I. POLICY STATEMENT

• PURPOSE
Cubarama DMC is committed to sustainable tourism with a mission to minimize negative impacts on the environment in collaboration with the accommodation providers while maximizing positive effects on local communities.
• SCOPE
This policy applies to all Cubarama DMC established and newcoming Accommodation Providers/Partners.

II. SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION PRINCIPLES

• On the Right Comfort for the Right Price
- The establishment is hygienic, sanitary and safe and can offer good comfort and service to the expectations of our clients. Sustainable accommodation practices can be found in all price ranges; hence we aim to identify the most sustainable options available within the budget of our clients.

• On Fair Business Practices
- The establishment follows fair business practices, including transparency and adherence to law, human rights and economic/social equity, and environmental and animal protection.

• On the Environment and Society
- The establishment places high priority on sustainable practices, aiming at minimizing its negative impacts on the surrounding environment and society through operational activities, procurement, water and energy, waste management, and transportations.

• On General Welfare
“We prioritize relationships with local accommodation suppliers available in the destinations or accommodation suppliers in which operational activities do not cause any harms to the environment nor to the local communities.

Preference is given to the accommodation suppliers that:
- Work with internationally acknowledged certifications, such as Travelife or other GSTC recognized or accredited labels, or if not, have values on eco-friendly practices with the initiatives to regularly share their performance biennially with Cubarama DMC, ensuring alignment and engagement with the company’s sustainability commitment on Sustainability and Quality Standards.
- Employs locals with Equal Employment Opportunity.
- Support local communities in any form such as community services, organize collective training, supporting local projects focusing on sustainable environment, etc.
- Respect and protect the rights of children against child labor and sexual exploitation.
- Respect for its employees’ human rights and wellness.
- Discouraged protected animals and plants as exotic food in their menu.
- Encourage themselves/staff to participate in local, national, or international sustainability training and education for awareness.
And that, contracted accommodations that jeopardize the local community’s access to basic resources and services (e.g. food, water, energy, or healthcare), or endanger animal welfare, or the integrity of such services may face a termination of our partnership.”

• On Community Value
- The establishment respects the intellectual property rights of local communities and contributes to the local community in whichever way they can (e.g. sponsoring of local events, donation to local heritage sites, community services, etc.).

III. COMMUNICATION

• Email and Phone: Our most common communication is via email and phone. Particularly when sending emails, we can communicate on some sustainability aspects or set a sustainability reminder using the email’s automatic signature.
• In-person visit: When we have the opportunity, we visit the accommodation in person to check the property. We include bringing up the sustainability topic, providing information or suggestions on how to improve and become more sustainable in the discussion.

What we communicate — Our company promotes as a mandatory policy the following:

- No Child Labor and Sexual Exploitation
- Proper Waste Management
- Protection of biodiversity
- Water and Energy Conservation
- Eco-friendly Cleaning Materials
- No exotic/protected plants and animals on the list of menus
- Recommendation of sustainable transportation to clients
- Recommendation of slow travel tours
- Recommendation of local products and services to support the local community.

I. POLICY STATEMENT

PURPOSE
- Cubarama DMC is committed to sustainable tourism with a mission to minimize negative impacts on the environment during the excursion activities while maximizing positive effects on local communities.

SCOPE
- This policy applies to all Cubarama DMC established and newcoming Excursion Providers.

II. EXCURSION SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

A. TOUR

• RESPECT FOR LOCAL TRADITIONS:

- Favor respectful interactions with local people.
- Include visits to local arts and crafts venues.
- Include food which reflects the region’s cuisine.
- Always ask before taking photos.

• RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:

- Comply with regulations of protected areas (e.g. national parks).
- Give preference to slow, non-motorized means of transport (e.g., hiking, bicycling, walking).
- Recommend small group sizes to respect the carrying capacity of the site visited.
- Make sure no rubbish is left on-site.
- Offer the possibility to refill water and eat/purchase snacks such as local fruits, etc.

• RESPECT FOR PLANTS AND ANIMALS (wildlife or domestic, especially endangered species):

- Refrain/stop offering excursions involving animals, close contact, trade, consumption, or animal performing acts.
- Ensure there will always be a distance between guests and animals encountered in the destinations, and do not allow any animal feeding.

• SUPPORT THE LOCAL ECONOMY:

- Encourage purchase of locally made arts and crafts.
- Dine at locally owned restaurants that in turn support local farmers.
- Hire local workers and guides.

• CUSTOMER AWARENESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES:

- Work with locals to make sure they share information about local history, culture, religions, traditions, etc.
- Obtain guidance from locals regarding guests’ culturally appropriate behaviors (e.g., dress code, photography etiquette, etc.).
- Hire locals and specialists to educate travelers on local flora and fauna, history, architecture, economy, and food.

B. EXCURSION PROVIDER

- Activity providers must be locally owned and be based in the community.
- Activity providers with nationally or internationally recognized sustainability certification(s) are preferred.
- Activity providers provide a fair working environment for their employees (including licensed tour guides).
- Activity providers offer educational/training/professional development opportunities to their employees and tour guides (topics may include sustainability, child protection, first aid, etc.)
- Activity providers ensure that children’s rights are respected and people under the age of 14 are not employed.
- Activity providers do not impede the provision of basic services for local communities, and do not impact locals’ access to natural/cultural resources.
- Activity providers limit their negative effects on local and global biodiversity.
- Activity providers must give preference to local guides that are appropriately trained and qualified, especially in culturally sensitive sites, heritage sites, and ecologically sensitive destinations.

CONCLUSION:

“Cubarama D.M.C. preference is given to excursions that operate based on the sustainability and quality standards, demonstrate respect to local traditions, animal welfare, and the environment. Contracted excursion provider does not offer products and services that endanger humans, animals, plants, natural resources, nor offer products that may be considered socially/culturally unacceptable. The contracted excursion provider does not offer activities where captive wildlife is held, except for properly regulated activities in compliance with local, national, and international law. Excursions, which include interactions with wildlife, comply with relevant codes of conduct. Any disturbance of natural ecosystems must be minimized.” 

1. POLICY STATEMENT

• PURPOSE

- Cubarama DMC is committed to sustainable tourism with a mission to minimize negative impacts on the environment while maximizing positive effects on local communities.

• SCOPE

- This policy applies to all Cubarama DMC established and newcoming Inbound Partner Agencies, including inbound partner agencies offering transportation as providers.

2. SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

- Reducing Carbon Footprint through efficient operational activities such as sustainable procurement, mobility/sustainable transportation use and offers, energy, slow travel options, and staff sustainability training/awareness raising on CO2 compensation.
- Pollution Reduction and Waste Management: reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, and ensuring responsible waste segregation and proper disposal practices.
- Water and Energy Conservation: ensure to prevent water and energy wastage in the office.
- Protecting Natural Resources: support the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity by practicing sustainability.

• SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

- Respect for Human Rights: comply with international human rights standards and ensure that partners also adhere to these standards.
- Fair Employment Practices: promote fair wages, safe working conditions, freedom of association, and forbid forced labor, any forms of abuse and illegal conducts against their employees.
- Equal Employment Opportunities: ensures that the partner agency does not discriminate against recruitment, conditions of employment, access to training and senior positions, advancement in terms of occupancy, gender, race, disability, ethnicity, religion/belief, sexual orientation or in any other way.
- Support Local Communities: prioritize local businesses and create opportunities for economic development in destinations.
- Protecting Children: implement measures to prevent child exploitation and all potential forms of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, psychological) in the tourism industry and report any suspicious behavior on the premises or during excursions from guests, employees, or staff to the local authorities. Not taking adequate measures to prevent children’s exploitation within the direct supply chain (accommodations, transportation, and excursions) can result in the termination of the contract.
- Ethical Marketing: ensure that marketing materials are accurate, transparent, and do not exaggerate sustainability claims.

• ETHICAL TOURISM

- Transparency: be open and honest about the agency's sustainability practices and commitments.
- Accountability: establish clear accountability for meeting sustainability targets and addressing any negative impacts.
- Continuous Improvement: regularly review and improve the agency's sustainability practices.

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:
“Cubarama D.M.C. preference is with travel agencies that have a written sustainability statement as an integral part of their business policy and with a clear sustainability policy in place. We expect our partners to comply with GSTC-accredited certifications and other equivalent, and lastly, to regularly evaluate their sustainability claims to ensure practices are aligned with our own company policies.” 

- Cubarama DMC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our clients, especially children and vulnerable individuals. We have a strict zero-tolerance policy towards child sexual exploitation (CSE) and are dedicated to preventing any form of abuse or exploitation during our services.

POLICY STATEMENT

1. ZERO TOLERANCE:

- We do not condone, tolerate, or permit any form of child sexual exploitation or abuse by our staff, partners, or clients.

2. LEGAL COMPLIANCE:

- We adhere to all applicable local, national, and international laws related to child protection and anti-human trafficking.

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

- Staff members and partners receive training on identifying and preventing child exploitation.
- We conduct thorough background checks on employees and partners working with children or vulnerable populations.
- Clear codes of conduct are established and communicated to all staff and partners.

4. REPORTING AND RESPONSE:

- Any suspicion or evidence of child sexual exploitation will be taken seriously and reported to appropriate authorities immediately.
- We cooperate fully with law enforcement investigations and support victims.

5. CUSTOMER CONDUCT:

- Clients are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly. Any inappropriate behavior towards children or vulnerable individuals will result in removal from our services and potential legal action.

6. AWARENESS AND EDUCATION:

- We promote awareness among our staff, partners, and clients about the importance of protecting children from exploitation.

OUR COMMITMENT

We are committed to creating a safe environment for all travelers and community members, and to actively prevent child sexual exploitation in all aspects of our operations.

NO EMPLOYEE IS PERMITTED TO:

• Use or permit the use of the company’s facilities, resources, or equipment to facilitate or support (including viewing, storing, or distributing) materials that depict children engaged in any sexual activity.
• Use or endorse images or concepts that sexually exploit children.
• Under no circumstances should the company’s funds, property, or personnel be involved in or support activities that violate the ECPAT Code or the company’s own Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

PROCEDURES

• In the event that an employee suspects child sexual abuse, they are advised to obtain further information regarding the alleged perpetrator and to communicate their concerns to the appropriate managerial authority.
• Employees who observe a child-related offense are encouraged to report the matter to their manager.
• According to the available information, the manager/head of the office will determine whether and which authorities and/or childcare organizations will be notified.

Cubarama DMC is committed to promoting responsible and lawful tourism. As part of our commitment, we strictly prohibit the purchase, sale, or transportation of illegal or prohibited souvenirs. Such items may include, but are not limited to:

• Antiquities or artifacts acquired unlawfully or without appropriate permits
• Wildlife products or items crafted from endangered species (e.g., ivory, coral, shells)
• Cultural artifacts protected by law
• Items that infringe upon intellectual property rights or are restricted by customs or immigration regulations.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Travelers are responsible for ensuring that any souvenirs or goods they purchase adhere to local, national, and international laws.

Our guides and staff will provide guidance and information regarding legally permissible souvenirs and common restrictions on the destinations visited.

COMPANY POLICIES

We do not endorse or facilitate the purchase or transportation of illegal souvenirs. Any traveler attempting to carry illegal souvenirs will bear sole responsibility for any legal consequences, including confiscation, fines, or legal action. We reserve the right to refuse service or participation in our tours to individuals who violate this policy.

OUR COMMITMENT

We strive to educate travelers about the importance of ethical and legal souvenir collection.
We work in partnership with local authorities and conservation agencies to promote sustainable and lawful tourism practices.
By traveling with Cubarama DMC, you agree to comply with this policy and to respect the legal and cultural norms of the destinations you visit.

I. POLICY STATEMENT

• Cubarama D.M.C. is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and promoting a sustainable future by mandating regular sustainability awareness and training for its staff. This Sustainability Awareness Training can be accessed through webinars, programs offered by local government units (LGUs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or through peer coaching.

II. SCOPE

• This policy applies to all Cubarama employees.

III. PRINCIPLES

• Cubarama staff will engage in sustainable, ethical, and responsible practices across all aspects of their work.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES ON SUSTAINABILITY

• All employees are accountable for utilizing resources efficiently, reporting environmental concerns, and adhering to established sustainability practices.

V. ACTION PLAN

• Resource Use: Encourage employees to conserve energy by turning off lights, computers, and equipment when not in use. Additionally, promote efficient water usage.
• Waste Management: Enhance general waste reduction.
• Travel: Encourage employees to utilize public transportation, carpools, bikes, or walk whenever feasible. When travel is essential, prioritize low-carbon transportation alternatives.
• Procurement: Encourage employees to select environmentally friendly products and services whenever feasible. When making purchasing decisions, it is important to consider factors such as recycled content, minimal packaging, and energy efficiency.
• Stakeholders Engagement: Encourage employees to participate in community outreach and sustainability initiatives.

VI. REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT

• This policy will be reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and make necessary improvements.