Across Europe is aware of its responsibility towards society to be a good corporate citizen. In order to achieve Corporate Responsibility, Across Europe cooperates with its employees, customers, partners, suppliers and locals at destinations. Across Europe wants to make sure that its local agents and other suppliers (herein referred to as ‘Supplier’ or collectively as ‘Suppliers’) take action for more responsible tourism. This Supplier Code of Conduct forms an integral part of Across Europe’s contract with its Suppliers.
Compliance with applicable law in general
Across Europe expects its Suppliers to comply with all applicable international, national and local laws and regulations, industry minimum standards and any other relevant statutory requirements whichever requirements are more strict.
Staff engagement
Staff are engaged with development and implementation of sustainability steps and receive periodic guidance and training.
Transport
Means of transport should comply with the local regulations. When selecting coach transport, the Supplier should take into consideration minimum quality and safety requirements. The Supplier is responsible for the training of drivers and a code of conduct with regards to driving. If available, The Supplier will supply environmentally friendly transport. The Supplier will make efforts to provide the latest models of transport, which exhale the least amount of CO2 and will try to renew them regularly.
Accommodation
The Supplier will prefer the use of accommodations that are environmentally friendly and will choose to use sustainable accommodation, in case of equal possibilities. In case there is clear evidence that contracted accommodations jeopardize the provision or integrity of basic services such as food, water, energy, healthcare or soil to the local communities it can be a reason to terminate the co-operation with them. Accommodations that work with internationally acknowledged (e.g. GSTC recognized) and/or Travelife certification (taking into account price and comfort criteria) will be given preference. All Supplier’s contracts with accommodation providers include standard sustainability clauses (e.g. child labour, anti-corruption and bribery, waste management and protection of biodiversity).
Entertainment/ excursions
Excursions and attractions in which captive wildlife is held are not offered, 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. Disturbance of natural ecosystems is minimized. Excursions that operate on the basis of acknowledged and controlled sustainability standards are given preference if available. The company offers no products or services of excursion providers that harm humans, animals, plants, natural resources (e.g. water/energy), or which are socially/culturally unacceptable.
Sexual exploitation of children and adolescents
The Supplier does not tolerate or allow child prostitution at the premises and facilities of contracted accommodations.
Any suspicious behaviour from guests, employees, staff of the Supplier or any other person on the Suppliers premises or during excursions must be reported to the local authorities by the Supplier. Across Europe will terminate the contractual agreement prematurely if the Supplier does not take adequate measures to prevent sexual exploitation of children within the direct supply chain (e.g. accommodations and excursions).
Human rights & labour conditions
Local partners comply with all relevant national laws protecting the rights of employees. Basic Rights:
The Supplier shall not discriminate based on gender, age, religion, race, tribe, caste, social background, disability, nationality, membership in workers’ organizations, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics. All employees shall be free to enter their employment with the Supplier through their own choice and shall also be free to terminate their employment when they choose without penalty, as long as the process occurs in accordance with the (oral or written) employment contract;
All forms of forced labour are forbidden; The freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining shall be recognized by the Supplier; Workplace practice and conditions which violate basic rights are not allowed: Physical abuse or punishment or threat of physical abuse or punishment, any kind of sexual or other harassment and other forms of intimidation are prohibited; The Supplier provides a means through which staff can make representation to senior management about key employment issues. The Supplier provides for an effective complaints procedure through which employees may raise grievances (including those about harassment) and seek redress.
Safe workplace
The Supplier shall not employ children younger than 15 years of age unless local minimum age law stipulates a higher age for work or mandatory schooling, in which case the higher age shall apply. If however, local minimum age law is set at 14 years of age in accordance with developing country exceptions under ILO Convention No. 138, the lower will apply; If the Supplier employs young people between the age of 14 and 18, the Supplier must treat them with particular consideration, for example by restricting their working hours.
The Supplier does not contract directly or indirectly accommodations which are involved in compulsory labor or which employ children to complete work which is normally undertaken by adults. There are special working times and conditions for children (< 14 years) working within the business, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and/or the ILO convention 138. The condition is mentioned in Supplier’s contract with the accommodation.
Wages and working hours
Wages paid by the Supplier must meet or exceed legal minimums and/or industry standards. No illegal or unauthorized deductions from wages are allowed; Working hours of the employees are to be kept in line with the legal requirements and / or industry standards; The employees shall be granted their stipulated annual leave and sick leave without any form of repercussions; Female employees shall be granted their stipulated maternity leave and other rights in case of pregnancy.
Environment
Suppliers shall minimize their negative impact on the environment; The Supplier shall actively reduce the amount of energy and water used and shall minimize the use of chemicals known to cause damage or pose risks to health and/or the environment; The Supplier shall comply with mandatory national and international law, particularly in regard to the procedures and standards for waste management, handling and disposal of chemicals and other dangerous materials, emissions and effluent treatment; The Supplier shall monitor and control wastewater and solid waste generated and shall treat it as required prior to discharge or disposal; Waste of all types shall be reduced to the greatest extent possible by the Supplier.
Local sourcing and benefiting communities
The Supplier shall actively choose locally produced goods in preference to imported ones wherever possible.
The Supplier shall promote local products and services to guests, by recommending guides, restaurants, markets and craft centres wherever possible.
Customer experience
Customer satisfaction, including aspects of sustainability are permanently monitored.
Monitoring & enforcement
As a principle, Across Europe trusts all its Suppliers to respect the terms and conditions of this Supplier Code of Conduct and to actively do their utmost to achieve Across Europe standards. The Supplier shall ensure that the principles set forth herein are communicated, implemented and adopted within their own business. The Supplier shall involve employees, management and other stakeholders such as the communities in an appropriate way; The Supplier is encouraged to take steps to promote adherence to this Supplier Code of Conduct throughout their own supply chain. However, the Suppliers sub-contractors are not bound by the terms of this Supplier Code of Conduct. When being prompted, the Supplier shall report in a self-assessment modus about its compliance and progress in all matters mentioned herein. The Supplier shall complete the self-assessment forms fully, promptly and accurately; The Supplier agrees that its premises and facilities may be inspected and its compliance may be audited at any time by Across Europe and/or its representatives. The Supplier shall support such audit as far as reasonably possible. If the Supplier is in breach of the terms and conditions of this Supplier Code of Conduct (e.g. evidence of child labour, or an employee of the Supplier acting as an intermediate for child prostitution, or disregard of ecological legislation) Across Europe shall be entitled to terminate any contract and cooperation with the Supplier with immediate effect and reserves to take any further legal action at its discretion.