INTRODUCTION - SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
Yama Ethiopia Tours is Ethiopian local tour company established in 2009 and based in Addis Ababa, with mission and vision to serve our clients with enhanced travel experience by providing high quality service and be the leading and recognized tour company for it’s excellence travel solution across Ethiopia.
Our vision and mission also focus on promoting a sustainable business operation by maintaining a true experience of our destinations and their respective cultures while aiming to preserve and defend the natural and human resources of those communities for future generations (of both tourists and locals) to enjoy. we also promoting cultural and environmental immersion through close links with neighborhood suppliers. We consider it our duty to work closely with suppliers, clients and the community at large promoting sustainability through education and preservation of cultural and natural resources in our destinations.”
We believe responsible tourism requires that all parties involved in the promotion, sale and execution of travel products make a commitment to more sustainable travel practices. From government to airlines, to all supply chains and individual tourists; all of us have a responsibility to respect and protect our environment and traditions through correct education and planning and action. Sustainability in tourism is an on-going process, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment of policies as the industry constantly grows and changes.
Some of the most important goals for better sustainability are:
To minimize negative environmental, social and cultural impacts such as pollution, disrespect of diversity and exploitation of resources.
To maximize positive impacts within the local community such as improving employment opportunities and working conditions, supporting local community projects and ensuring that the economic and social benefits of tourism reach and remain in the host community too.
Include local communities in project development and decision making.
Protect flora and fauna by respecting seasonal restrictions and offering interactions only within their natural surroundings.
To provide access to people with different physical abilities.
To encourage meaningful contact between visitors and host communities such as offering homestay options instead of hotel accommodations.
At Yama Ethiopia Tours, we aim to improve our focus on these goals using this sustainability policy and implementing the following working practices:
Working closely with our community suppliers in support of their growth as providers of a sustainable, conscious experience.
Continuing education – of staff, suppliers, guides and clients on the need to respect, protect and connect with our environmental, cultural and economic resources.
To constantly review our supplier base to include better accessibility, both physically and intellectually, to nature, culture, and community.
Using properly qualified staff (guides & operators) with the necessary knowledge and training to operate effectively.
To monitor and revise our policy and practices; through regular feedback from clients and suppliers and sharing our experiences & findings with all involved.
Here at Yama Ethiopia Tours, the development plan for our own sustainability policy are divided into five main categories where we strive to meet the goals of our sustainability policy in our business operation.
1. Management and legal compliance
2. Staff
3. Office
4. Providers
5. Clients
MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE
To have a clear, accessible sustainability policy and action plan which is monitored and adapted frequently by appointed staff and is shared internally and with partners, suppliers, clients and external forums.
To comply with all national legislation, regulations, and codes of practice.
STAFF
To provide a clear written and well-communicated social policy covering employee contracts and human rights.
Providing an employment contract including details of job description, wage rate (which must be at least the national minimum), paid holiday and sick leave.
Providing medical and liability insurance in line with national standards.
Complying with national health and safety standards in the workplace and providing periodic training.
roviding first aid kits and training.
Adhering to national regulations regarding minimum age requirements.
Offering a clearly communicated disciplinary procedure and regular monitoring of employee satisfaction.
Creating opportunities for students through internships & training schemes
Not hindering trade union memberships and representation or collective labor negotiations. Complying with local structures where applicable.
Not discriminating on account of gender, race, age, disability, ethnicity, religion/ beliefs of sexual orientation and actively encouraging employment opportunities for people with special needs.
Offering resources and opportunities for personal development to all employees.
When sending guides with group tours, ensuring guides are nationally accredited and experienced.
OFFICE
Applying the practice of Reduce, Reuse & Recycle within the office:
Reduce – the number of consumable items entering the office
Reuse – printing paper on both sides, using ceramic plates, mugs & glasses
Recycle – Participate in the local government program by separating waste for recycling of plastic, glass, cans, batteries, tetra Pak, paper & cardboard, electrical items.
Choosing sustainable supply sources where possible.
Switching off electrical items when not in use and reducing water usage.
Encouraging cycling or walking to work or sharing transport whenever possible.
Providing the correct equipment with which to carry out required tasks.
Maintaining company vehicles and equipment to a safe standard.
Providing training on policy implementation and goals.
PROVIDERS or SUPPLY CHAINS
Sharing our sustainability goals and action plan with all suppliers.
Selecting sustainable transport options whenever possible, giving priority to local companies to avoid unnecessary mileage.
Encouraging transport companies to maintain their vehicles in good condition to improve efficiency and instruct their drivers on energy efficient driving practices.
Encouraging transport companies to reduce their use of plastic bottles
Informing clients of transport options and sustainability impacts.
Giving preference to accommodations which comply with sustainability and quality standards regarding their approach to energy, water, waste and human resource management.
Encouraging partner accommodations to become sustainably certified.
Ensuring local, trained guides are given priority
CLIENTS
Offering only tours and activities which respect local natural and community welfare
Providing clear information to clients about how to respect local culture nature and the environment.
Promoting activities & accommodations which directly involve and support local communities & encouraging participation in local culture.
Providing clear, honest information with indications about sustainable options where available.
Protecting client information.
Our commitment
Yama Ethiopia Tours is working closely with chain suppliers, government authorities, clients and the local communities to foster a responsible tourism within the country. We are aware of the importance of preserving our environment and protecting our people from the harm that human impact may cause during a tour. Therefore, we are committed to invest in sustainability for a better future. We are also currently engaged with Travelife, the travel industry’s leading international sustainability certification to help us develop responsible practices to contribute significantly to sustainable development and environmental and cultural protection in destinations.
Carbon offsetting
Every trip one makes, generate different level of carbon emissions from flying, lodging, transportation need to be compensated to keep the resource to be sustainable. If you would like to compensate for your travel footprint, you can just calculate your carbon footprint and choose a project that helps mitigate climate change by reducing carbon pollution.
Travel Life Sustainability certificate
Our Sustaianable Accomodation Partners
