Sustainability Policy - English

We are committed to delivering travel products that develop sustainable tourism in destinations and communities we operate in.


Our mission

The goal of our company is to assist in the creation of a sustainable society and tourism, reducing the negative impact of our operations on the environment. We achieve this by introducing new elements to our operations that measure and control the ecological, sociocultural and economic influence of our products on society and the region in which we operate. Together with our partners and suppliers we instill an awareness in our guests of the importance of sustainable tourism.

Special attention is given to including immersive local experiences that not only promote cultural and natural values within the destinations we cover but also help grow small, quality local suppliers who are essential to the smaller community development.

We are also committed to responsible travel practices, which we strive to install in our staff, leaders, experts and guides by constantly improving and monitoring the business processes as well as promoting principles of corporate social responsibility and ecological awareness.

The CSR team will discuss the progress of the action plan and take corrective measures at its meetings, if necessary.

Certification

The Travelife Certified award is a recognition of excellence towards social and environmental sustainability. We complied with more than 200 criteria related to sustainability management, office operations, working with suppliers and customer communication to achieve Travelife Partner status in 2018 and Travelife Certified in 2019 and 2021. We are currently in the process of recertification for the Travelife Certified standard. Travelife standards are formally recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Waste

Adriatic DMC is committed to the reduction of waste production and encourages all staff to consider and comply with 'the four Rs' when disposing of waste – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Responsible Disposal in order to reduce the amount of waste produced and sent to landfill.

Reduce

All staff are encouraged to reduce the amount of waste they produce as part of company operations through advanced planning. Procuring biodegradable alternatives, securing drinkable tap water and monitoring printing are just some of the ways we achieve this.

Reuse

We strive to find a home and purpose for items that no longer meet the company's needs or requirements whether it's office furniture or props purchased for an event, we use our network of contacts to ensure that reusable items aren't binned.

Recycle

Our paper, plastic and electronic waste are segregated from food and non-recyclables in order to be recycled.

Responsible Disposal

We ensure the safe disposal of waste via responsible partners in line with current waste management legislation.

Adriatic DMC is committed to promoting awareness of best practice in waste management among its employees, suppliers and subcontractors through its communications, training and working practices. The waste management policy will be reviewed at regular intervals.

Charities

As part of our commitment to the communities in which we operate in, we provide financial support to local charities and organizations each year. So far, we've been delighted to be able to help organizations such as Dubrovnik General Hospital's Children's Department, Split Hospital, Lopud Fire Station and the Deaf Association.

Community-Based Tourism

Our tours, excursions, cruises and events don't simply cover destination highlights that form a tourist's bucket-list such as the Dubrovnik City walls or Mostar's famous bridge. We know that in order to truly experience this region, tourists need to be immersed in local culture and that's why we continuously work with the local communities in which we operate to develop and deliver authentic experiences. From jewelry making workshops to cooking classes in rural family homes, our excursions offer an insight into local life and introduce tourists to the wonderful characters that make these places so special.

Cultural Respect

While similar in many aspects, culture and customs can vary across the Balkans. We always ensure that our tour leaders are properly trained so that they can guide our guests as to how to respectfully enjoy all of the experiences on their tour or excursion.

Pay and Forced Labor

Adriatic DMC does not engage in or condone the unlawful exploitation of children in the workplace or forced labor within our company or those that supply or sub-contract to us. The company pays salaries that are both above minimum wage and the industry average.

Sexual Exploitation of Children

Adriatic DMC takes all necessary measures to ensure the prevention of child sexual exploitation. This includes clauses in supplier and partner contracts explicitly stating that the company will cease operations immediately with any third party engaging in such activity. Adriatic DMC will report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.

Illegal Souvenirs

You may find marine shells such as Giant Clams, which actually originate from the South Pacific, as well as seahorses offered for sale in seaside resorts along the Mediterranean. All seahorses require permits for trade to the EU, while Giant Clams are limited to three per person. In some countries, coats made from spotted cat furs may also be offered, as well as jewellery made from marine turtle shell, ivory and other wildlife products and tourists interested in these should remember that international trade in most of these wildlife products is prohibited.

Sustainable Purchasing Policy Model

Our company gives preference to more sustainable products & services. When selecting our providers, we apply the following procedure:

• We give preference to products with a recognized environmental or sustainability certificate or proved sustainability qualities;

• We prefer products which have been locally produced;

• We buy from local suppliers when possible;

• We prefer to work with suppliers and service providers who have a sustainability reputation.

When purchasing key products, we apply the following sustainable purchasing procedure:

• We try to figure out how much of our purchases meets the five R’s: Reduce, Repair, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle;

• We investigate possible sustainable alternatives;

• We compare these alternatives on price, quality and availability;

• We commit ourselves to buy the most sustainable alternative in relation to above factors;

• The result of this evaluation is documented.

Key products include, but are not limited to: paper, electric devises, cars, electricity, heating, furniture, cleaning materials and building materials.

Alternatives of tourism key products:

Buy gifts and giveaways from social enterprises or charities;

Make sure not to promote souvenirs which threatened flora and fauna, as indicated in the CITES treaty https://www.cites.org/eng/disc/what.php & the IUCN Red List https://www.iucnredlist.org/

Our Sustainability Report 2023 can be found here.

For all sustainability related enquiries, please contact Ivan Gavranic

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