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Image by Codioful (Formerly Gradienta)

Sustainability Policy

At Ashtar Tours International, we are committed to promoting responsible practices in all aspects of our business. Our sustainability policy is carefully designed to ensure the highest environmental management standards, social responsibility, and ethical conduct in our operations.

Below, we outline our commitments and the measures we will take to fulfill them:

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT & LEGAL COMPLIANCE

We are committed to sustainable internal management by maintaining a clear, well-documented, and effectively communicated social policy that includes the following principles:

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Business Conduct and Labor Conditions

  • We implement an internal company system aligned with the provisions and laws of the Jordanian Ministry of Labor, ensuring it is communicated to all employees.

  • Employment contracts are clear and transparent, outlining employees' rights, duties, and obligations, including job descriptions, annual leave, benefits, and wages.

  • Employees have the right to terminate their contracts with one month’s notice, without penalties.

  • We provide a safe and comfortable working environment by ensuring access to first aid kits and fire extinguishers in the workplace, along with employee training on their proper use.

  • A structured system is in place to measure employee satisfaction and allow for anonymous complaint submissions.

  • We strictly adhere to national regulations regarding the minimum age for employment and support fair labor practices in accordance with Jordanian labor laws.

  • Our employees receive comprehensive health insurance as an additional benefit.

  • We are committed to equal opportunity employment, ensuring no discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or any other factor.

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Purchasing

  • We prioritize the procurement of sustainable goods and services, including office supplies, catering materials, gifts, and operational necessities.

  • We collaborate with suppliers who uphold fair labor practices and positively contribute to local communities.

  • Preference is given to local suppliers who adhere to sustainable and ethical production methods.

  • We invest in energy-efficient equipment, balancing cost, quality, and environmental impact.

  • We avoid products that threaten biodiversity or involve materials sourced from endangered species or environmentally sensitive areas.

  • Our suppliers’ sustainability practices are regularly assessed.

  • Products and services with strong energy efficiency credentials are prioritized throughout their lifecycle.

  • Items carrying recognized eco-labels and sustainability certifications are preferred.

  • Frequently used items are purchased in bulk to reduce waste, with reusable alternatives considered whenever possible.

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Energy and Water Management

  • We actively work to reduce energy consumption by adopting efficient technologies and practices, ensuring lights, electronics, and equipment are turned off when not in use.

  • Company vehicles are regularly maintained to optimize fuel efficiency.

  • We encourage sustainable transportation by transitioning to hybrid and electric vehicles.

  • Printing is minimized, and digital communication is prioritized to conserve resources.

  • Travel routes are carefully planned to reduce fuel consumption and minimize our carbon footprint.

  • Employees and tour participants are educated on the importance of energy conservation and how they can contribute.

  • Water-saving equipment is installed in toilets to actively reduce water consumption.

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Waste Management

  • We comply with national legislation regarding waste disposal.

  • Strategies are continually implemented to reduce waste across our operations, including minimizing single-use consumables and choosing sustainable alternatives.

  • Packaging waste is reduced by purchasing in bulk.

  • Paper-saving techniques, such as double-sided printing, are encouraged.

  • Waste is sorted and recycled, including paper, tin, and plastic.

  • Brochure waste is minimized by promoting digital brochures.

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MANAGEMENT OF SUPPLY CHAIN

Transportation

  • We select environmentally friendly transportation options whenever available and offer biking and walking tours.

  • Low-emission vehicles such as electric and hybrid cars are prioritized.

  • We work with transportation providers to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions while ensuring public safety.

  • Collaborations with transportation companies include efforts to reduce plastic use on buses, such as eliminating plastic water bottles.

  • First aid kits are provided in all tourist vehicles to ensure client safety.

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Accommodation

  • We prioritize accommodations that adhere to sustainable practices and high-quality standards.

  • Locally owned and operated accommodations that support community employment are preferred.

  • We advocate for improved practices by offering training and raising awareness about responsible tourism.

  • Accommodations are encouraged to complete sustainability surveys covering water and energy conservation, waste management, community involvement, and food service sustainability.

  • Regular communication is maintained with accommodation partners to stay updated on sustainability developments.

  • We ensure that all accommodations uphold child protection policies, including a zero-tolerance stance on child exploitation or child labor.

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Tours and Activities

  • We offer excursions that are environmentally and culturally sensitive in every destination.

  • Tours and activities are chosen to respect local cultures, wildlife, and the environment.

  • Guests receive guidance on appropriate behavior.

  • Community-based tourism and locally made souvenirs are actively supported.

  • Activities that harm people, animals, plants, or natural resources—or that are socially or culturally unacceptable—are not offered.

  • Only skilled and/or certified guides are hired for culturally and ecologically sensitive sites.

  • Tours involving captive wildlife are not offered unless they are part of a regulated, sustainable activity compliant with local, national, and international laws.

  • We ensure that no wildlife species are harvested, consumed, displayed, sold, or traded through our operations unless permitted by regulated conservation efforts.

  • All activities involving wildlife strictly adhere to local and international laws, including CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

  • We collaborate only with organizations, suppliers, and communities that prioritize sustainable wildlife conservation efforts.

  • All suppliers must adhere to child protection policies, including a zero-tolerance stance on child exploitation or child labor.

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Tour Guides and Local Representatives

  • Tour guides receive clear employment terms and conditions upon hiring.

  • Fair and safe working conditions are ensured, with a transparent code of conduct in place.

  • Guides receive at least a living wage that meets or exceeds legal or industry standards.

  • Priority is given to hiring local guides, ensuring fair wages and compliance with legal standards.

  • Training is provided to tour guides on sustainability, social norms, and human rights in local communities.

  • Tour guides provide detailed feedback after each tour.

  • Guides are equipped with information to educate tourists about responsible travel practices.

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DESTINATIONS

  • We actively promote lesser-known destinations and nature reserves in Jordan.

  • Sustainability is a key factor in selecting new destinations, with an emphasis on offering alternative, non-mainstream locations.

  • The purchase of souvenirs containing threatened flora and fauna, illegally obtained historical artifacts, drugs, or other illegal substances is strictly prohibited in accordance with local and international regulations.

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COMMUNICATION WITH TOURISTS & CUSTOMER PROTECTION

  • We are committed to safeguarding customer privacy and treating personal information with the utmost respect and security.

  • All promotional materials and marketing communications adhere to industry standards and voluntary codes of conduct, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and ethical representation:

    • Accuracy: Descriptions of tours, accommodations, and services are honest and free from exaggeration.

    • Transparency: Pricing, terms, and conditions are clearly communicated to prevent misunderstandings.

    • Ethical Representation: Content is respectful of cultural sensitivities and portrays destinations responsibly.

    • Compliance: Marketing materials align with applicable regulations and standards.

  • We promote sustainable alternatives to clients, offering eco-friendly transportation options such as biking and trekking tours.

  • Comprehensive information is provided before, during, and after a tourist’s stay in Jordan.

  • Emergency contacts and responsible behavior guidelines are supplied.

  • Sustainable travel alternatives, including accommodations, excursions, and transportation options, are recommended whenever possible.

  • Clear information on sustainability commitments and actions is provided to potential clients.

  • Clients receive guidelines for responsible tourism to minimize environmental impact and enhance their experience.

  • Visitors are informed about regulations regarding the purchase, sale, and transportation of cultural and wildlife-related artifacts.

  • Clients are encouraged to support local restaurants and shops.

  • Information on sustainable transport options is provided when feasible.

  • Clients are encouraged to donate to local charities and sustainable initiatives.

  • Awareness is raised about the risks of commercial, sexual, or other forms of exploitation and harassment, particularly regarding children and adolescents.

  • Customer feedback is actively sought to improve services and integrate sustainability into satisfaction evaluations.

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