Central Asia Travel

Central Asia Travel

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 17 December 2025
Next Review: 17 December 2026

Introduction

Central Asia Travel specializes in creating authentic travel experiences across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. We recognize that tourism may have significant positive and negative impacts on the environment, society, and cultural heritage of the region.

This Sustainability Policy formalizes our commitment to responsible operations, minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive contributions. The Policy applies to all employees, contractors, and partners and is publicly available to clients and stakeholders.

Senior management fully supports this Policy and ensures its implementation.

1. Governance and Accountability

• Sustainability Coordinator: Subin Kang is responsible for implementation, monitoring, training, and reporting.

• Management Review: The Policy and annual Action Plan are reviewed quarterly by the Chief Executive Officer and updated annually.

• Legal Compliance: The Company complies with all applicable national legislation and relevant international conventions.

2. Social Policy and Human Rights

Fair Working Conditions

• All employees are employed under formal labor contracts with clearly defined terms and remuneration at or above the national minimum wage.

• Overtime work is voluntary, documented, and compensated in accordance with legislation.

• Freedom of association and collective bargaining is guaranteed.

Health, Safety, and Well-being

• The Company provides a safe and healthy working environment.

• Kitchen and dining facilities are available in the office.

• Drinking water and first-aid equipment are accessible at all times.

• A recreation area is provided for staff.

• All staff receive regular training on emergency procedures (fire, natural disasters, crisis response).

• We provide statutory health insurance, paid annual leave (minimum 20 days), sick leave, and parental leave.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities

• We prohibit discrimination in hiring, training, promotion, or compensation based on gender, race, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Protection of Children and Vulnerable Groups

• We have a zero-tolerance policy towards child labor, sexual exploitation, or human trafficking.

• All staff and receive training on identifying and reporting suspected cases.

3. Environmental Management

Resource Efficiency (Office Operations)

• Water: We install water-saving devices, fix leaks promptly, and educate staff on conservation.

• Paper & Materials: We default to double-sided printing, digital documentation, and recycled-content paper.

• Energy: We use LED lighting, energy-efficient office equipment, and optimize heating and cooling settings to reduce consumption.

Waste Management

• We implement the reduce-reuse-recycle hierarchy: minimize single-use items, separate recyclables (paper, plastic, glass, metal), and ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste (batteries, electronics).

• No plastic tableware is used in the office..

Carbon Footprint Management

• We optimize travel routes, and encourage public transport for staff.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection

• We exclude any tours or activities that harm protected species, degrade natural habitats, or illegally exploit wildlife.

• Hunting-related tours are not organized. We do not offer tours involving any form of hunting, as the killing of living creatures is unacceptable to us.

• We partner with and promote visits to legitimate protected areas and conservation projects.

• We provide daily assistance to stray animals: ensuring they are fed and taking care of their health.

4. Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Contractual Requirements

• Our contracts with hotels, transport providers, and agents include mandatory clauses on:

• Environmental compliance (waste, energy, water).

• Fair labor practices and human rights.

• Child protection and anti-exploitation.

• Respect for local cultural and intellectual property.

Local Economic Impact

• We prioritize locally-owned businesses (guesthouses, restaurants, handicraft shops) so that tourism income stays within the local community, enhances the well-being of residents, and contributes to the country's prosperity.

• At least 60% of our tour suppliers (by spend) must be local SMEs.

5. Cultural Heritage &Community Engagement

Respect & Preservation

• We ensure visits to cultural, historical, or religious sites are conducted with respect, under the guidance of licensed local experts.

• We do not promote the sale or trade of historical artifacts or products made from end angered species.

Authentic & Equitable Representation

• Our marketing materials portray local cultures accurately and respectfully, avoiding stereotypes.

• We compensate local knowledge holders (storytellers, artisans, cooks) fairly for their contributions.

Community Consultation & Benefit

• For tours that involve visits to indigenous or rural communities, we obtain prior consent and establish clear benefit-sharing agreements.

6. Customer Engagement and Protection

Pre-Travel Communication

• All clients receive a detailed Tour Voucher & Information Package prior to arrival, which includes:

• A clear day-by-day itinerary with specified timing.

• Contact details for all local service providers (guides, drivers, hotel managers).

• 24/7 emergency contact numbers for Central Asia Travel's operations manager and the responsible tour operator.

• Essential information on local customs, cultural etiquette, and environmental considerations for the regions they will visit.

We transparently communicate which elements of their tour have been selected based on our sustainability criteria (e.g., eco-certified hotels, locally-owned guesthouses).

During the Tour: Guidance & Support

• Our local guides and representatives provide on-the-ground briefings on responsible behavior specific to each location (e.g., water conservation in mountain areas, respectful photography in communities, proper waste disposal).

• We ensure that the provided contact network (guides, drivers, our office) is responsive and capable of assisting clients with any issues, including those related to safety or unforeseen environmental concerns.

7. Implementation, Reporting & Review

Action Plan

• AnannualSustainabilityActionPlanderivedfromthispolicysetsspecific,measurable targets, timelines, and responsible persons.

Training & Awareness

• All new staff undergo sustainability induction. The Sustainability Coordinator provides refresher training.

Transparency & Reporting

• This policy is publicly available on our website: https://www.centralasia-travel.com/en/about

Policy Review

• This policy is alive document. It is formally reviewed and updated annually by management to ensure continued relevance and ambition.

Approval

This Sustainability Policy has been approved by the management of Central Asia Travel and is effective immediately.

RECOGNIZED AND APPROVED:

Serbin N.
Chief Executive Officer
Central Asia Travel

Subin Kang
Sustainability Coordinator
Central Asia Travel

Date: 17 December 2025