sustainable tourism policy

Our Commitment to Sustainability

We are very proud of our little part of the planet, and in everything we do, we strive to protect and preserve the beautiful environment in which we live. Tourism does not have to be harmful, and we are continually looking for ways to minimize our impact on the world, both through our own actions and through the hotels, services and experiences we offer to our travelers.

We also believe that tourism should benefit local communities and celebrate their culture, history and traditions. This commitment is reflected throughout our accommodation portfolio, tours and authentic experiences.

Vapues Travel is proud to be one of the first companies in the region to achieve Travelife Partner status. We continue working to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics from our experiences and to support innovative local projects that contribute to communities and help conserve and regenerate the extraordinary natural environment that surrounds us.

Our objective is to continuously apply and promote good sustainability practices and to influence, as far as possible, our employees, collaborators, clients and suppliers so that they actively contribute to sustainable tourism.

  1. 1Mission

    To enrich the lives of our customers and transform the way they experience sustainable tourism through innovative, high-quality travel services that encourage them to discover, learn and transform.

  2. 2Vision

    To enrich the quality of life of our customers and exceed their expectations through three fundamental pillars: professionalism, sustainability and innovation, while achieving recognition as a leader in inbound tourism in Central America.

  3. 3General Sustainability Policy

    To realize our vision, we have implemented procedures that apply to all staff members and, whenever possible, to our suppliers, partners and clients.

    We implement and promote sustainable tourism by informing and involving these stakeholders in good practices that help preserve local culture, history and nature, contribute to local economies and protect the environment.

    Our main management processes are:

    • Quality management
    • Environmental management; and
    • Occupational health and safety management for employees and customers.

    With regard to quality management, we are committed to meeting the legal requirements and standards established in our quality management procedures in coordination with our customers, including wholesalers and outbound travel agencies.

    Regarding environmental management, we are committed to complying with applicable legal requirements and to implementing and promoting our sustainability policy, pollution prevention and climate-change prevention.

    Regarding occupational health and safety, we are committed to complying with applicable legal requirements, preventing occupational hazards and minimizing health risks through our procedures and risk-management guidelines.

    We are committed to the continuous improvement of all these management processes.

  4. 4Sustainability Management and Legal Compliance

    We are committed to effective sustainability management through the following actions:

    • Designating a member of staff responsible for sustainability coordination and related tasks;
    • Maintaining a sustainability mission statement and communicating it to clients, partners and suppliers;
    • Maintaining a written and accessible sustainability policy aimed at reducing the negative social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of our activities, including health and safety considerations for employees;
    • Collaborating with initiatives that support sustainable tourism;
    • Conducting a baseline assessment of our sustainability performance and updating it every two years in accordance with the Travelife standard;
    • Establishing sustainability guidelines and an evaluation system to assess the sustainability performance of our main suppliers and partners;
    • Maintaining a sustainability action plan with clear objectives, actions, indicators, responsibilities and timelines, and reviewing and updating the plan every two years;
    • Developing documented procedures to monitor and evaluate the implementation of our sustainability policy, objectives and targets;
    • Ensuring transparency in our sustainability performance through public reporting and communication; and
    • Ensuring that all employees understand our sustainability policy and are committed to implementing and continuously improving it.

    We are committed to complying with all applicable national laws, regulations and codes of practice.

  5. 5Internal Management: Social Policy and Human Rights

    We are committed to responsible and sustainable internal management through a clear, written and well-communicated social policy.

    Employment and Working Conditions

    We will:

    • Respect employees' freedom of employment and their right to terminate their employment relationship with the legally required notice period and without penalty;
    • Include legally compliant working conditions and a clear job description in employment contracts;
    • State salaries in employment contracts and ensure that they meet or exceed the applicable national legal minimum;
    • Determine and compensate overtime in accordance with applicable labor legislation;
    • Provide social security registration in accordance with national legislation;
    • Respect employees' legally established leave and sick-leave entitlements;
    • Comply with national occupational health and safety legislation;
    • Maintain first-aid equipment and trained personnel in our offices and in the field;
    • Comply with national legislation concerning the minimum age for employment;
    • Maintain effective and documented procedures through which employees can express complaints, concerns and expectations;
    • Maintain a clear disciplinary procedure that is effectively communicated to employees;
    • Periodically measure employee satisfaction; and
    • Provide employees with regular guidance and training regarding their duties, rights and responsibilities in health and safety, including fire and relevant natural-disaster preparedness.

    We will also promote employment opportunities for people with special needs.

    Human Rights, Equality and Non-Discrimination

    We are committed to respecting and promoting human rights by:

    • Respecting employees' freedom of association, collective bargaining and trade-union representation;
    • Maintaining a supportive and respectful environment in which employees can be heard;
    • Prohibiting discrimination in recruitment, employment conditions, access to training, senior positions and promotion on the basis of gender, race, age, disability, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, or sexual orientation;
    • Ensuring equal opportunities and access to resources and personal-development opportunities through regular training and education;
    • Maintaining a working environment free from discrimination and harassment;
    • Encouraging employees to report harassment or discrimination; and
    • Providing employees with appropriate channels to raise complaints or comments and ensuring that conflicts are handled respectfully, fairly and confidentially.
  6. 6Internal Management: Environment and Community Relations

    We are committed to protecting the environment and strengthening positive relationships with local communities.

    Sustainable Procurement and Resource Use

    We will:

    • Reduce the use of disposable and consumable goods during tours and at our destinations;
    • Give preference, where locally available and appropriate, to sustainable goods and services, office supplies, catering products, gifts and merchandise;
    • Purchase products in bulk where practical in order to reduce packaging;
    • Configure printers and copiers for double-sided printing or other paper-saving options by default;
    • Use non-hazardous, non-eutrophic and biodegradable cleaning products with recognized eco-labels where locally available;
    • Print brochures on environmentally responsible paper and, where locally available and reasonably priced, use printing companies operating under certified environmental management systems;
    • Reduce brochure waste and promote digital or "Internet-only" information where appropriate;
    • Actively measure, monitor and reduce energy consumption;
    • Calculate and document CO₂ emissions associated with tours;
    • Purchase energy-efficient lighting where available;
    • Turn off lights and equipment when not in use and, where possible, use timers, motion sensors and energy-saving settings;
    • Give preference to energy-efficient equipment when purchasing new items, taking cost and quality into consideration;
    • Maintain an active water-consumption reduction policy and monitor consumption periodically for benchmarking;
    • Use sustainable water sources that do not negatively affect environmental flows;
    • Maintain pipes and water equipment properly to prevent unnecessary consumption and losses.

    Waste and Pollution Management

    We will:

    • Comply with national legislation concerning waste disposal;
    • Develop and implement waste-reduction and recycling practices with quantitative objectives;
    • Reduce packaging and avoid providing packaging materials that are non-recyclable or non-biodegradable;
    • Reduce the use of non-refillable plastic water bottles in the office;
    • Separate recyclable materials and ensure their appropriate collection and disposal;
    • Reduce waste associated with printer cartridges and toner whenever possible;
    • Recycle or properly dispose of batteries;
    • Comply with national legislation concerning wastewater treatment and ensure that wastewater is reused or safely discharged where applicable;
    • Minimize and replace the use of hazardous substances wherever possible and ensure appropriate storage, handling and disposal of chemicals;
    • Use lead-free, water-based paints indoors and outdoors where locally available; and
    • Apply appropriate practices to reduce organic pollution and waste.

    Transport and Staff Awareness

    We will:

    • Properly maintain and regularly inspect company vehicles to reduce emissions and energy consumption and ensure compliance with traffic regulations;
    • Provide regular guidance, training and information to employees regarding their responsibilities for internal environmental practices; and
    • Support local companies and initiatives that contribute to environmental preservation and biodiversity conservation.
  7. 7Transport

    We recognize that transportation is an important component of sustainable tourism. We therefore seek to ensure that vehicles used during our excursions do not cause pollution above the applicable average and that transportation-related impacts are minimized.

    We commit to:

    • Select the most sustainable transportation options available, taking price, safety and customer comfort into consideration;
    • Prefer transportation providers that comply with applicable safety requirements and traffic laws;
    • Actively promote sustainable transportation options in our travel offerings, including shared transportation and shuttles where possible, provided that customer safety and comfort are maintained; and
    • Maintain company vehicles appropriately to reduce emissions and energy consumption.
  8. 8Accommodation

    We promote and give preference to accommodations that demonstrate sustainable practices and encourage our accommodation partners to improve their sustainability performance.

    We commit to:

    • Select accommodations that meet appropriate sustainability and quality standards, paying particular attention to:
    • Sustainability clauses in contracts;
    • Water-saving programs;
    • Energy-saving programs;
    • Waste-management programs;
    • Child-protection policies addressing sexual exploitation;
    • Projects benefiting the communities in which our excursions operate; and
    • Employee training in health and safety;
    • Prefer accommodations that employ members of local communities;
    • Encourage accommodations to follow best practices and undertake training in responsible tourism;
    • Encourage accommodation partners to complete sustainability questionnaires so that we can understand and assess their practices;
    • Clearly and actively communicate our sustainability objectives and requirements to contracted accommodations and other relevant accommodation providers;
    • Give preference, where available locally, to accommodations holding internationally recognized sustainability certifications;
    • Include standard sustainability clauses in accommodation contracts addressing child labor, anti-corruption and anti-bribery, waste management and biodiversity protection;
    • Give preference in our travel offerings to accommodations that actively demonstrate their commitment to sustainability;
    • Work with accommodations and restaurants that incorporate local art, architecture and cultural heritage while respecting the intellectual-property rights of local communities; and
    • End cooperation with accommodation providers where there is clear evidence that their activities jeopardize the provision or integrity of basic resources or services, such as food, water, energy, healthcare or land, for neighboring businesses or communities.
  9. 9Excursions and Activities

    We value the well-being of animals, local communities and the natural environment. Our objective is for our excursions and activities to leave the smallest possible footprint while safeguarding the authenticity of local communities and natural environments.

    We commit to:

    • Maintain an inventory of excursions that are environmentally or culturally sensitive in each destination;
    • Advise guests on appropriate behavior during excursions and activities, with particular emphasis on respect for local culture, nature and the environment;
    • Communicate our sustainability objectives and requirements to contracted excursion providers and other relevant suppliers through our code of conduct, website, social media and other appropriate channels;
    • Not offer excursions that harm people, animals, plants or natural resources such as water and energy, or that are socially or culturally unacceptable;
    • Not offer activities involving wildlife kept in captivity, except where activities are properly regulated and comply with applicable local, national and international legislation;
    • Not cooperate with companies that collect, consume, display, sell or trade in wildlife species, unless the activity is regulated and guarantees sustainable use in accordance with applicable legislation;
    • Work with qualified and certified guides when operating in culturally sensitive sites, heritage sites or ecologically sensitive destinations;
    • Actively promote activities that directly involve and support local communities through the purchase of local goods and services or visits to social projects; and
    • Promote activities that support local biodiversity and environmental protection, including visits to protected areas and environmental conservation projects.
  10. 10Tour Leaders, Local Representatives and Guides

    We aim to involve local people, whenever possible, as guides, local representatives, community coordinators and other tourism professionals, within a fair and safe working environment that respects and supports local communities.

    We commit to:

    • Ensure that employees have written employment contracts containing their working conditions and job descriptions and that they fully understand these terms;
    • Prefer to work with local tour leaders, local representatives and local guides;
    • Ensure that local partners comply with applicable national and local laws and regulations, minimum industry standards and other relevant legal requirements;
    • Pay local guides and other locally contracted personnel at least a living wage that meets or exceeds the applicable legal minimum or relevant industry standard;
    • Ensure that our guides, hosts and other contracted personnel are appropriately qualified and have sufficient knowledge of the relevant destination and excursion;
    • Develop sustainable travel programs that include local stakeholders and guides with knowledge of the destination and its relevant sustainability issues;
    • Maintain documented guidance for tour leaders and local guides so that they can inform customers about relevant sustainability issues, including the protection of flora, fauna and cultural heritage, responsible resource use, social norms and values, human rights and child protection against sexual exploitation; and
    • Train our employed tour guides and local representatives to help prevent the sexual exploitation of children.
  11. 11Destinations

    We design our travel offerings to highlight the positive aspects of each destination and to contribute to the sustainable development of the places where we operate.

    We commit to:

    • Consider sustainability criteria when selecting new destinations and explore destinations that offer appropriate sustainable conditions;
    • Avoid selecting destinations where tourism causes significant structural negative impacts on local communities or environments;
    • Consider destinations that can be reached using more sustainable means of transportation, such as shared transport or walking, where appropriate;
    • Comply with applicable land-use planning regulations, protected-area and heritage requirements, and destination-management strategies established by local, regional and national authorities;
    • Support initiatives that strengthen relationships between accommodations and local producers;
    • Support biodiversity conservation, including protected areas and areas of high biodiversity, through financial contributions, advocacy and integration into our travel offerings; and
    • Not promote souvenirs containing threatened flora or fauna species listed under CITES or the IUCN Red List, or historical and archaeological artifacts, except where permitted by law.
  12. 12Communication and Customer Protection

    The well-being and informed participation of our customers are very important to us. We are committed to clear, accurate and consistent communication and to providing a high level of customer protection.

    We maintain a customer-service procedure through our sales manual and commit to:

    • Make company guidelines available for customer consultation and ensure that they are followed by customer advisors;
    • Protect customer privacy;
    • Comply with applicable regulations and voluntary codes of conduct in marketing and advertising and never promise more than we deliver;
    • Ensure that information about our products and prices is clear, complete and accurate, including information concerning our sustainability commitments and claims;
    • Provide objectively correct, balanced and complete information about destinations, including relevant sustainability aspects;
    • Inform customers about the environmental impacts of different transportation options for reaching their destination when these are not included in the package, and offer more sustainable alternatives when available;
    • Actively promote sustainable or certified accommodations, excursions, packages and transportation options, using recognizable logos or messages where appropriate and presenting them as the preferred option;
    • Inform customers about available sustainable alternatives for accommodation, excursions, package travel and transportation;
    • Clearly communicate our sustainability commitments and actions to direct and potential customers.

    Before and During the Holiday

    After booking and throughout the customer's holiday, we commit to:

    • Provide information about the natural environment, local culture and cultural heritage of the destination;
    • Inform customers about key sustainability issues and challenges in the destination and provide recommendations on how they can make a positive contribution;
    • Inform customers about relevant health and safety risks and precautions in the destination;
    • Maintain a contact person and telephone number that are permanently available for emergencies;
    • Train staff and maintain accessible guidelines for responding to emergencies, supported by an emergency manual;
    • Provide customers with documented guidelines and/or codes of conduct for sensitive excursions and activities in order to minimize negative visitor impacts and maximize the quality of their experience;
    • Provide information concerning commercial, sexual or other forms of exploitation and harassment, particularly involving children and adolescents;
    • Inform customers about restrictions and prohibitions concerning the purchase, sale, import and export of historical or religious objects and items containing threatened flora or fauna materials;
    • Encourage customers to use local restaurants and shops whenever possible;
    • Inform customers about sustainable transportation options available at destinations; and
    • Encourage customers to visit local projects and enterprises that support sustainable and inclusive development.

    After the Holiday

    After the holiday, we commit to:

    • Systematically measure customer satisfaction through our customer follow-up procedure before, during and after the customer's stay, monitoring service delivery and taking customer opinions and recommendations into account to improve our results;
    • Include sustainability as an integral part of customer-satisfaction research; and
    • Maintain clear procedures for handling customer complaints.
  13. 13Code of Conduct and Protection

    Vapues Travel is committed to responsible conduct and to protecting people, communities, children, wildlife and the environment.

    We therefore commit to:

    • Establish and communicate appropriate procedures and guidance concerning the prevention of the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents;
    • Train relevant staff, tour leaders, guides and local representatives to help prevent child sexual exploitation;
    • Maintain communication with local authorities and report cases of illegal or violent behavior through the appropriate channels;
    • Promote respect for local communities, their culture, history, traditions and rights;
    • Raise awareness of harmful environmental practices, including the inappropriate captivity of wild animals; and
    • Encourage all relevant stakeholders to act responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and our sustainability principles.
  14. 14Continuous Improvement

    Sustainability is an ongoing process. We are committed to reviewing our performance, monitoring the implementation of this policy and identifying opportunities for improvement.

    We will continue to work with our employees, customers, suppliers, partners, local communities and other stakeholders to strengthen sustainable tourism practices and reduce the negative environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts associated with our activities.

    This policy is supported by our sustainability action plan, internal procedures, employee training and supplier engagement. We will review and update our sustainability performance and action plan periodically, including the two-year review cycle established in our sustainability management approach and in accordance with the Travelife standard.

    Vapues Travel is committed to making sustainability an integral part of the way we operate, the services we provide and the experiences we create.

Sustainability Update - August 2026

Over the past two years, Vapues has implemented a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its social, economic, and environmental performance through a range of corporate social responsibility initiatives.Key actions undertaken include:

  • Implementing environmental education programs for primary school students to promote ecological awareness and encourage sustainable practices from an early age.
  • Organizing painting and horticulture workshops as tools to foster community engagement and support the creation and maintenance of green spaces.
  • Delivering social inclusion workshops and strengthening occupational health and safety practices, including first aid training.
  • Formalizing ethical commitments by implementing supplier codes of conduct, reinforcing transparency, integrity, and responsible business practices throughout the supply chain.
  • Establishing a waste management system focused on the segregation, recovery, donation, reuse, and recycling of materials, contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental impacts.

Discover our commitment to sustainability - download our corporate sustainability presentation here.

For questions and comments related with our sustainability policies please contact us at info@vapues.com.

Based on a sustainability report and compliance with requirements assessed by Travelife, Vapues Travel reached the Travelife Partner status. This status enables us to effectively communicate our sustainability commitment and achievements, and to manage and improve social- and environmental impact by complying with set sustainability criteria.

Travelife Partner
AttA

Vapues Travel is proud to be recognized by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) for its commitment to sustainability. Through verified sustainable practices, Vapues Travel demonstrates leadership in responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and community support. The “Committed to Sustainability” badge from ATTA highlights the company’s dedication to creating positive impact and contributing to a more sustainable future for adventure travel.

APTSO

We are members of the Panamanian Foundation for Sustainable Tourism. Sustainable tourism benefits rural communities and their ecosystems, putting the needs of the destination at the center and promoting authentic experiences and cultural exchanges.

Pack for a Purpose

We proudly support Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows clients to make a lasting impact in the local community. Vapues Travel supports Casa Xalteva, a language and cultural center in Granada, a colorful colonial town often included in our tailored Nicaragua itineraries. They support dozens of children through a prevention program, which aims to extract children from situations of risk and vulnerability. The primary goal of the program is to enable these children to break away from cycles of poverty and violence and to generate a positive influence in their lives. Casa Xalteva provides a meal in a happy and safe environment, scholarships, homework support, learning materials, vocational training skills and educational field trips.

By saving just a few kilos of space in their suitcase for supplies to bring to Casa Xalteva, our clients can make a priceless impact in the lives of local children and families. Please click here to see what supplies are needed for this project.