criteria:

Establish flexible criteria that accommodate accommodations at various stages of their sustainability journey.
Encourage accommodations to set achievable sustainability goals and gradually enhance their performance.

4- Continuous Improvement Model:

Implement a continuous improvement model that involves regular assessments, feedback, and collaboration with accommodations.
Recognize and reward accommodations that demonstrate commitment to improving their sustainability practices.

Partnership Selection Criteria:

1- Commitment to Improvement:

Prioritize accommodations that demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement in sustainability practices.
Assess the accommodation’s willingness to work collaboratively towards shared sustainability goals.
Incentives are offered to accommodations which engage actively in sustainability
Our accommodation suppliers need to establish a contract in advance if they fail to implement sufficient measures to prevent the sexual exploitation of children.

2- Local Engagement Initiatives:

Evaluate accommodations based on their involvement in local community engagement initiatives, supporting local causes and contributing to community development.

3- Cultural Sensitivity:

Consider accommodations that actively engage with and promote local cultures, traditions, and heritage.
Encourage accommodations to provide cultural experiences for guests.

Evaluation and Recognition:

1- Regular Assessments:

Conduct regular assessments of partner accommodations to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Provide constructive feedback and share resources to support their sustainability efforts.

2- Recognition Program:

Implement a recognition program that acknowledges accommodations for their sustainability achievements.
Publicize and celebrate success stories to inspire other accommodations to enhance their sustainability practices.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

At Experience Jordan Adventures, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting responsible tourism practices in Jordan. Recognizing the importance of waste reduction and recycling in preserving the natural beauty of the destinations we explore, we hereby implement the following Waste Reduction and Recycling Policy.

Policy Guidelines:

Education and Awareness:

Incorporate waste reduction and recycling practices into pre-trip briefings to educate staff, participants, and local partners on the importance of responsible waste management.
Provide information on local recycling facilities and guidelines whenever available (Currently available in Amman only).

Waste Minimization in Operations:

Strive to minimize single-use items in our operations, opting for reusable alternatives where possible.
Include bringing reusable water bottles as part of the trip packing list and share it with participants before the trip.

Waste Sorting and Recycling:

Implement a clear waste sorting system at our office, ensuring that recyclable materials are separated from general waste.
Collaborate with local recycling facilities to responsibly dispose of recyclable materials.

Reducing Food and Packaging Waste:

Work with our suppliers to minimize excess packaging and explore sustainable packaging alternatives.
Encourage responsible consumption among participants to reduce food waste during tours.
Provide water refilling stations during hiking and cycling trips to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles.

Continuous Improvement:

Regularly review and update our Waste Reduction and Recycling Policy to incorporate new technologies, best practices, and lessons learned from our experiences.

Water Reduction

At Experience Jordan Adventures, operating in the water-scarce environment of Jordan, we recognize the critical importance of responsible water management. As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability and local community well-being, we are implementing a Water Reduction Policy to minimize our impact on the limited water resources in the region.

Education and Awareness:

Incorporate water conservation practices into pre-trip briefings to educate staff, participants, and local partners on the scarcity of water in the region and the significance of responsible water usage.

Efficient Water Use in Operations:

Regularly maintain, inspect and promptly repair any leaks or inefficiencies in water systems.
at the office.
Provide water refilling stations for our guests whenever possible.

Campsite Practices:

Implement strict water conservation measures during camping activities, emphasizing minimal water usage for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
Use biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning products whenever possible to minimize environmental impact on local water sources.

Promotion of Responsible Tourism:

Encourage tour participants to be mindful of water usage and promote responsible water practices during the entirety of their adventure.
Minimize the use of single-use plastic water bottles and provide alternatives, such as reusable bottles and water purification solutions.

Code of Ethics

At Experience Jordan Adventures, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our operations. Our Code of Ethics serves as a guide for our employees, partners, and stakeholders, outlining the principles and values that define our business practices.

Integrity and Honesty:

We conduct our business with integrity and honesty, providing accurate information to our customers, partners, and employees.

Customer Focus:

We prioritize the safety, satisfaction, and well-being of our customers, striving to exceed their expectations in every adventure experience.

Environmental Stewardship:

We are dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. We minimize our impact on natural habitats and promote responsible tourism practices.

Safety First:

The safety of our customers and staff is paramount. We adhere to rigorous safety standards and regularly update our safety protocols.

Respect for Local Cultures:

We respect and embrace the diversity of cultures in the regions we operate. We encourage our staff and customers to engage respectfully with local communities.

Fair Employment Practices:

We uphold fair employment practices, providing equal opportunities and fair compensation to all employees. Discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated.

Transparency:

We are transparent in our communication with customers, partners, and employees, providing clear and accurate information about our services and operations.

Confidentiality:

We respect the confidentiality of customer and employee information, ensuring that sensitive data is handled securely and responsibly.

Conflict of Interest:

Employees must avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise the integrity of our company. Any potential conflicts must be disclosed promptly.

Legal Compliance:

We comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the regions where we operate. Any unethical or illegal activities will not be tolerated.

Social Responsibility:

We actively contribute to the well-being of the communities where we operate, engaging in socially responsible initiatives and giving back to local causes.

Continuous Improvement:

We are committed to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and updating our practices to align with evolving ethical standards and industry best practices.

Reporting Violations:

Employees are encouraged to report any violations of this Code of Ethics promptly and without fear of retaliation. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated thoroughly.

Enforcement and Consequences:

Violations of this Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or business relationships.