Sustainablity in  Tourism

All tours and activities provided by Discovery Travel should have an overall positive impact on the destination area. If it is found that one of our tours is having a negative impact, appropriate steps should be taken to provide a positive balance.

Visitor Capacities

New destinations should be carefully evaluated so as not to exceed their sustainable visitor capacity. Alternatives should be promoted instead of overcrowded main-stream destinations.

Community Tourism

Partners and destinations that provide income, support or other positive initiatives for local communities should always be considered when planning new tours and activities.

 Local Authorities

Local authorities should be influenced and supported when possible concerning sustainability, environmental and socio-cultural issues.

 Negative Impact Activities

Discovery Travel will not actively promote or support ant activities or products that have the potential to cause excessive negative impacts. Be those impacts environmental, cultural or social. Examples of potentially harmful activites include visits to schools/orphanages and animal riding/shows.

• When available, tours and activities should support biodiversity and conservation through financial contributions or political support. The sale of culturally, environmentally sensitive souvenirs or souvenirs that have a negative impact on wildlife, flora or fauna should be strongly discouraged.
• Customers should be made aware of all best practices and behaviours when on tour with special focus on sustainability, cultural and environmental issues.
• Tours should not promote activities that cause harm to people, animals, plants, natural resources or which are socially or culturally unacceptable. Wildlife should not be bred or held in captive unless properly regulated and cared for.

Discovery Travel aims to create a safe and fair working environment for all staff and affiliates. All employees are fully entitled to all their legal rights and must agree to work under the conditions stipulated in their employment contract.

Wages & Working Conditions

• All wages will either meet or exceed the legal minimum. There will be no illegal or unauthorized deductions from an employee’s wages.
• Discovery Travel will endeavour to ensure that all wages are paid in a timely manner as per the agreed employment conditions stipulated in an employee’s contract.
• Working hours will be in line with legal requirements and industry standards.
• Employees are entitled to their stipulated annual leave, sick leave and maternity leave, without any form of repercussions.
• Employees are free to terminate their employment at any time without penalty subject to contract conditions.

Working Environment

All staff are entitled to work in a safe and hygienic environment. Discovery Travel takes safety very seriously and steps are taken to prevent disease, accidents and injuries during working hours.

• First aid kits, fire extinguishers and unobstructed exits are provided in all work areas.
• All staff are provided with sufficient knowledge and training to enable them to deal with accidents and emergency situations.
• All work areas and equipment are cleaned with disinfectant regularly to ensure hygiene standards.
• Adequate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is provided whenever necessary.
• Health and safety protocols are updated depending on local and international regulations and recommendations.
• All staff are free to join workers or trade unions if they so wish.

Child Protection

Discovery Travel operates in-line with local legal regulations stipulated by the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) Sections 44-52. Discovery does not employee children under the age of fifteen as employees. Employees under the age of eighteen are given special considerations such as additional rest breaks and restricted working hours, as stipulated in the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998).
Furthermore, Discovery Travel will not tolerate or allow any child prostitution or inappropriate actions from employees, partners or customers. Any suspicious behaviours and activities will be reported to the local authorities.

It is Discovery Travel’s aim to maintain a good working relationship with the local communities and not impact on their lives or livelihoods in a negative manner. We aim to achieve this by implementing the following practices;

• Purchase locally sourced products and services wherever available.
• Assist local communities, incentives and installations when possible.
• Work alongside local communities and people to encourage the use of traditional skills and handicrafts when possible.
• Encourage a greater understanding between local communities and tourists through by providing accurate information and insights.
• Contribute to the protection and preservation of areas of local cultural, spiritual, archaeological and historical importance.

• Minimizing their ecological impact by reducing emissions caused by staff transportation methods, reducing paper usage, using sustainably sourced paper and by separating and recycling waste whenever possible.
• Being sensitive towards, and maximizing positive impacts on local communities.
• Raising awareness about sustainability issues amongst key partners.
• Providing employees with fair conditions and a safe working environment.
• Comply with all relevant labour laws and child protection regulations. Clauses should also be included in contracts with partners along the supply line.
• Ensure customers and staff are informed of all relevant sustainability information.

 Sustainability Information

Sustainability information and updates are published on our website on the following pages;

https://discoverykhaolak.com
https://discoverykhaolak.com/about-us/
https://discoverykhaolak.com/khao-lak-travel-blog/

Key information is also communicated to customers via guide briefings while on tour and as part of the relevant product information, both online and printed. Infographics and handouts are made available while on tour to inform customers of best practises such as dos and don’ts and any additional information.

Bookings and enquiries

Discovery Travel commits to displaying clear and accurate product information. Customers can contact us easily via our website, phone or WhatsApp with enquiries and we will respond quickly and efficiently. Customer service agents are on hand to advice and assist customers whenever required. Sustainable options are always offered promoted first as “better” options.

Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is monitored by the use of online reviews and customer comment forms. All comments are reviewed and taken into consideration when planning product changes or improvements. Should a customer complain, the complaint will be swiftly investigated and the appropriate action will be taken.

 Local Information

Customers will often ask for information and recommendations regarding the local area. All staff should be able to answer their questions to a reasonable standard, while motivating customers to visit local restaurants, service providers and shops where appropriate.

Bribery & Corruption

Discovery Travel is committed to operating in an honest and ethical manner. We up-hold anti-corruption laws and take a zero-tolerance policy regarding bribery and corruption.
Small gifts and services may be offered only with an aim of presenting a close and friendly relationship only. These gifts must never include cash or cash equivalents e.g. vouchers. Gifts must not be given with the intention of influencing decision making. The practice of giving monetary kick-backs for services provided is strictly prohibited.
Any employee proved to be associated with bribery or corruption on any level may face disciplinary and/or legal action.

Competition

We believe in fair pricing and a fair market. Discovery Travel will never participate in any form of organised price fixing or under-hand agreements. Any employee found to partaking in any kind of market controlling activities will face such disciplinary action as deemed appropriate. 

Data Protection

Personal or sensitive date must never be sold or passed on to any third party without prior consent and authorisation. Customer details will not be used for anything other than the direct operation of service. Customer data may be used solely for the purposes of the booking and must not be passed on to any other third party, not directly involved with the booking.
Details of business dealings of affecting both Discovery Travel and our partners must be treated as confidential. Employees are obliged to take all confidentiality and data protection entrusted to them seriously both during their employment and after the end of their contract. Breaches in data protection protocol may result is dismissal and legal action.

Cultural Diversity & Non-Discrimination

At Discovery Travel we meet with and work with people from all over the world and from many different walks of life. We treat each individual with openness, fairness and tolerance. We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any type of discrimination, harassment or abuse based on a person’s ethnic background, appearance, sex, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, age or disability. Discriminatory behaviour is strictly prohibited and should be reported immediately.

Discovery Travel is committed to upholding minimum welfare standards when dealing with animals affected by tourism. While protecting animals from exploitation, neglect and cruelty. Excursions and attractions in which captive wildlife is held are not offered, except for activities that are properly regulated and are in compliance with local, national, and international laws. Any excursions that do include interactions with wildlife, must comply with relevant codes of conduct, and any disturbance of natural ecosystems should be minimized.

Guides and sales staff should ensure that guests are provided with accurate and relevant information at all times. Staff and guests are encouraged to report any concerns they have regarding the welfare of animals to the management team, or the appropriate authorities.

Five Freedoms

The Five Freedoms are an internationally recognised benchmark for gaging and ensuring an animal’s basic physical and mental well-being. They are;
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst – The right to nutritious food and clean water.
2. Freedom from discomfort – The right to a suitable living environment that provides shelter, opportunities to rest and considers the species-specific needs of wild animals.
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease – Ongoing and professional preventative and curative health care.
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour – A living space that encourages natural behaviour.
5. Freedom from fear and distress – Physical or emotional distress or pain should not be used as a training or control method. Access appropriate areas to seek privacy and limited human contact.

Welfare Quality® Criteria

The Welfare Quality® Criteria was a European Commission sponsored five-year project aimed at establishing baseline parameters to safeguard welfare quality. The basis for animal welfare should include both the Five Freedoms and the Welfare Quality® Criteria. The Welfare Quality® Criteria are;
1. Absence of prolonged hunger
2. Absence of prolonged thirst
3. Comfort while resting
4. Thermal comfort
5. Ease of movement
6. Absence of injuries
7. Absence of disease
8. Absence of pain induced by inappropriate management practices
9. Expression of social behaviours
10. Expression of natural behaviours
11. Good human-animal relationship
12. Positive emotional state
13. Absence of general fear/distress/apathy
14. Ability to seek privacy/refuge
15. Absence of surgical or physical medication of the skin, tissues, teeth or bone structure other than for the purposes of genuine medical treatment/manipulation/sedation.

Attraction Suppliers

Suppliers working with animals should be able to satisfactorily answer the following questions;
1. Where did the animals come from?
2. How are they trained?
3. Do they have access to appropriate food and drink?
4. What if something doesn’t go to plan? (e.g., an animal not following instructions)
5. What happens to the animals after hours?

Any supplier that deals with animals should maintain the following best practices;
• Be fully licenced and certified in-line with local regulations.
• Become a member of a zoological association which has standards and guidelines and provides accreditation after inspection and evaluation.
• Keep up-to-date records of all wild animals held including numbers of each species, births, deaths, animal acquisitions and disposals.
• All animals kept should have been acquired legally and in accordance with international and national legislation.
• Suppliers should provide ongoing training for animal keepers and/or require keeping staff to have a recognised animal management qualification.
• Have insurance that covers the facility and every person under a contract of service (or acting on their behalf) against liability for any damage or injury caused by any of the animals, whether inside or outside the attraction, including transportation to other premises. This should be in addition to public liability insurance and compliance with mandatory health and safety requirements.
• Enclosures should provide adequate shelter from the weather, as well as enough space to encourage natural behaviours.
• Contribute to conservation efforts.

Animal Contact & Feeding

A full risk assessment should be taken before any kind of contact is permitted between humans and animals. This risk assessment should include;
• The animal’s potential to cause harm to humans, other animals or themselves.
• Any potential harm that may be caused to the animal.
• Possible risk of transmitting disease.
• Is the animal accustomed to and comfortable with human interaction?

Customers should be fully informed of all risks and best practices before taking part in the activity. Any kind of animal handling or interaction should be under constant supervision by qualified staff. Customers should be required to wash their hand thoroughly before and after the activity. Jewellery should also be removed before taking part in the activity.

Performances & Shows

Where animals are used in performances and shows, there should be guarantees that living conditions and the care provided meet the Welfare Quality® criteria. Animals in performances should be able to demonstrate natural behaviour in the context of an educational experience, with informative and accurate commentary about the species’ biology and ecology. Animals should have sufficient rest periods and performances should not cause the animals harm.

Animal Riding

Discovery Travel does not support or offer any kind of animal riding activities to guests. However, we respect that the use of animals for transportation or as working pack animals is deeply connected with many cultures and traditions worldwide. In this case, suppliers should ensure that the animals are trained using humane techniques. Animals should have sufficient rest time and adequate shelter from the elements. Health and welfare should be regularly checked by a veterinary professional.

Working animals should never be subject to;
• Ill-fitting, dirty or unsafe equipment.
• Being worked too young in relation to bone strength and joint development.
• Difficult terrain such as stones, hard and dusty surfaces and steep hills.
• Poor riding styles and animal handling practices including jerking of reins, harsh stops and direction changes.
• Riding at high speeds.
• Use of bull hooks and whips.
• Carrying weight loads which could be detrimental to their welfare.

Animal Sanctuaries

Any facility advertising as a sanctuary should comply with the following criteria;
• The sanctuary should be properly licenced and registered in accordance to local legal regulations.
• Animals should be acquired through official confiscation, donation or rescue. Never purchased.
• Up-to-date records should be kept of all wild animals held including numbers of each species, births, deaths, animal acquisitions and disposals.
• The sale of animals should never be permitted.
• Animals should only be moved to another facility if it is demonstrably of equal or better standards and then only if relocation is in the animal’s best interests.
• Sanctuaries should operate a no breeding policy, and implement all necessary humane birth control measures to ensure this.
• Animals should never be used for any kind of commercial exploitation, including performances, shows or use of animals as photo props.
• Physical contact should not be allowed between visitors and animals.
• Physical contact should only be permitted between staff and animals when necessary for essential management/veterinary purposes.

Wild Animals

When viewing animals in the wild, it is important to maintain respect for the animal’s rights and freedoms. Animals are not photo props. Animals should be viewed from a sufficient distance only and the animal should be able to move or flee without obstruction. If possible, animals should be viewed from a downwind position to reduce stress. Always avoid positions that could separate family groups or mothers from their young. Contact between people and animals should never be instigated by people. Noise, bright lights and sudden movements should be avoided to prevent causing distress or confusion. No actions should be taken to lure, train or encourage animals that could in any way change natural behaviours.

Unacceptable Practices

Many well-known tourism related activities involving animals, can have a devastating effect on the animal’s welfare. Discovery Travel will not support any activities that may put an animal’s welfare at rick. Some examples of unacceptable practices are;
• Animals on display in restaurants or entertainment venues that do not comply with the above best practices.
• Animal breeding or commercial trade in sanctuaries or orphanages.
• Animals used as photographic props involving bad practices.
• Animal performances based on non-natural behaviours and shows, or where training methods compromise welfare.
• Canned hunting.
• Elephant polo.
• Ostrich riding.
• Unlicenced zoos.
• Surgery or physical modification of the skin, tissues, teeth or bones of an animal, other than for the purposes of genuine medical treatment.
• Euthanasia practices which do not comply with best practice guidance.
• Animals being used for begging or to encourage any kind of sale.
• Bear baiting, bear pits and bear bile farms.
• Bullfighting and bull running.
• Cockfighting
• Reptile farms involving bad practices
• Crocodile wrestling
• Tiger farms
• Unregulated animal and plant collection from the wild
• Direct contact with and feeding of free roaming animals
• Human initiated physical interaction with wild whales and dolphins
• Trade and sale of endangered wildlife products
• Trophy hunting

Discovery Travel endeavour to keep all unnecessary travel to a minimum to further reduce our environmental impact. When possible, business meetings and conferences should be held online to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Business travel is defined as any journey of over 35km that either directly or potentially impacts company operations (e.g., agent meetings, purchasing supplies).
When travel cannot be avoided, routes should be planned in advance to define the most efficient option. For single journeys of over 35km, a record should be kept so that the carbon footprint can be evaluated for future reference.

If flying is unavoidable, Discovery Travel will “economy class” travel only. Direct flights should be taken whenever practically possible and luggage weight should be kept to a minimum.

When travelling, staff are encouraged to use the following options whenever possible;
–  Low carbon and carbon neutral transport options (e.g., bicycles)
– Public or shared transport
– Vehicles with fuel efficient, low emissions engines.

The road to sustainability is an ongoing process. Therefore, it is important that we continue to evaluate our progress. Key goals will be reviewed at least once every 12 months to monitor progress. If no progress has been made, the goal will be re-evaluated to see if corrective measures are needed.

Key goals for each period well be specified and reported on our website.