Sustainability at Viatu: How We Select Our Partners
Written by Jess Tyrrell
Reading time: 13 minutes
Viatu’s 2nd commitment is to ally with local partners — hotels or their equivalents, tourism boards and accreditation bodies — that are aligned with our sustainability policies and principles. Our policies relate to responsible management, their efforts to conserve biodiversity, local heritage and natural resources, and their positive impacts on society.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack the survey we send to potential accommodation partners, detailing each question and why its implementation is crucial for the sustainability of tourism. The topic of sustainability is seriously complex, so bear with us as we hash out our approach at length. Let's go!
We assess potential accommodation partners with a Viatu survey adapted from the Green Globe International Standard for Sustainable Tourism. The survey likewise serves as an educational tool that service providers and establishments can use to make positive changes within their operations.
The survey asks a bunch of questions within the following 7 categories:
Sustainable management
Social Responsibility
Economic Impact
Cultural Heritage
Environmental: Conserving Resources
Environmental: Reducing Pollution
Environmental: Conserving Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Landscapes
Survey Questions
1. Sustainable management
Does your business have a sustainability management plan?
The first step toward embracing sustainable business practices entails creating a sustainability management system. A dedicated sustainability team or individual ought to produce transparent, documented policies, procedures, and communication plans related to their business’ sustainability strategy. A well-written sustainability plan will define and communicate organisational goals and objectives related to the business‚ and environmental, socio-cultural, and economic performance. The primary purpose of the sustainability management plan is to guide decision-making, management, and the sustainable daily operations of the business.
Do you have a dedicated person working on sustainability?
Having a dedicated sustainability manager or someone in charge of sustainability at an accommodation is essential for sustainable tourism because it ensures that the business takes the necessary steps to reduce its impact and operate in a way that respects the local environment, community and culture. They can also provide training to staff on sustainable practices and ensure that the accommodation is adhering to local laws and regulations. The sustainability manager can also play a role in developing new sustainable products and services offered at the accommodation.
Has your business received any awards for sustainability and/or responsible tourism efforts, or been certified by an external evaluator?
We recognise how prestigious sustainable tourism awards and eco accreditations are. We also recognise businesses that have gone through the accreditation process as being committed to being both responsible and impactful. These places and people go the extra mile to ensure that their operations are more sustainable than the average competitor.
2. Social responsibility
Does your business have policies against employing children and adolescents?
Children, adolescents, women and minorities are particularly vulnerable to abusive labour practices, including sexual exploitation. In some countries, weak law enforcement, corruption, the Internet, ease of travel, and poverty have created an underground and illegal employment industry that makes devastating immediate and long term community impacts. Tourism businesses can play a crucial role in ensuring the protection of local populations at destination by not hiring adolescents or children, not buying products produced with child labour, not allowing the use of tourism premises for sexual exploitation of minors and denouncing these practices to local authorities.
Does your business support community development programmes (e.g. education, health, and sanitation)?
Linkages to the local community should exceed employment and economic growth through the direct development of the business. Businesses should regularly undertake intentional opportunities to provide resources, education, training, financial assistance, or in-kind support for community priorities to improve the local livelihoods, thereby engendering community support for operations and creating a better tourism experience.
Does your business ensure that its operations do not threaten water, energy, or sanitation access in neighbouring communities?
Tourism businesses can alter, disrupt or strain community infrastructure and essential services, adversely impacting local users and communities. In some cases, service providers, such as utility suppliers, may favour businesses over local populations. Regular communication with local communities is required to ensure that normal business operations enhance the socioeconomic and environmental character of the destination, do not reduce services available to the community or increase their cost.
Does your business offer guests excursions to and activities in local communities? If yes, does your business have a code of conduct for these activities that were developed with the local community?
Respecting and preserving the traditions and property of local populations is an essential aspect of today's globalisation. Codes of conduct for tourism activities developed in concert with local communities and respecting the right of communities to say "no" to tourism activities is key to the long term viability and sustainability of the community and its environment. Tourism businesses should develop a plan to maintain regular and open communication with community officials to create a cooperative agreement for tourist interactions with local communities.
3. Economic Impact
What % of your employee's are women?
While major international labour conventions and norms address discrimination, women and local minorities often have unequal job opportunities, particularly in management. Equality in hiring policies encourages an equitable distribution of wealth and closes income gaps along with gender and ethnic lines.
Are any of your managers women?
Having women as managers in accommodations is necessary for sustainable tourism as it helps create a more inclusive and diverse work environment. Women bring different perspectives and ideas to the workplace, and their leadership can help drive meaningful and lasting change. More female managers in accommodations can help reduce gender inequality in the hospitality industry and create more equitable employment opportunities.
What % of your employee's are locals?
Employing locals is vital for sustainable tourism because it helps to ensure that the local population benefits from tourism, rather than just the businesses or government. Local employment increases the sustainability of tourism by creating jobs and stimulating the local economy, which in turn supports local businesses and fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the local community. This can help to protect the area's natural and cultural heritage, as locals are more likely to recognise the importance of preserving their local environment and culture.
Are any of your local employees in management positions?
Local hiring and training are vital to maximising community economic benefit and fostering community involvement and integration with the business. In addition, the tourism operation establishes a long-term stable labour relationship while enhancing the authentic local character of the tourism service and product. Providing jobs at all levels of management ensures that the local population does not feel disenfranchised and can offer a sufficient dialogue between the business' ownership and the community.
Does your business pay employees minimum or living wage?
Paying employees a living wage rather than a minimum wage is vital for sustainable tourism because it ensures that employees can provide for themselves and their families. It also helps to reduce employee turnover and helps to attract and retain quality workers. Furthermore, fair and livable wages can improve the quality of service that tourism businesses provide, as employees are more likely to be motivated and invested in their work. Finally, paying a living wage is a way to reduce poverty in the local community and ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared fairly among the people who live there.
Does your business offer skills training (including those related to sustainability) to employees?
The company should support programs – internal or external – that will allow employees to develop beneficial skills for upward mobility. The success of the business' sustainability management system also depends on employees' effective integration and internalisation at all levels. A defined training program for all employees on sustainability aspects will enable employees to understand the business' goals and objectives, why they're important, and how they can positively contribute to the business' efforts in each of their roles.
Does your business promote local small businesses by selling their sustainable products?
Using goods and services produced locally or with "fair-trade" principles have numerous social, economic and environmental benefits:
Supports local businesses and provide jobs;
A higher percentage of the price paid is transferred directly to the provider of the goods and services, which is then re-circulated several times in the community;
Reduced ecological footprint due to fewer greenhouse gases being burned in the transportation of the goods;
The producers receive fair prices and wages;
The visitor experience is enhanced; and,
Local goods and services can substantially lower costs with fewer intermediaries and transportation costs.
Programs that expose customers to the local culture and encourage the purchase of local crafts, goods, and services help increase positive economic benefits to the community while engendering a sense of pride in cultural heritage. Working with local small entrepreneurs can help diversify the product, thus increasing spending and length of stay. In some cases, this can include designating a specific area on the premises for local entrepreneurs or promoting local cultural activities that are open to the public.
4. Cultural Heritage
Does your business offer visits to culturally or historically sensitive sites and educate travellers on the local culture?
Businesses and tourists must respect local cultures and historic locations and understand and actively seek to minimise the impact on built and natural environments caused by increased visitor activity. Education about local people's cultural customs, practices, and beliefs and appropriate verbal and non-verbal behaviour will contribute to the overall appreciation of the site and local community pride.
5. Environmental: Conserving Resources
Are at least 50% of the following consumables and materials eco-friendly and locally produced?
Food/beverage products
Shower and bath amenities
Building materials used
Souvenirs, crafts and products that you sell
A tourism business’ economic leverage of purchasing can produce positive impacts by encouraging sustainably produced goods and services. Responsible purchasing is a powerful means to reduce negative environmental impact. Businesses can do this by favouring certified environmentally friendly products and/or regularly evaluating providers that seek to conserve energy, utilise recycled and sustainable materials, responsibly manage waste, and minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
Has your business eliminated single-use plastics?
Single-use plastics are one of the most damaging forms of pollution, and their production and disposal have a significant environmental impact. The tourism industry contributes to the large amount of plastic waste that is produced each year, and the use of single-use plastics is a substantial part of that. By eliminating single-use plastics, hospitality businesses can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable tourism industry. This can benefit both companies and the environment, as it reduces costs associated with the sourcing and disposal of plastics while also reducing the amount of plastic waste that is produced.
Do you offer guests vegetarian and vegan food options?
By incorporating less meat products into meals, and offering more vegan and vegetarian options, there is less of a demand on the meat industry, leading to less greenhouse gas and agricultural pollutants entering the environment. By not purchasing endangered food species, businesses are placing less pressure on these already threatened animal populations, contributing to the preservation of species.
How much of your energy comes from renewable sources (i.e. solar, wind, biomass, hydropower and/or geothermal)?
Do you measure your monthly energy consumption/usage?
Have you put measures in place to decrease overall consumption, including the use of renewable energy?
Energy use is one of the most damaging activities on the planet, with adverse impacts degrading air, water, soil quality, human and ecological health. Energy efficiency through sustainable technology and effective waste management is a crucial strategy to reduce the negative impact. The most significant environmental and financial benefits related to business operations are achieved by frequently monitoring utility bills, effectively training and providing incentives for staff to implement energy efficiency programs and routine preventive maintenance of mechanical equipment. By applying energy-efficient practices to the operations and investing in renewable energy technologies (e.g. solar, wind, micro-hydro, and bio-mass), the business can help conserve natural resources, promote energy independence, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Do you know where your water comes from?
Do you measure your monthly water consumption/usage?
Have you put measures in place to decrease overall water consumption/usage?
Do you educate your guests on how they can conserve limited resources, such as water and electricity?
Water is precious and, in many regions, an increasingly scarce resource, with many countries facing moderate or severe water shortages. Year-round or seasonal water shortages are expected to increase with climate change. Businesses should reduce overall water consumption to the minimum possible level necessary for satisfactory operation, via implementing water-saving appliances and educating and informing guests and staff on water saving practices. Reducing water consumption also has financial and environmental benefits for tourism businesses.
Does your business effectively treat wastewater, including greywater, and reuse where possible?
Wastewater management reduces aquatic pollution, protects marine ecosystems, and reduces risks to human health. Reusing wastewater increases the availability of potable water for human consumption and decreases a business’ sewage and treatment costs.
6. Environmental: Reducing Pollution
Does your business try to reduce the use of harmful chemicals (eg. pesticides, paints, swimming pool disinfectants, and cleaning materials)?
Chemicals and other non-organic materials slip into the environment during application and storage via evaporation, run-off, spills, leaks and over application. Such practices lead to air, soil and water pollution, adversely affecting the local environment, harming flora and fauna, contaminating water supplies for local communities and causing severe health problems. The misuse and improper handling of potentially toxic substances create additional threats to the environment and human health. Many "natural" substitutes exist that have less impact on the environment and human health. Technology has also developed various alternatives. Where no other options are possible, the proper storage, handling and use of chemicals will reduce potential impacts.
Does your business recycle and/or reuse waste?
Recycling and reusing waste is an integral part of sustainable tourism because it helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. By reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, hospitality businesses can help conserve natural resources and reduce the impact of their operations on the environment. Recycling and reusing waste also helps save energy and reduce the use of raw materials, which helps reduce costs and increase profits. Finally, recycling and reusing waste demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability, which can attract more customers and lead to increased business.
7. Environmental: Conserving Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Landscapes
Does your business contribute to or support biodiversity conservation (indirectly through donations/awareness or directly through on-site operations)?
Tourism activities outside of urban areas generally depend, directly or indirectly, on natural resources. Even those in urban areas can benefit their society by indirectly supporting their country's natural areas or urban parks. Contribution can range from active participation in projects to financial donations.
Do you only plant indigenous/native plant species when planting new green areas, and remove invasive species?
Native flora is adapted to local conditions (drought, temperatures, etc.) and local pests, reducing the need for irrigation and chemicals. Businesses can preserve the character of the natural environment by utilising sustainable landscaping techniques that incorporate local flora. Non-local species that are used should be screened to avoid introducing potentially invasive plants and animals, which negatively impact biodiversity and local ecosystems.
Wildlife interactions
Tourism activities outside of urban areas frequently interact with plants and animals in the wild. These activities can be passive, such as building construction or trail use, or active hunting and fishing. In all cases, the disturbance created should be minimised and rehabilitated. In addition, compensatory conservation activities should be supported. Interactions with wildlife must not adversely affect the viability of populations in the wild; any disturbance of natural ecosystems is minimised, rehabilitated, and there is a compensatory contribution to conservation management.
We do not consider or work with partners who are involved in: canned hunting, trade in body parts, illegal trade, predator and infant animal interactions, breeding of lions and tigers, wild animal rides, misleading advertising, deceptive behaviour, lack of transparency, illegal operations/non-compliant.
Does your business hold captive wildlife?
In general, tourism businesses should not maintain wildlife in captivity, such as pets or cages, unless these activities will enhance conservation. In that case, the activity should be per local regulations and international conservation.
Do you offer and/or facilitate recreational trophy hunting?
Following resolutions adopted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), selective hunting may contribute to species' survival – when, for example, revenues from hunting are motivation and an incentive to conserve the species in question. Such hunting must be per the relevant CITES regulations and the export and import regulations of the respective management and scientific authorities. Like every human activity, hunting can develop best when an appropriate societal and legal framework fosters transparency, good governance and the rule of law. Perverse incentives on national levels need to be abolished, and both positive and negative sanctions must be effectively applied to guarantee sustainability.
If a partner facilitates trophy hunting, we asses whether best practice standards are being practiced. If not, this partner is excluded from our consideration.
By establishing and strengthening links and developing partnerships with local accommodation partners, Viatu will help destinations further their long-term vision of sustainability. If you’re interested in partnering with us, please get in touch!