Date: 2019/05/23

At Footprint Adventure, we are committed to promoting sustainable practices throughout our operations, including accommodation options for our travelers. As a local Nepali travel company, we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and develop responsible tourism. Our Accommodation Sustainability Code of Conduct serves as a guide to ensure our relationships with lodging providers support our mission, respect for the culture and quality, and promote authentic eco-friendly travel opportunities.

Purpose

This Code of Conduct has been written to:

1. Minimize the negative environmental impacts of accommodations used by Footprint Adventure.

2. Ensure that accommodation operators adopt responsible, ethical, and sustainable business practices.

3. Encourage respect for local cultures, communities, and biodiversity.

Core Principles

Environmental Responsibility

Footprint Adventure-selected accommodations must demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation through the implementation of energy-saving measures, including solar systems or LED lighting. Similarly, water-conserving practices should be in place, including low-flow fixtures and responsible laundry policies. Waste management through recycling, composting, and the minimization of single-use plastics.

Example: We assist lodges in the Everest region that can provide heating with solar power and encourage trekking clients to use refillable water bottles.

Local Communities

We believe in offering accommodations that:

1. Employ and support locals with fair pay and safe working conditions.

2. Purchase food and supplies locally to stimulate the regional economy.

3. Promote and preserve the culture, traditions, and crafts of the locals.

Example: Partnering with community-owned guesthouses in rural villages where guests can experience the culture firsthand.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Various accommodations should take concrete steps to reduce their carbon footprint by:

1. Utilizing renewable energy sources whenever possible.

2. Offering eco-friendly transportation, such as bicycles or electric vehicles.

3. Measuring and offsetting carbon output through reforestation or similar programs.

Guest Behavioral Expectations

Footprint Adventure also encourages our travelers to be sustainable in their behaviors during their stay. Some examples include the following:

Resource Conservation

1. Do not waste water and electricity.

2. When possible, participate in hotel towel and linen reuse programs.

Reduce Waste

1. Dispose of waste properly through recycling or composting bins when available.

2. Avoid purchasing items that include single-use plastics. Bring along your bottles and bags for reuse.

Respect for Local Culture and Communities:

1. Dress appropriately and respect local culture and customs.

2. Interact positively with the locals.

3. Refrain from any practices that could be defined as exploitative or degrading.

Accommodation Provider Responsibilities

1. Transparency and Accountability

Accommodation operators shall:

  • Provide documentation regarding their sustainability efforts through certification.
  • Commit to annual reporting regarding their environmental and social impact indicators.
  • Health and Safety Standards

Properties should ensure the safety of guests by:

  • Having fire safety measures and emergency exits.
  • Ensuring hygiene and sanitation conditions meet certain standards, with access to clean drinking water.
  • Diversity and Inclusion

We prefer that accommodation providers are committed to the spirit of inclusion by:

  • Welcoming guests and employees of all genders, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.
  • Conducting staff training on sensitivity and anti-discrimination policies.

Encouraging Sustainable Practices Among Lodging Partners

Footprint Adventure supports accommodation providers in their sustainability journey by:

1. Sharing knowledge and resources regarding eco-friendly operations.

2. Promoting properties that best complement our sustainability objectives to environmentally-conscious travelers.

3. Providing feedback for improvement on a periodic basis.

Challenges and Continuous Improvement

We recognize that in some areas, especially remote locations, it will be challenging to embark on a sustainable journey. To facilitate this process, Footprint Adventure commits to:

  • Helping our partners find funding or resources to achieve greening initiatives.
  • Encouraging innovation, such as recognizing accommodation providers that exceed minimum levels of sustainability.

At Footprint Adventure, we understand that sustainable accommodation is central to eco-friendly tourism. Through this code of conduct, we hope to build a network of like-minded lodging partners who share our vision for a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive world. We create travel experiences that leave a lasting positive impact on people and the planet.