Sustainability Policy

At Indo Asia Tours, sustainability is not just a commitment—it is a core principle guiding how we operate, grow, and interact with the world around us. This policy has been developed to provide a clear framework for integrating sustainable practices into every facet of our business.

Our purpose is twofold:

1. To minimize negative environmental, social, and cultural impacts of tourism through responsible practices and continuous improvement.

2. To make a positive contribution to underprivileged communities and environmental preservation by creating long-term value through ethical tourism practices.

This document serves as a guiding tool to align our organizational goals with global sustainability standards and to inspire our stakeholders—including staff, suppliers, partners, and guests—to join us in promoting responsible travel.

This policy applies to:

• All operations of Indo Asia Tours

• Employees and management across all departments

• Suppliers and vendors, including accommodations, transport providers, and activity partners

• Partner agencies and destination management companies (DMCs)

• Marketing, communications, and customer engagement teams

All stakeholders are expected to understand, commit to, and actively participate in implementing this policy in their respective roles.

Commitment to Sustainability Indo Asia Tours is committed to embedding sustainability into the core of our corporate strategy. Our leadership team has fully endorsed this policy and actively promotes sustainable practices within the organization and across the value chain.

We utilize internationally recognized platforms, such as Travelife, to systematically monitor, report, and improve our sustainability performance on a biennial basis.

Legal and Ethical Compliance

We strictly adhere to all applicable laws and regulations at local, regional, national, and international levels, including but not limited to:

• Labor laws and fair employment practices

• Environmental and wildlife protection laws

• Anti-corruption and anti-bribery legislation

• Regulations regarding children’s rights, land use, and cultural heritage

Additionally, we maintain a comprehensive Code of Ethics, which includes a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Corruption and bribery

• Forced labor and human trafficking

• Discrimination on any grounds

• Child exploitation in tourism

Social Responsibility & Human Rights We believe that empowered employees are essential to delivering transformative travel experiences.

We foster an inclusive, equitable, and supportive work environment through the following commitments:

• Professional Development: We actively support both career-related and job-specific training for all employees including sustainability certification programs.

• Equal Pay: We ensure equal remuneration for equal work, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, or religion.

• Safe and Inclusive Workplace: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, abuse, and any form of discrimination.

• Human Rights Advocacy: We stand firmly against all forms of exploitation, including child labor and human trafficking, and expect the same from all our partners and suppliers.

Environmental Management – Office Operations

We aim to operate our business with minimal environmental impact through the application of the 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle. Key measures include:

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable environmental regulations.

• Monitor and actively reduce energy, water, and material consumption.

• Procure sustainable, fair-trade, and locally sourced supplies whenever possible.

• Minimize printing and using FSC or equivalent certified Paper, when printing is necessary.

• Use energy-efficient lighting and appliances and switch them off when not in use.

• Implement rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems.

• Separation and responsible disposal of all waste types, including e-waste

• Utilize available solar energy to reduce dependence on non-renewable power sources.

• Limit air, noise, and light pollution within and around office premises.

Carbon Management

As part of our climate action plan, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint by:

• Regularly calculating and monitoring carbon metrics

• Offsetting emissions through tree planting and green cover expansion

• Encouraging staff to carpool or use public/eco-friendly transport whenever possible

• Facilitating remote work where applicable

• Installing energy-efficient appliances and equipment.

Land Use

Our offices are situated in urban zones and operate in compliance with all local land-use regulations. We support environmentally conscious urban design and respect both natural and cultural landscapes.

Responsible Sourcing and Partnerships Indo Asia Tours is committed to sourcing goods and services in a way that minimizes negative impacts on society, culture, and the environment. We expect our suppliers to demonstrate the same level of commitment.

We prioritize partnerships with suppliers who:

• Are locally owned or managed

• Contribute to local economic and community development through equitable hiring

• Follow sustainable practices or hold recognized sustainability certifications

• Operate ethically, transparently, and in alignment with our values

Ethical Expectations

All suppliers are expected to adhere to our Code of Ethics, which includes:

• Compliance with all applicable local, national, and international laws

• Respect for human rights, including labor rights, gender equality, and children’s rights

• Commitment to fair working conditions and non-discriminatory practices

• Adherence to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and anti-extortion policies

• Zero tolerance for child exploitation (including sexual exploitation) or trafficking in tourism

• Active protection of the environment and responsible use of natural resources

• Respect for and benefit to local communities

Collaboration and Training

We believe in building long-term, responsible partnerships and actively engage with our suppliers to:

• Raise awareness of sustainable and ethical business practices

• Support continuous improvement in environmental and social performance

• Share resources, tools, and training opportunities to promote continual learning in sustainability

• Encourage open, transparent communication and feedback on all areas, especially sustainability

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for violations of these principles and will terminate relationships with any supplier found to engage in bribery, corruption, discrimination, or abuse of human rights.

We only work with partner agencies that share our ethical values and commitment to sustainability.

These partners are expected to:

• Adhere to our Code of Conduct

• Promote responsible travel experiences

• Support local communities and minimize environmental impact

Indo Asia Tours maintains its own fleet of vehicles and collaborates with responsible external transport providers, all overseen by a dedicated Transport Manager.

We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of transportation while ensuring guest safety, comfort, and reliability.

Key practices include:

• Ensuring all vehicles comply with international emission standards and undergo regular pollution checks

• Paying green tax fees wherever applicable

• Using vehicles that are less than 3 years old (preferably EURO VI), where feasible

• Equipping all vehicles with first-aid kits, including basic medicines

• Choosing the most environmentally friendly travel options available—such as rail or ground transport over air travel for short-haul routes—while considering distance, price, and guest comfort

• Matching vehicle size to group size to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption

• Training drivers in eco-driving techniques to reduce emissions and fuel use

• Installing permanent water dispensers in all newly acquired buses to reduce plastic bottle usage

• Selecting transport providers who adhere to Indo Asia Tours’ Code of Conduct

At Indo Asia Tours, we believe that where our guests stay should reflect our values of sustainability, local empowerment, and cultural respect. We carefully select accommodation partners that align with these principles, ensuring that every stay contributes positively to the destination’s environment and communities.

We partner with accommodations that:

• Are locally owned or managed, or part of international hotel chains that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability.

• Are carefully handpicked through regular assessments and on-site inspections by our team to ensure they meet environmental, social, and operational standards

• Preferably comply with recognized sustainability standards, such as PUG or Footprint certification by Travel Operators for Tigers (TofTigers), or demonstrate meaningful efforts toward sustainable operations

• Engage meaningfully with local communities—respecting cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, avoiding infringement on community rights and access to essential services or resources, and promoting fair employment and local socio- economic development

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance and discontinue partnerships with accommodations that fail to meet our environmental, social, or ethical expectations. At the same time, we actively recognize and incentivize accommodation partners who go above and beyond in implementing sustainable practices—through preferred placements, long-term collaborations, and greater visibility in our guest offerings.

We are committed to designing and offering experiences that enrich our guests while sustaining the communities and ecosystems that host them. Our programs are developed to be viable long- term and actively contribute to local economies through environmentally responsible and ethical practices.We collaborate closely with trusted local suppliers and international partners to deliver activities and excursions characterized by cultural sensitivity, ecological awareness, and ethical integrity.

Our key commitments include:

• Prohibiting activities that may harm people, animals, plants, or natural resources (e.g., water, energy), and avoiding promotion of socially or culturally unacceptable products or practices.

• Avoiding excursions involving captive wildlife unless they are part of regulated programs complying with local, national, and international laws and recognized animal welfare standards.

• Minimizing environmental disturbance and ensuring responsible interactions during all excursions—including with wildlife, promoting respectful traveler behavior, and adhering to established codes of conduct and the principle of “No Excessive Negative Impact ”

• Encouraging international partners to donate a portion of their profits from operations in all our destinations to support underprivileged communities in visited areas, channeling tourism revenues into grassroots development projects that promote local empowerment and foster sustainable growth.

• Ensuring that wildlife is not harvested, consumed, displayed, sold, or traded, except under regulated conditions that guarantee sustainability and full legal compliance.

• Prohibiting the purchase, sale, or promotion of souvenirs made from endangered or protected species or sourced through illegal or unsustainable means.

• Ensuring all activity and excursion suppliers understand and support our sustainability objectives, fostering shared responsibility for ethical tourism.

Through these commitments, including strict adherence to avoiding excessive negative impact activities, we aim to create meaningful experiences that respect both the environment and local communities, ensuring tourism remains a force for positive change. Our dedication to sustainable tourism has been recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, India, and honored with the National Tourism Award for Best Innovative Project, motivating us to continually raise the standard for responsible travel.

At Indo Asia Tours, we believe that the success of our operations is rooted in the knowledge, passion, and ethical responsibility of our tour leaders, guides, and local representatives. We employ an in-house team of licensed and certified tour leaders who, when needed, collaborate with carefully selected external guides. Whether employed directly by us or through trusted partners, all our guides ensure that our services are delivered with cultural sensitivity, ecological awareness, and the highest ethical integrity, in alignment with our sustainability values.

Our commitments include:

• Fair Compensation and Safe Working Conditions: All our tour leaders and guides are fairly compensated and provided with safe, supportive working This commitment extends to guides employed directly by Indo Asia Tours, as well as those hired by our local suppliers on our behalf.

• Responsible Tourism and Ethical Practices: We ensure that all guides are well-versed in the environmental, socio-cultural, and ethical context of the destinations we They are trained to educate guests on responsible tourism practices, including discouraging the purchase of illegal or harmful souvenirs, such as those made from endangered species or prohibited materials, as outlined by local and international laws.

• Child Protection and Ethical Conduct: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding the sexual exploitation of children in tourism. Our guides are trained to recognize, prevent, and report exploitation, ensuring they adhere to the highest ethical standards in all interactions. This commitment supports our broader policies on safeguarding human rights and promoting ethical tourism practices.

• Ongoing Learning and Development: We are committed to the continuous professional development of our guides. This includes access to resources such as Travelife’s online sustainability platform to keep guides updated on responsible tourism practices and sustainability Additionally, regular refresher training ensures that guides remain informed and well-equipped to lead tours in a sustainable manner.

Indo Asia Tours is committed to preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of the destinations we promote. We work closely with local stakeholders to ensure that tourism enhances local economies while protecting the environment and respecting cultural heritage.

Our commitments include:

• Responsible Tourism: Through on-tour briefings and pre-trip emails, educate our guests on responsible tourism practices, emphasizing the importance of respecting local cultures, traditions, and natural environments. Our aim is to ensure that every guest engages with destinations in a respectful and sustainable way, supporting local arts and culture and helping tourism benefit local industries and heritage.

• Discouraging Illegal/Prohibited Souvenirs and Substances: We actively discourage the purchase of illegal, forbidden, or prohibited souvenirs, including those made from endangered species, threatened flora, or substances prohibited by local and international laws. Our guides and staff ensure that guests are informed of the legal restrictions and environmental implications, contributing to the protection of local ecosystems and

• Accessible destinations and Sustainable Transport Choices: We prioritize destinations that are accessible via sustainable transport options. We also encourage guests to choose environmentally friendly travel methods such as rail or ground transport, particularly for short-haul routes where air travel can be Factors like distance, price, and guest comfort are considered to ensure that our transport choices minimize environmental impact.

• Collaboration with Local Stakeholders: We work closely with local stakeholders in the planning and decision-making processes related to tourism. This collaboration ensures that tourism benefits the community, helps preserve cultural heritage, and supports sustainable development.

At Indo Asia Tours, we are committed to providing exceptional customer experiences through transparent, ethical communication and a strong focus on data protection. We actively encourage customer feedback to continually improve our services and ensure we meet their expectations. Our approach is built on trust, respect, and clarity at all stages of the customer journey, aligned with our motto: “Welcome a Tourist and Send Back a Friend.”

Marketing and Communication

We are committed to honesty and integrity in all our communications. This includes:

• Transparency: Avoiding misleading or exaggerated claims and firmly standing against green washing.

• Commitment to Promises: Honoring all explicit and implicit commitments made through our products and services.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Ensuring our marketing materials and communications are inclusive and culturally sensitive, taking into account cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity.

• Sustainability Advocacy: Depending on client preferences, educate customers on sustainable choices available during their trips. This includes opting for certified accommodations, responsible activities, and excursions that benefit local communities and the environment. Actively discourage the purchase of illegal or harmful souvenirs and promote responsible shopping.

Privacy and Data Protection

We respect the privacy and security of all customer data. In alignment with GDPR and other relevant regulations, we ensure:

• Legal Compliance: All customer data is handled in full compliance with applicable laws.

• Secure Data Handling: Prioritizing the security of personal data to protect customer privacy.

• Clear Communication: Keeping customers informed about how their data is used.

• Opt-Out Respect: Honoring customers’ preferences to opt out of receiving promotional communications.

Customer Experience

We strive to deliver a consistently high-quality and responsible travel experience. We ensure customer satisfaction and safety through the following measures:

• Health and Safety Protocols: Prioritizing the well-being of our customers throughout their journey.

• Emergency Procedures & 24/7 Support: Providing immediate assistance and ensuring customer safety at all times.

• Transport & Accommodation Standards: Offering safe, comfortable, and reliable transportation and lodging options.

• Child Protection & Anti-Exploitation: Upholding strict guidelines to prevent any form of child exploitation or abuse in tourism.

• Complaint Resolution & Customer Feedback: Addressing complaints promptly and using customer feedback to continually improve our services.

Management Responsibility The successful implementation of this policy is a shared responsibility across all departments.

Senior management is responsible for:

• Allocating necessary resources for sustainability

• Monitoring the progress of policy execution

• Periodically reviewing and updating the policy as required

Responsible Officer

To ensure efficient execution, we have appointed a dedicated Sustainability Coordinator, Mr. Sahil Gupta, to lead the implementation of this policy. He can be contacted at marketing@indoasiatours.com for any questions, clarifications, or suggestions regarding this policy.

This policy will be implemented with immediate effect. To ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness, it will be reviewed every two years or sooner, if necessary, to reflect changes in regulations, industry standards, or organizational goals. Performance will be assessed based on measurable sustainability indicators, stakeholder feedback, and third-party audits where applicable.