Sustainability

Sustainability

UNIQUE EPHESUS TOUR – Sustainability Policy

Purpose

UNIQUE EPHESUS TOUR is committed to promoting sustainable tourism. The purpose of this policy is to improve environmental performance, promote responsible behavior, and actively seek sustainable solutions across all areas of tourism in which we engage. Through responsible practices, we aim to minimize negative impacts on both the natural and social environment.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, including freelance tour guides, and will be communicated to suppliers, partners, and clients. The company’s Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for implementing and monitoring this policy.

Mission

Our mission is to foster a sustainable society and responsible trade by raising awareness among all stakeholders. We strive to minimize and mitigate environmental impacts while actively contributing to local communities and broader society.

Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance

  • UNIQUE EPHESUS TOUR  leadership is fully committed to our sustainability mission and policy.

  • We use the Travelife platform to monitor, report, and evaluate progress.

  • Our sustainability performance will be publicly reported every two years.

  • We commit to continuous improvement in sustainability practices with dedicated personnel and resources.

  • We comply with all local, regional, national, and international regulations related to:

    • Human resources, human rights, children’s rights, and land rights

    • Environmental management, wildlife, and land use

  • We uphold a strict Code of Ethics with zero tolerance for corruption, bribery, forced labor, and discrimination, and expect the same commitment from our partners and suppliers.

Internal Management

Social Policy & Human Rights

  • We provide fair and equal employment opportunities regardless of gender, race, age, religion, nationality, or marital status.

  • We ensure a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment where employees can realize their potential.

Environmental Management in Office Operations

We minimize our direct footprint by applying the principles of circularity and the 5Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle):

  • Full compliance with local and national environmental laws

  • Monitoring and reducing energy, water, and waste consumption

  • Procuring office supplies locally, in bulk, sustainably certified, and with minimal packaging

  • Printing only when necessary, on FSC-certified or recycled paper, double-sided and grayscale

  • Using energy-efficient lighting and equipment, switched off or in sleep mode when not in use

  • Implementing water-saving measures in common areas

  • Separating waste into categories (plastic, organic, paper, metal, hazardous, glass, e-waste, landfill) and ensuring proper disposal

  • Minimizing noise, light, and air pollution

Land Use

Our office is located in a historical area, respecting all land-use laws and prioritizing sustainable architecture and design.

Suppliers Policy

We are committed to sourcing responsibly, ensuring that suppliers respect society, culture, and the environment.

  • Preference for locally-owned hotels, guesthouses, and suppliers that hire locally, use seasonal products, and support community development.

  • Preference for suppliers with sustainability policies and/or GSTC-accredited certification.

  • Suppliers must adhere to our Code of Conduct, including:

    • Compliance with regulations

    • Respect for human, labor, children’s, and women’s rights

    • Fair employment conditions

    • Zero tolerance for corruption, bribery, extortion, and discrimination

    • Protection of children from sexual exploitation in tourism

    • Protection of environment and natural resources

    • Commitment to supporting local communities

Transport Policy

  • Clients are informed about public transport options whenever possible.

  • Group transport is optimized by using appropriately sized, fuel-efficient vehicles.

  • Preference for overland transport for short distances; in-destination flights are avoided.

  • Clients are encouraged to offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Activities & Excursions

  • We prioritize excursions that support communities, respect animal welfare, and protect the environment.

  • We do not sell activities involving captive animals (e.g., lion safaris).

  • We require excursion providers to respect wildlife and biodiversity and to follow our sustainability code.

  • We provide partners with free access to the Travelife learning platform for sustainable management training.

Local Guides

  • All guides are certified and members of the TÜREB (Union of Turkish Tourist Guides Chambers).

  • Guides receive regular training, including child protection awareness and responsible tourism practices.

  • Guides serve as cultural and environmental ambassadors, ensuring visitors behave responsibly.

Destinations

  • We actively participate in the development of long-distance walking routes and workshops with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism.

  • We promote local products, local food, and cultural preservation.

  • We ensure natural and cultural resources remain intact and educate visitors in responsible behavior.

  • We support TEMA Foundation (https://www.tema.org.tr/) to further our environmental commitments.

Customer Communication & Protection

Before Booking

  • Provide clear guidelines and consultation for travelers

  • Ensure privacy protection

  • Comply with ethical marketing standards, avoiding false promises

During Travel

  • Provide information on natural surroundings, cultural heritage, and local conduct

  • Ensure emergency contacts and procedures are available

  • Uphold high standards of health and safety

Customer Experience

Our policies ensure customer satisfaction and safety, covering:

  • Health and safety procedures

  • Emergency protocols

  • Data privacy

  • Group size management

  • Transport and greenhouse gas offsets

  • Shopping guidelines

  • Prevention of sexual exploitation and child labor in tourism

  • Complaint handling and satisfaction surveys

We maintain open communication channels and encourage feedback, especially related to sustainability.

Conclusion

UNIQUE EPHESUS TOU is committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations. By engaging employees, suppliers, partners, and clients, we work toward a responsible and resilient tourism sector that benefits both people and the planet