Since 2017, Destination Asia Thailand has been working with Travelife, a recognized certification scheme for tour operators, to transform our business into a more responsible practice. This year, we have successfully renewed Travelife Partner Level certification for the second time – recognizing the long-term efforts and position of Destination Asia as a leader in responsible travel and corporate social responsibility within Asia.
In achieving the Partner Level certification, Destination Asia Thailand succeeded to comply with more than 190 sustainability criteria covering sustainability practices in employee wellbeing, product development, supply chain engagement, and customer relation. The Travelife standards cover the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes – including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations – and is formally recognised as in full compliance with the UN-supported Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.
With the certification, it shows our commitment to comply with all our sustainability standards. However, it is not all about certification. Throughout 2020 Destination Asia Thailand will be rolling out several sustainability initiatives including increasing responsible tourism products, engaging with suppliers to offer responsible options, as well as running workshops for staff and guides to raise awareness internally.
Since becoming a Travelife member, Destination Asia has joined with other DMCs as members of the ‘Elephant Camp Welfare and Sustainability Standard and Assessment Initiative’. As a key member of the group, Destination Asia is helping develop common standards and tools in order to jointly evaluate suppliers and ultimately, motivate camps towards improved animal welfare and sustainability standards.
