Our Vision
As a Destination Management company since 2014, we at AFAQ Travel & Tourism (hereinafter referred to as AFAQ T&T) Oman are committed to promoting sustainable tourism that respects the environment, supports local communities, and preserves cultural heritage. Our sustainability policy outlines our approach to achieving these goals and demonstrates our dedication to responsible tourism practices.
Our Mission
Our company’s foundation is built on our values, which distinguish us and guide our actions. We conduct our business in a socially responsible and ethical manner. We respect the law, support universal human rights, protect the environment, and benefit the communities where we work.
Objectives we are following for better sustainability:
- AFAQ T&T minimize environmental impact through resource conservation and waste reduction.
- AFAQ T&T always support local communities by promoting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage.
- AFAQ T&T upgrades the sustainability awareness of our employees, clients, and partners & increase compliance with relevant sustainability standards and regulations.
- This policy will apply to all our tours and excursions. All employees and supplier partners are fully expected to uphold objectives under this policy.
Environmental Responsibilities on the Tours & other activities:
- AFAQ T&T reduce the water consumption through efficient practices on the tours & the activities.
- AFAQ T&T promote paperless operations and use recycled materials whenever possible for the office use & for the operations as well.
- We at AFAQ T&T adopt a comprehensive waste management system that includes reduction, reuse, and recycling.
- We at AFAQ T&T also motivate our clients (Tourists) and partners to minimize waste during tours & excursions.
- AFAQ T&T does not offer any excursion that harms people, wildlife, environment, or natural resources and strongly refuses to organize any hunting or fishing activity.
- We always select certified guides to guide our guests in sensitive cultural sites, heritage sites, or ecologically sensitive destinations.
Transportation Responsibilities:
- AFAQ T&T identifies and offers the most sustainable travel solution when selecting transport options on the destination, considering price, comfort, and practicality.
- We try to ensure that vehicles used on tours do not cause more than average pollution.
- We always instruct our staff to opt for shortest and most efficient routes in order to minimize fuel consumption and pollution. We instruct our drivers to switch off the engine and air conditioning when guests are on an excursion.
- The first aid kit and waste collection bag are always there on board.
- We select a suitable vehicle as per the size of the group.
Selection of the Accommodations:
AFAQ T&T always prefer to promote the accommodations that significantly reduce their environmental impact through green best-practices in maintenance, services, logistics, products, and supplies. Also, we follow the selection of the properties who respect and protect land use, local architecture, customs, and traditions.
Community Support for better sustainability:
- AFAQ T&T works with local businesses, artisans, and service providers to support the local economy.
- Also, we at AFAQ T&T encourage clients (Tourists) to purchase local products and participate in community-based tourism activities.
- AFAQ T&T respect and promote local customs, traditions, and cultural sites.
- We educate our clients & partners on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and responsible behavior.
Employee and Staff Management:
- AFAQ T&T provides regular training for employees on sustainability practices and principles through in-house lectures and discussions.
- We at AFAQ T&T raise awareness among clients about sustainable tourism and encourage responsible behavior.
Client Communication:
- AFAQ T&T always shares our sustainability initiatives and progress with stakeholders through our website and reports.
- We encourage feedback from clients and partners to continuously improve our sustainability practices.
Child Labor and Prevention of Forced Labor at Work Place:
AFAQ T&T believes in a Policy of prohibition of Child Labor and Prevention of Forced Labor. We always ensure that there is no Child Labor or Forced Labor employed in the workplace.
Monitoring Standards and Regulations:
- AFAQ T&T regularly reviews and updates our sustainability policy to reflect best practices and new developments.
- We at AFAQ T&T set measurable sustainability goals and monitor our progress regularly.
Souvenir Promotion:
The Service Provider of AFAQ T&T agrees not to promote, sell, or distribute any souvenirs containing materials derived from species listed as threatened or endangered under CITES or the IUCN 'Red List'. This includes but is not limited to products made from ivory, tortoise shell, certain types of coral, exotic animal skins, and other prohibited materials. Historic and archaeological artefacts may only be promoted or provided if permitted by law and must be accompanied by appropriate documentation verifying legal acquisition.
Marketing Communication Compliance:
The Service Provider of AFAQ T&T agrees not to engage in any deceptive advertising practices, exaggerated claims, or misrepresentations in its promotional materials or marketing communication.
Customer Privacy Protection:
The Service Provider of AFAQ T&T shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding any personal information provided by customers in relation to the product or service offerings covered under this agreement in compliance with all applicable privacy laws.
Product and Price Information Disclosure:
The Service Provider of AFAQ T&T shall provide complete and accurate information on its products' specifications, pricing details; including transparently disclosing any sustainability claims made about its products.
Destination Information Accuracy and Sustainability Reporting:
The Service Provider of AFAQ T&T shall ensure that all destination information provided under this agreement should be factually correct and based on verified sources. Destination information should present a balanced view of the features, attractions, and sustainability aspects of each location, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding for our customers.
GHG / Carbon Emission Level:
As part of our commitment to sustainability, AFAQ Travel & Tourism Oman ensures that clients are informed about the greenhouse gas (GHG) or carbon emissions of travel offers before booking. AFAQ Travel & Tourism Oman aims to empower travelers with information that allows them to make environmentally conscious choices while enjoying their travel experiences.
Sustainable Accommodation and Excursions:
As part of our sustainable tourism initiatives, we at AFAQ Travel & Tourism Oman promote certified sustainable accommodations, excursions, packages, and transport options to our clients through various channels. AFAQ Travel & Tourism Oman aims to raise awareness about the availability of more sustainable travel choices while inspiring consumers to make informed decisions that align with their values for responsible tourism practices.
Conclusion:
AFAQ Travel & Tourism Oman is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism that benefits the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. By adhering to this sustainability policy, we aim to create positive impacts and inspire others to adopt responsible tourism practices.
Certificates:
- TBO Academy Sustainable Tourism Course (Know More)
- Certificate of TREE-NATION (Know More)
- Green Certificate. (Know More)
Contact:
Please contact info@afaqtourism.com if you have any questions about our sustainability policy and practices.
Sustainability Action Plan 2024-2030:
Click To Know More(Action Plan)
Public Report of Sustainability Initiatives:
Click To Know More (Public Report)