Sustainability in travel raises difficult questions, and we believe they deserve clear answers. This section addresses the doubts, tensions, and trade offs that come with responsible travel, without simplifying or avoiding the uncomfortable parts. **Responsible mobility**
Mobility creates the largest share of travel emissions. We design trips to reduce flights wherever possible and make unavoidable impacts transparent. - **Avoiding short trips** We do not offer short long distance trips and keep distance and duration in balance. - **Rail before flight** We promote rail and fly options and avoid domestic feeder flights when alternatives exist. - **Direct routing** We prioritize direct flights over connections when flying cannot be avoided. - **Low flight itineraries** We design itineraries with as few internal flights as possible. - **Public transport first** We prioritize public transport for local transfers where feasible. - **Slow transport** We integrate walking, cycling, canoeing, and other low impact transport. **Destination and biodiversity protection**
Travel should protect ecosystems and cultural heritage rather than overload them. - **Avoiding overuse** We avoid destinations and sites already under heavy tourism pressure. - **Small groups** Group sizes are adapted to destinations and limited in sensitive areas. - **Park cooperation** We follow national park rules and cooperate with local authorities. - **Sensitive area behavior** Travelers are guided on how to behave in fragile ecosystems. - **Cultural care** Visits to heritage sites are planned to reduce pressure and damage. - **Rainforest Protection** Part of our revenue funds Amazon conservation via Forest Guardians. **Animal welfare in tourism**
We avoid travel activities that harm animals and actively support wildlife protection where we have impact. - **No exploitation** We exclude activities involving abusive or unnatural animal handling. - **Ethical use** Where animals are part of local life, partners follow welfare guidelines. - **Wildlife respect** Encounters are designed to minimize disturbance and stress. - **Research for protection** We fund biodiversity research and monitoring through Forest Guardians. **Community and local value creation**
Tourism should strengthen local livelihoods and decision-making. - **Local partners** We work primarily with locally owned guides, hotels, and restaurants. - **Fair conditions** We expect fair pay, working hours, and respectful treatment. - **Community ownership** We support community-based tourism, owned and managed locally. - **Rotational systems** We rotate partners so benefits reach more than one family. - **Social funding** Traveler donations and revenue shares support community projects through V Social. **Waste and pollution management**
Reducing waste and pollution is essential, especially in regions with limited infrastructure. - **Reusable solutions** We encourage refillable bottles and reusable containers. - **Waste guidance** Guides provide guidelines on reducing waste and responsible disposal. - **Carry out trash** Travelers are encouraged to take back trash where systems are lacking. **Responsible partners and suppliers**
Responsibility applies across our entire supply chain. - **Clear standards** Partners commit to social, environmental, and ethical guidelines. - **Codes of conduct** Contracts include human rights and child protection clauses. - **Local agencies** We prioritize agencies employing local staff and expertise. - **Regular reviews** Partners are reviewed and improved through ongoing dialogue. **Tour guides and on-trip responsibility**
Guides are key to responsible behavior and learning on the ground. - **Guide training** Guides receive training on sustainability, ethics, and wildlife rules. - **Cultural mediation** Local guides support respectful exchange with communities. - **Child protection** Guides are trained on child protection policies and reporting. - **Group management** Group size and behavior are actively managed on trips. **Transparent communication with travelers**
Responsible tourism requires informed decisions by travelers. - **Honest information** Trips are described realistically without exaggeration. - **CO₂ transparency** We inform travelers about emissions and climate impact. - **Behavior guidance** Guests receive guidance on cultural respect and waste reduction. - **Clear pricing** Prices are transparent with no hidden costs. **Sustainable corporate travel**
We apply sustainability principles to business travel as well. - **Travel review** Business trips are reviewed and avoided when virtual options exist. - **Rail preference** Trains are prioritized over flights for short distances. - **CO₂ compensation** For all corporate travel we compensate 100% of the CO₂ caused by required business trips. **Internal responsibility and company practices**
Sustainability also applies to how we work as a company. - **Green office** We use renewable electricity and reduce paper and waste. - **Fair work** We offer fair pay, flexible work models, and development options. - **CSR training** All team members receive a training on social and environmental responsibility. - **Team engagement** Fair Days and Fundraising events enable hands on involvement.

Positive impact through travel

Sustainability that turns travel into a positive force