Sustainability Policy & Procedure Handbook -- China Dynasty Tours

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China Dynasty Tours Sustainability Policy

As a travel company engaging with diverse stakeholders — including transport providers, accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions, tour guides and consumers — China Dynasty Tours recognizes our pivotal role in driving sustainable tourism. We are committed to integrating sustainability into every facet of our operations, maximizing positive impacts on environments and communities while minimizing harm. Our policy is structured across 10 thematic areas, each with our sustainability commitment, clear principles and actionable measures.

1. Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance

China Dynasty Tours is committed to the company's sustainability performance and endorses the company's sustainability mission statement and policy.

Principles:

·         Establish accountability and transparency in sustainability practices and plans.

·         Reduce negative social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of activities and favor sustainability in tourism.

·         Comply with national laws, and align with global sustainability criteria (e.g., Travelife).

Actions:

·         Use Travelife platform to report our sustainability engagement and to monitor and evaluate progress through quarterly reviews and public annual sustainability reports.

·         Appoint a dedicated Sustainability Coordinator to oversee policy implementation.

·         Publish a sustainability mission statement on our website and share it with clients, partners, and suppliers.

·         Maintain a written sustainability policy addressing social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts and employee-related practices.

·         Actively participate in industry forums to advance sustainable tourism initiatives.

·         Conduct annual baseline assessments regarding our compliance with the Travelife sustainability performance standard.

·         Analyze deficiency in sustainable practices to establish and revise formal policy and implement action plans in time.

·         Enhance employee communication and involvement in the implementation of sustainable policy and relevant action plan.

2. Internal Management: Social Policy & Human Rights

China Dynasty Tours is committed to upholding standards of social responsibility and human rights protection, fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive work culture where all employees are able to perform their duties and recognize their potential.

Principles:

·         In compliance with national regulations and international conventions.

·         Uphold fair labor practices, diversity, and inclusion.

·         Protect human rights and foster a safe, inclusive workplace.

Actions:

·         Guarantee freedom of association.

·         Have a written employment contract including conditions and all functional descriptions with employers

·         Guarantee freedom of employment, minimum one-month notice for termination, and no penalty clauses.

·         Ensure wages meet or exceed national legal standards, with clear overtime compensation policies.

·         Mandate national social insurance system to provide comprehensive endowment, medical, unemployment, work injury and maternity insurance and housing fund.

·         Implement paid annual leave and sick leave for all full-time employees.

·         Implement Health and Safety Policy which complies with national and relevant standards, through preventive measures, system implementation and incident response. The main measures are as follows:

o   Conduct regular safety assessments to identify potential hazards, formulate rectification plans, and track closure;

o   Prohibit the storage of flammable and explosive materials in the workplace;

o   Tour guides must carry first-aid kits with common medications and allergy response supplies when leading groups, and pre-understand the distribution of medical resources at destinations;

o   Provide an annual free physical examination for full-time employees, covering basic items and occupational disease screening;

o   Establish health files for employees on long-term business trips or outdoor operations, tracking fatigue indices and chronic disease risks.

o   Clean air conditioning systems quarterly, provide hygienic drinking water and rest areas, and offer flexible work arrangements for pregnant and breastfeeding employees;

o   Establish a 24-hour emergency contact mechanism. Field employees must report itineraries in real time and can quickly respond to emergencies via the company’s dedicated hotline;

o   Ensure ventilation, lighting, and sanitation facilities comply with the Industrial Enterprise Design Hygiene Standards (GBZ 1), with a minimum per capita office area of 4㎡.

·         Ensure equal opportunities and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination based on gender, race, age, disability, or religion.

·         Prohibit strictly child and compulsory labor and ensure all employees are of legal working age.

·         Partner with local universities to offer paid internships for students, prioritizing candidates from underrepresented communities.

3. Internal Management: Environment & Community Relations

China Dynasty Tours is committed to fostering sustainable environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement, integrating eco-conscious practices into our daily operations and internal management.

Principles:

·         Reduce ecological footprint through resource efficiency and circular practices.

·         Strengthen ties with local communities and protect cultural heritage.

Actions:

·         Implement Sustainable Purchasing Policy to favor sustainable products, reduce environmental impact and promote circular economy. The main measures are as follows:

o   Prioritize eco-certified and low-carbon products (e.g., ISO 14001 Certified paper, toner and ink, EWG Verified cleaning products);

o   Eliminate single-use plastics in offices;

o   Avoid battery and battery-powered device in all office suppliers procurement and official operations;

o   Favor durable, repairable, or refillable products (e.g. refillable pens) over disposable alternatives. Prioritize products with long warranty;

o   Prohibit strictly purchases of souvenirs and products made from endangered species (in line with CITES/IUCN Red List) or illegal artefacts.

·         Promote paperless office. Set all net-worked printers to default to double-sized printing and low-quality toner mode. Monitor and control paper consumption.

·         Prioritize in-house printing with eco-certified ink, cartridges and waste reducing methods to ensure maximum sustainable measures. Print all brochures on environmentally friendly paper and ensure efficient brochure use by avoiding overproduction and sharing. Prioritize online promotion.

·         Implement Energy Conservation Policy to our equipments and operations (e.g., HVAC, lighting, technical equipment), reducing energy consumption and promote energy management. The main measures are as follows:

o   Set a maximum of 19°C in winter and a minimum of 25°C in summer in workspaces;

o   Turn off HVAC systems outside office hours (nights, weekends, holidays) using timers;

o   Regularly clean windows and avoid obstructions to optimize natural light intake;

o   Configure all computers to enter sleep mode after 15 minutes of inactivity and shut down completely overnight;

o   Encourage short, signature-free emails and avoid large attachments. Clean up unused mailing lists to optimize email use in digital communication.

·         Implement a "switch-off" policy for unused equipment and office lights.

·         Prioritize low energy equipment with Class A when purchasing new equipment.

·         Activate the energy-saving mode on all your devices.

·         Install deal-flush toilets in our office to optimize water consumption.

·         Implement Waste Reduction and Recycling Policy in compliance with national legislation concerning waste disposal. The main measures are as follows:

o   Trade in old electronics, repair before replacement, and donate functional devices;

o   Reduce unnecessary consumption by prioritizing bulk purchasing in procurement and reusable equipment;

o   Deploy categorized waste bins according to different labeled categories and implement strict waste segregation practices according four different labeled categories (recyclables, food waste, residual waste and hazardous waste) to ensure municipal collection and proper disposal in compliance with Beijing Municipal Government’s Waste Water Sewage Regulations.

o   Return the used equipment to the distributor/supplier for responsable and collective disposal.

o   Reward "Green Team" departments and train staff on waste segregation.

·         Maintain no-package policy for brochures and eco-friendly clients giveaways.

·         Adopt a "paperless first" policy, using digital contracts and online booking systems.

·         Implement Pollution Reduction Policy to minimize and substitute the use of harmful substances, in equipment, printing and office supplies with non-toxic alternatives. The main measures are as follows:

o   For equipment maintenance, prioritize lead-free soldering and low-volatile cleaning agents for computer repairs. Prioritize eco-friendly lubricants for vehicles and ozone-safe refrigerants for air conditioning;

o   Utilize soy-based inks for brochures to reduce harmful fumes;

o   Chemicals should be stored in dedicated warehouses;

o   Hazardous waste should be handled by certified recyclers.

·         Implement Staff Travel Policy to reduce unnecessary trips, favor eco-friendly transport. The main measures are as follows:

o   Prioritize virtual meetings to minimize trips and cut emissions;

o   Prefer high-speed rail for short trips and direct economy flights for long trips;

o   Encourage employees to use public transport or sustainable means of transport with reimbursement: full coverage of metro/bus/shared bikes fares (up to ¥300/month, with monthly receipt), 50% reimbursement for carpooling drivers (¥400 max), a flat-rate subsidy of ¥300/month for employees cycling or working to work;

o   Set up a staff sustainability award "Green Commuter" quarterly to employees with ≥80% public transport.

4. Transport Sustainability

China Dynasty Tours is committed to minimizing carbon emissions and promoting low-impact mobility for client itineraries and our travel packages, by  prioritizing environmentally sustainable transportation mode while balancing cost, comfort, and practicality.

Principles:

·         Minimize carbon emissions of transport and promote low-impact mobility in travel itineraries to, from and within the destination.

·         Take distance, price, route and passenger comfort into consideration.

Actions:

·         Implement Sustainable Transport Policy regarding environmentally friendly transport options under different circumstances.

·         Offer flight options with lower carbon footprints when necessary and carbon offset purchase options when accessible. Encourage clients to travel with mindful packing.

·         Prioritize rail transport for domestic journeys under 5 hours (e.g. Beijing-Shanghai), unless exceptional circumstances. Partner with train operators for long-distance travel, highlighting scenic rail routes as sustainable alternatives to flights.

·         Regarding transfer to departure airport, prioritize sustainable transport. Prefer arranging the private or group transfer to the airport by electric or hybrid vehicles of appropriate size, according to the number of clients. When the transport is not included, encourage clients to consider metro as an alternative.

·         In selecting transport options for transfers and excursions in the destination, give preference to more sustainable alternatives with balanced consideration of trip length, local infrastructure, low-carbon footprints, operational cost, and traveler comfort:

o   In destination cities, prioritize electric or hybrid vehicles through approved vendors for ground transfers;

o   Where available, prioritize public transportation (e.g. metro, bus) for journeys within the urban area;

o   Where safe, clients can be provided with active transportation alternative (e.g. cycling, walking) between nearby attractions or within the scenic area.

·         Use appropriately-sized vehicles based on group numbers.

·         Design rational itineraries and sustainable travel packages to reduce inter-destination transit, focusing on immersive, low-mobility and local experiences.

·         Provide clients with carbon footprint calculators for their trips and suggest meaningful eco-friendly projects (e.g. volunteer to take care of the pandas, tree-printing activity) .

5. Excursions & Activities

China Dynasty Tours is committed to providing sustainable excursions balancing less impact on environment, considerable social value, and unforgettable travel experience, ensuring the protection of natural ecosystems and cultural heritage, while actively supporting and empowering local communities.

Principles:

·         Provide sustainable excursions or activities in our travel packages.

·         Reduce negative impact on local environment and communities.

·         Support environmental protection while benefiting local communities.

·         Encourage clients to travel responsibly, in particular in environmentally and culturally sensitive excursions.

Actions:

·         Rigorously select destination sites that align with ecological and ethical standards. Prioritize government-certified scenic areas and arrange excursions and activities through their official channels.

·         Offer an inventory of environmentally and culturally sensitive excursions and activities in each destination included in our itineraries.

·         Strictly prohibit any excursions that harm local humans, animals, plants, natural resources, or that are socially and culturally unacceptable.

·         Adhere to the carrying capacity regulations of environmentally sensitive destinations.

·         Respect the animal welfare. Prohibit any activity or venue involving captive wildlife or unethical animal interactions, featuring wildlife harvesting, or offering animal performances or forced interactions, except for regulated activities that comply with local, national, and international laws. All wildlife observation should maintain a respectful, non-intrusive distance and avoid disruption of natural behavior.

·         Prohibit any souvenirs involving endangered wildlife or protected plant species listed by CITES or the IUCN Red List.

·         Equip with local and skilled guides at historical or cultural locations to enhance the authenticity of the excursion, deepen the educational value, and ensure proper interpretation of heritage and context.

·         Make clients aware of the environmental sensitivities and the significance of ecosystem protection. Encourage responsible behavior through “Leave No Trace” practices. Promote low-impact, non-motorized modes of exploration.

·         Make clients aware of the cultural sensitivities and encourage meaningful and respectful cultural engagements. Provide clients with a "Responsible Travel Guide" outlining local cultural etiquette (e.g., respectful photography, appropriate dress codes) to foster mutual respect and cross-cultural understanding.

·         Encourage clients to support local economies through immersive cultural experiences, such as participating in traditional craft workshops, purchasing handmade products, or dining at family-run restaurants.

6. Tour Leaders, Local Representatives and Guides (being improved)

China Dynasty Tours is committed to ensuring that all employed tour leaders, local representatives, guides and other local staff have national qualification and enter into labor contract with company as contractual employees, who have obligation to comply with company’s Sustainable Policy and protected by employment conditions. We make a commitment to enhance relevant staff training and implement our future Customer Communication Policy. We maintain zero tolerance for child labor and sexual exploitation of children.

Principles:

·         Ensure national qualification and systematized training of our guides.

·         Ensure their compliance with company’s sustainable policy.

·         Enhance communication with clients in terms of sustainable tourism.

Actions:

·         Ensure that all our contractual tour guides, including key tour leaders, local representatives and guides possess professional qualifications and hold valid guiding licenses.

·         Organize training for guides in terms of their professional competences and destination knowledge (sustainability knowledge being an equal emphasis).

·         Ensure the role of local guides in delivering appropriate advice and information to travelers. Draft a Customer Communication Policy about sustainability practices.

7. Destination Stewardship

China Dynasty Tours gives preference to select and plan destinations balancing sustainability and accessibility in our travel packages and commits to positive contribution and environmental stewardship in destinations in which we operate.

Principles:

·         Take both sustainability and accessibility features of destinations into consideration.

·         Do not select destinations that have any questionable sustainability track record.

·         Prohibit forbidden souvenirs and encourage responsible travel.

Actions:

·         Prioritize sustainable destinations with national-level eco-certifications (e.g. China AAAAA or AAAA-rated scenic areas, national nature reserves) to ensure robust environmental management systems.

·         Highlight UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites in our itineraries, emphasizing their conservation importance.

·         Adhere to the carrying capacity regulations evaluated in environmentally sensitive destinations and favor sites with reservation systems.

·         Advise clients to avoid peak holidays and select travel times that align with favorable seasons and avoid periods of high visitor traffic to reduce crowding and environmental pressure.

·         Promote lesser-known emerging alternatives to reduce overtourisme.

·         Prioritize green transit systems within destinations

·         Refrain from promoting destinations with problems (e.g. human rights abuses, environmental degradation).

·         Prioritize accessible destinations with direct high-speed rail access and equipped with EV charging infrastructure.

·         Implement seasonal route optimization (e.g. Chengdu-Lijiang winter train itineraries) to reduce air transfers.

·         Implement our Forbidden Souvenirs Policy to strictly prohibit the purchase, promotion, or transport of souvenirs involving endangered wildlife or protected plant species listed by CITES or the IUCN Red List.

8. Customer Communication & Protection (being improved)

China Dynasty Tours is committed to providing thoughtful and responsible travel services of our packages before, during and after travel. We endeavor to ensure customers’ satisfying experience as well as encourage their responsible behavior in sustainable travel. We commit to improve our customer communication in terms of destination environmentally and culturally sensitive information before and during travel as well as to complete our formal and efficient client feedback mechanism.

Principles:

·         Ensure clients’ safety and rights as priority.

·         Ensure transparency, accuracy and ethical representation in marketing and communication of our products and services.

·         Empower clients to travel responsibly and encourage sustainable tourism while enriching their positive experience.

·         Provide an official and permanently reachable channel to respond to urgent situation. Implement a complete client feedback mechanism.

Actions:

·         Implement our Customer Privacy Policy to protect client information secure.

·         Implement Promotion and Marketing Communication Policy to guarantee transparency, accuracy and sustainability of our promotion. The main measures are as follows:

o   Accurately describe all tour elements, including accommodations, transportation, activities, and inclusions;

o   Use only genuine photos and videos. Any illustrative media must be clearly labeled to set accurate expectations;

o   Clearly list what is included and excluded in the tour price;

o   Indicate pricing validity, applicable conditions, and clear terms for cancellations, changes, or refunds;

o   Disclose any physical, environmental, or legal risks (e.g., altitude, mobility needs, insurance requirements);

o   Ensure all marketing materials comply with data protection, advertising, and consumer rights laws;

o   All marketing materials are reviewed by internal compliance officers before publication to ensure accuracy and integrity.

·         Prioritize and provide active sustainable transport alternatives when applicable.

·         Provide emergency contact persons with 24/7 reachable phone numbers and the business card of the designated representative before departure.

·         Inform travelers of activities do’s and don’ts before and during trip.

·         Prohibit illegal souvenirs and maintain zero tolerance policy regarding any form of sexual exploitation.

·         Encourage clients to choose local restaurants and shops for consumption when appropriate.

·         Encourage and systematically monitor feedback through questionnaire after trip and annual surveys, to improve sustainability aspects of our services according to clients’ satisfaction and complaints.