Sustainability Policy – Bharatvaas Travels

At Bharatvaas Travels, we are committed to growing our business in a sustainable manner. We recognize that the environment, communities and cultures within which we operate are vital to the success of our company. Responsible travel is one of our core values. Our goal is to maximize the positive effects that tourism can have on individuals and local communities, while minimizing negative social, environmental and economic impacts. This policy outlines what we have already achieved, what we are currently implementing, and what we aim to achieve in the future. It defines practices at the core of our product development, operations, and relationships with external partners. It is a work in progress for everyone at Bharatvaas Travels.

We therefore commit to the following objectives:

Comply with all relevant legislation and embed sustainable
development principles into our core business practices.
Use our position to drive sustainability within our destinations.
Preserve our environment and continually improve our environmental
performance.
Optimize our social impact to enhance local livelihoods and prevent
tourism leakages.
Provide information, training and support to colleagues and external
partners to engage them towards sustainability.
Provide clear and transparent information about our products to
encourage our clients to opt for sustainable travel options.

In Our Offices

We ensure that all Bharatvaas employees understand our sustainability
goals and are accountable for implementation.
We monitor, reduce and manage waste in a responsible way.
We measure our use of natural resources, especially energy, and look
for ways to reduce them.
We purchase local products where possible and limit the use of small
packaging.
We respect our employees, embrace diversity, and advance their
wellbeing wherever we can.
We share best practices and raise awareness on sustainability among
our teams and partners.
We communicate transparently about our achievements against our
sustainability goals, internally and externally, through annual reporting.

On the Ground

We prefer to work with locally owned businesses that reflect local
culture (hotels, lodges, restaurants, handicraft outlets, arts and culture
centers).
We drive positive change within our supply chain, monitor sustainable
practices, share best practices and organize training.
We ensure that travels organized by Bharatvaas Travels do not have
adverse effects on the environment or society, especially in sensitive
activities that may bring travellers into contact with animals, children or
remote communities.
We give back to neighboring communities by supporting projects that
address local development challenges, encourage fair employment
opportunities and advance wellbeing.
We actively promote Responsible Tourism in our industry and to
stakeholders we engage with in our destinations.
We place great importance on human rights and the protection of vulnerable groups. In all our activities and partnerships, we actively oppose any form of exploitation or abuse, with particular attention to children, animals, and marginalized communities.
We recognize that the sexual exploitation of children is a global issue. That is why we take a firm stand: Heart of India Travel strongly condemns any form of sexual exploitation of children in all destinations. Together with our local partners, we ensure that this topic can be openly discussed, risks are identified and prevented, and any reports are taken seriously. We work only with organisations that share these values and where possible take steps toward signing or supporting international codes of conduct such as the Child Protection Code.
We put our clients and guests at the heart of our business and help them make informed and responsible decisions when traveling.

Social Responsibility and Protection of Vulnerable Groups

We place great importance on human rights and the protection of vulnerable groups.
In all our activities and collaborations, we actively oppose any form of exploitation or abuse, with particular attention to children, animals, and marginalized communities.
We recognize that the sexual exploitation of children is a global issue. Therefore, we take a clear stance:
We strongly condemn any form of child sexual exploitation in all destinations.
In cooperation with our local partners, we ensure that this topic is open for discussion, risks are identified and prevented, and reports are taken seriously.
We only work with organizations that share these standards and – where possible – we take steps towards signing or supporting international codes of conduct, such as the Child Protection Code.