Sustainability Policy
Introduction
MAD Tours and Events acknowledges our significant role and influence in fostering sustainable tourism. As a travel agency, we interact with a diverse range of tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, hotels, transportation providers, tour guides, eateries, attractions, and our valued customers. To maximize the positive impacts and minimize the negative effects of tourism within our operations, we are committed to adopting and promoting sound sustainable practices. Furthermore, we strive to inspire our clients and partners to do the same.
Our Mission
MAD Tours and Events, a progressive inbound tour operator, is dedicated to providing visitors with an authentic local experience by facilitating cultural and environmental immersion through meaningful collaborations with local vendors. We recognize our responsibility to actively engage with vendors, visitors, and the general public to champion sustainability through civic participation and the preservation of local cultural assets in our travel destinations. In the realm of personal travel advice, our commitment to sustainability shines through. We prioritize not only the enjoyment of your travel experiences but also their environmental and ethical impact. As part of our tailored travel advice, we inform our clients about sustainable alternatives whenever available. This encompasses a wide range of aspects, from eco-friendly accommodations to responsible excursions, package holidays, and green transportation options. Our aim is to provide you with a well-rounded perspective on the choices that align with your values and contribute to sustainable travel. By offering these sustainable alternatives, we empower our clients to make responsible decisions that enhance their journeys and contribute to the betterment of our planet. Your travel experience is not just about where you go; it’s also about how you get there and the positive impact you leave behind.
Our Vision
Our vision is to promote conscientious and exceptional travel and tourism experiences that offer visitors an authentic taste of our destinations and their respective cultures. Simultaneously, we are committed to safeguarding and conserving the natural and human resources of the communities for the enjoyment of current and future generations, both for tourists and locals.
Sustainability Policy
1. Sustainability Commitment
MAD Tours & Events operates as a responsible inbound tour operator with sustainability embedded in the way itineraries are designed, suppliers are selected, and experiences are delivered. Our sustainability approach reflects the practices described in our Travelife application and focuses on minimizing negative impacts while maximizing positive contributions to destinations, communities, and the environment.
We use the Travelife platform as our primary sustainability management and reporting tool. Sustainability performance, procedures, and improvements are documented within the platform and reviewed on a regular basis.
MAD Tours & Events complies with all applicable local, national, and international legislation related to labor law, human rights, children’s rights, environmental protection, consumer protection, and ethical business conduct. The company applies a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, bribery, forced labor, child labor, discrimination, and any form of human rights abuse.
2. Sustainability Management
Due to the company’s size and operational structure, sustainability management is integrated into daily decision-making rather than handled by a separate department. Sustainability responsibilities are coordinated internally and supported through documented procedures, supplier communication, and the Travelife reporting system.
Sustainability performance is reviewed continuously as part of normal operations and formally updated in the Travelife platform when relevant changes occur. This ensures that declared practices, evidence, and policies remain aligned.
3. Internal Management: Social Policy & Human Rights
Exploitation and Harassment
MAD Tours & Events has a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of commercial, sexual, or other exploitation or harassment, particularly involving children, adolescents, women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups.
The company does not promote, facilitate, or tolerate activities, suppliers, or behaviors that may lead to exploitation, abuse, or harassment. All partners, guides, and collaborators are required to comply with applicable local, national, and international laws and to uphold ethical conduct at all times.
Any suspected or reported cases of exploitation or harassment are taken seriously, addressed immediately, and may result in termination of collaboration. This policy is communicated through internal guidelines, supplier selection practices, and ongoing training and awareness initiatives.
Workforce and Fair Working Conditions
MAD Tours & Events operates through a home-office model and collaborates with independent contractors, freelancers, local guides, drivers, and destination partners.
The company is committed to:
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Compliance with all applicable labor laws
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Fair and transparent contractual arrangements
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Timely and fair payment for services rendered
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Respect for freedom of association
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Equal opportunity and non-discrimination
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Safe, respectful, and professional working relationships
Forced labor, child labor, human trafficking, and discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation are strictly prohibited.
Training and Awareness
Sustainability awareness and ethical conduct are supported through:
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Internal sustainability guidance
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Ongoing communication with partners regarding responsible tourism standards
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Encouragement to participate in recognized sustainability learning opportunities, including Travelife courses
4. Internal Management: Environmental Responsibility
4.1 Office and Operational Practices
MAD Tours & Events operates as a small office based company with a remote and home-office structure, which significantly limits its direct environmental footprint. Environmental responsibility is embedded as a standard operational principle and applied through:
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Digital-first documentation and communication
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Avoidance of unnecessary printing
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Conscious use of energy and resources in home-office settings
Sustainability considerations are systematically integrated into itinerary design, supplier selection, client communication, and partner collaboration, with a focus on low-impact travel, community engagement, and continuous improvement.
4.2 Climate Responsibility and Carbon Awareness
MAD Tours & Events applies a carbon contribution to all clients as part of its climate responsibility and carbon awareness approach.
This carbon contribution:
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Is systematically included in client proposals
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Aims to increase awareness of the environmental impact of travel
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Supports environmental and conservation initiatives connected to the destinations in which the company operates
This mechanism reflects a shared responsibility approach and addresses unavoidable emissions linked to travel.
5. Supplier and Partner Sustainability Policy
MAD Tours & Events works closely with a network of local suppliers and partners. Sustainability considerations are integrated into supplier selection and collaboration.
Preference is given to suppliers that:
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Are locally owned or locally managed
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Operate in compliance with applicable laws
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Respect human rights and labor standards
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Demonstrate responsible environmental practices
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Contribute positively to local communities
Sustainability expectations are communicated during onboarding and collaboration. Partnerships may be discontinued if serious ethical, social, or environmental violations are identified.
6. Transport
When selecting transport for guests, MAD Tours & Events balances environmental impact with safety, comfort, and logistical feasibility. Measures applied include:
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Avoiding unnecessary flights within destinations
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Selecting transport appropriate to group size
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Working with professional, legally compliant transport providers
Transport-related emissions are addressed through the company’s carbon contribution approach.
Transport decisions are made in a balanced manner, taking into account sustainability objectives, client safety, accessibility, and destination-specific conditions.
7. Accommodations
MAD Tours & Events applies a sustainability-oriented approach to accommodation selection as a standard operating practice.
Accommodation Suppliers – Sustainability and Compliance Policy
MAD Tours & Events works primarily with accommodation providers through established third-party platforms and international hotel chains. While direct contracts are not typically in place, the company applies mandatory sustainability and compliance requirements to all accommodation suppliers selected on behalf of clients.
Accommodation providers are expected to comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, including those related to human rights, child protection, labor standards, anti-corruption, waste management, and the protection of biodiversity. Any form of child labor, exploitation, discrimination, or environmental misconduct is strictly prohibited.
In cases where an accommodation supplier is found to be in breach of these principles, MAD Tours & Events reserves the right to immediately discontinue cooperation and remove the accommodation from future offerings. This policy is applied systematically during supplier selection and review processes and forms part of the company’s broader sustainability commitments.
In addition to minimum compliance requirements, preference is given to accommodation providers that demonstrate environmental and social responsibility, hold recognized sustainability certifications, or apply clearly verifiable sustainability practices. Sustainable accommodation options are actively promoted and clearly communicated to clients whenever available and suitable for the itinerary.
8. Activities and Excursions
All activities and excursions offered by MAD Tours & Events are designed to:
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Respect local customs, traditions, and cultural heritage
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Protect natural resources and wildlife
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Avoid harm to people, animals, and the environment
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Support local livelihoods and businesses
Activities involving animal exploitation, environmental degradation, or unethical practices are not offered.
9. Tour Guides and Local Representatives
MAD Tours & Events prioritizes collaboration with local guides and representatives as a core element of responsible tourism.
Guides and local partners are expected to:
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Operate legally and ethically
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Demonstrate strong local knowledge and cultural awareness
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Communicate responsible visitor behavior to guests
MAD Tours & Events maintains internal sustainability guidance designed to support responsible itinerary delivery. This guidance covers responsible itinerary design, environmental good practices during tours, respect for local communities and cultures, wildlife protection and ethical tourism principles, and clear and transparent communication with clients.
Tour guides and local partners are encouraged to participate in recognized sustainability learning opportunities, including Travelife sustainability courses, to ensure alignment with internationally recognized responsible tourism standards.
10. Destinations and Community Engagement
MAD Tours & Events focuses on inbound tourism that highlights authentic, meaningful, and locally rooted experiences.
The company contributes positively to destinations and biodiversity protection by:
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Supporting local businesses, guides, and independent suppliers
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Encouraging responsible shopping and cultural respect
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Prioritizing walking tours, public transportation, and other low-impact mobility options
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Providing digital travel documentation and feedback tools that support continuous improvement
MAD Tours & Events supports environmental and biodiversity protection initiatives aligned with the destinations in which it operates.
11. Customer Communication and Protection
11.1 Responsible Marketing
MAD Tours & Events is committed to honest, accurate, and transparent marketing. All sustainability claims are based on actual practices and documented procedures. The company actively avoids greenwashing.
11.2 Sustainability Communication
Clients are informed about:
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Carbon contributions included in itineraries
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Responsible travel behavior
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Cultural and environmental considerations relevant to their trip
11.3 Privacy and Data Protection
Customer data is handled responsibly and in compliance with applicable data protection legislation. Clients are informed about how their data is used and protected.
12. Customer Experience, Health and Safety
MAD Tours & Events is committed to ensuring that all customer experiences are safe, positive, and professionally managed. The company applies clear procedures to protect the health, safety, and well-being of clients throughout the travel experience.
Where applicable, policies and operational guidelines address the following topics:
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Health and safety considerations during tours and activities
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Emergency procedures and incident response
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Appropriate group management and group sizes
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Transport safety and responsible mobility
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Responsible shopping and guidance on illegal or prohibited souvenirs
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Protection of children, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups in tourism contexts
These measures aim to minimize risks, ensure guest comfort, and uphold responsible tourism standards.
13. Feedback, Satisfaction, and Complaints
MAD Tours & Events maintains open and accessible communication channels with its clients and encourages feedback at all times.
Feedback and complaints are handled in a timely, transparent, and professional manner. Client input, including sustainability-related feedback, is reviewed and used to improve service quality, operational procedures, and sustainability performance.
Contact Us:
Phone: +1 (917) 615-9553
Email: contact@madtoursandevents.com
14. Responsibility, Ownership, and Review
All collaborators, partners, and suppliers involved in the delivery of MAD Tours & Events experiences are expected to support and comply with this Sustainability Policy within their respective roles.
Overall responsibility for the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of this policy lies with the Green Team, composed by the owner and the designated Sustainability Coordinator. Any employee, contractor, guide, partner, or stakeholder may report concerns related to sustainability, ethical conduct, human rights, or environmental impacts directly to company management or the Sustainability Coordinator. Reports are handled confidentially, reviewed objectively, and addressed in accordance with this policy and applicable legal requirements.
This Sustainability Policy is reviewed periodically and updated as operational practices, legal requirements, or sustainability priorities evolve.
Contact Us:
Phone: +1 (917) 615-9553
