Our Mission
Destination Asia is committed to contributing to a sustainable society and to the long-term development of responsible tourism across the destinations in which it operates.
As a destination management company, Destination Asia designs and operates travel programmes with the aim of reducing negative environmental, social and cultural impacts while supporting positive outcomes for local communities, natural environments and cultural heritage.
Sustainability is not treated as a separate activity, but as part of the way programmes are developed, suppliers are engaged, and travellers are guided in-destination. Destination Asia recognises that tourism creates impacts, and its objective is to manage these impacts responsibly, transparently and progressively.
Our Sustainability Approach
Destination Asia’s sustainability framework is structured around four key areas:
1. Protecting Natural Environments
Natural environments are essential to the quality and future of travel experiences. Destination Asia therefore seeks to reduce avoidable environmental impacts within its own operations and through the programmes it develops for clients.
Destination Asia takes steps to:
We maintain zero tolerance for illegal wildlife trade and do not knowingly offer activities that exploit wildlife in violation of applicable laws or recognised responsible tourism principles.
2. Respecting Culture & Destination Integrity
Destination Asia recognises that destinations are living communities with their own traditions, customs, histories and social norms. Tourism should support local identity and cultural continuity, rather than exploit or misrepresent it.
Destination Asia takes steps to:
Destinations are living communities. Our objective is to support experiences that respect local traditions, customs and social norms while helping travellers gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit.
3. People, Human Rights & Ethical Standards
Destination Asia operates with clear ethical expectations across its destinations, offices, suppliers and partners.
Destination Asia maintains zero tolerance for:
We comply with applicable labour and human rights legislation in each country of operation. Supplier agreements include sustainability and ethical clauses, and partnerships may be reviewed or terminated in cases of serious violations.
All employees operate under an Ethical Code that prohibits bribery, corruption and unfair competition practices.
4. Responsible Supply Chain
Destination Asia’s sustainability performance depends not only on its own operations, but also on the standards upheld by accommodation providers, transport operators, guides, excursion providers and other partners.
Destination Asia works with suppliers to strengthen responsible practices across the destinations where it operates. This includes:
• Embedding sustainability and ethical requirements within contractual agreements
• Communicating clear expectations regarding labour rights, environmental management and wildlife protection
• Assessing supplier practices against our internal sustainability criteria
• Prioritising collaboration with partners who demonstrate recognised certification or measurable sustainability initiatives
We recognise that supplier sustainability performance varies by destination, supplier type and local context. Its approach is based on oversight, engagement and progressive improvement, with the objective of strengthening standards across the supply chain over time.
Responsible Travel in Practice
Destination Asia applies sustainability considerations when designing and presenting travel programmes for clients. While no travel programme is impact-free, Destination Asia aims to improve programme quality and reduce avoidable negative impacts wherever practicable.
Clients and travellers may notice:
• Reduced reliance on single-use plastics within operations where feasible
• Destination guidance promoting cultural etiquette and environmental respect
• Excursions screened for environmental and social sensitivity
• Increasing collaboration with accommodation and activity providers demonstrating responsible practices
Destination Asia has developed internal Responsible Travel product themes and criteria to guide programme design. These themes consider:
• Local engagement and community interaction
• Reduced environmental footprint where practicable
• Support for social or environmental initiatives where appropriate
• Opportunities to increase awareness of conservation and responsible travel behaviour
These criteria help structure product development and encourage more responsible options within our portfolio. They do not imply zero impact, but rather provide a framework for improving standards over time.
If you have any questions regarding our code of conduct surrounding sustainable travel, please contact us at: [email protected]
View our Sustainability Policy in Bahasa (Indonesian).
View the Sustainability Policy for Destination Asia Thailand.
