Our Sustainability Policy
We help travellers see Bhutan in ways that protect its people, its culture and its mountains. This is how we do it, and what we hold ourselves to.
Why we have this policy
As a tour operator, we know that we shape how tourism grows in Bhutan. The choices we make about hotels, drivers, guides and routes reach well beyond our office.
This policy covers the social, cultural, economic and environmental sides of our work, with a particular focus on health and safety. It is part of how we run the company every day.
Who we work with
We involve everyone who touches a journey with us, and ask them to share these goals.
- Travellers
- Tour guides
- Travel agencies
- Hotels
- Transport companies
- Restaurants
- Attractions
Nine areas of commitment
Each one has targets, actions, responsible people and timelines in our sustainability action plan.
Management and legal compliance
- A dedicated sustainability coordinator leads our work.
- Our sustainability mission statement is published on our website and shared with customers, partners and suppliers.
- A sustainability action plan sets out targets, actions, measures, responsibilities and timelines.
- We follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Our people: social policy and human rights
- Fair employee rights, good working conditions, competitive wages and a safe workplace.
- We respect human rights, including trade union membership, collective negotiation and non-discrimination.
Our operations: environment and community
- Sustainable practice in our purchasing, energy use, water use, waste management and pollution reduction.
- Ongoing training and awareness for every member of our team.
- Responsible land use and zoning, and protection of natural and cultural heritage, in line with the law.
Transport
- We choose transport options that fit sustainability principles and favour lower-impact alternatives where they exist.
- We encourage sustainable driving techniques.
Accommodation
- We prefer hotels and lodges with recognised certifications and sustainability standards.
- We encourage and support our accommodation partners to adopt sustainable practices and to respect the rights of children.
Excursions and activities
- We advise guests on responsible behaviour during every excursion and activity.
- We share our sustainability goals with excursion providers, and avoid activities that put people, animals or the environment at risk.
Tour leaders, local representatives and guides
- We provide fair wages and good working conditions for every one of them.
- Training equips our guides and tour leaders with knowledge of sustainability, human rights and the prevention of child exploitation.
Destinations
- Sustainability guides which destinations we select. We favour alternatives and avoid places where tourism has negative local effects.
- We follow spatial planning, protected area and heritage regulations.
Customer communication and protection
- Clear communication, accurate information and respect for customer privacy.
- Every guest receives comprehensive information about their destinations, the sustainability aspects of their trip and emergency procedures.
We protect children
We advocate for the rights of children and strictly prohibit and prevent sexual exploitation across our whole value chain, from our own team to every partner we work with.
After every journey
After each holiday we measure client satisfaction in a consistent way and use the feedback to improve.
Clear procedures are in place to handle any complaint promptly.
A commitment we keep reviewing
Etho Metho Tours & Treks is dedicated to these principles and to contributing actively to the sustainable development of tourism in Bhutan.
This policy is a living commitment. We review it regularly and strengthen it as we learn.