BNT Travel and Tours Agency
Sustainability Policy

At BNT Travel and Tours, we believe that travel should be a force for good.
That’s why we are deeply committed to responsible and sustainable tourism across the Philippines.
Our mission is to craft exceptional, eco-conscious travel experiences that celebrate the country’s rich culture, uplift local communities, and protect its breathtaking natural heritage.
We take active steps to minimize our environmental footprint. From reducing waste and promoting ethical wildlife interactions to collaborating with local businesses that share our values.
Through sustainable practices and community-driven initiatives, we strive to create lasting positive change, ensuring that the beauty, traditions, and spirit of the Philippines remain preserved for generations to come.

1. Introduction

At BNT Travel and Tours, we firmly believe in responsible tourism. That’s why we’re committed to offering sustainable excursions that respect the environment, value local cultures, and follow ethical business practices. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, ensuring that every experience we offer is both authentic and responsible.

2. Scope and Implementation

This policy is part of our broader sustainability commitment and applies to all excursion providers we work with. It becomes effective immediately upon approval by the Managing Director and communication to our team. We formally review this policy every two years to keep it relevant. Any exceptions must be approved by the Managing Director or an authorized officer.

3. Principles for Sustainable Excursions

We prioritize working with excursion providers who follow these core principles:

3.1 The Right Product at the Right Price
Excursions must be safe, clean, and offer high standards of comfort and service.
Sustainable options exist at all price levels, and we always aim to match the right experience with each client’s budget.

3.2 Fair Business Practices
Providers must follow legal and ethical standards, respecting human rights, economic and social equity, and protecting the environment and animal welfare.
Excursions should not harm people, animals, plants, or natural resources (such as water or energy), and must avoid any socially or culturally inappropriate practices.

3.3 Minimizing Environmental and Social Impact
We encourage providers to reduce their environmental footprint and promote social responsibility.
We especially support the use of local materials and community-based initiatives.

4. Sustainability Considerations

Since there are currently no internationally certified excursions in the Philippines, we assess the sustainability of our experiences based on:

Visits by our sustainability coordinator or manager
Observations from our guides
Feedback collected from client surveys

We focus on the following key criteria:

4.1 Human Care
Providers must guarantee fair labor conditions, including minimum wage, reasonable working hours, and proper meal breaks.

4.2 No Plastic Policy
Providers should reduce single-use plastics and provide refillable water stations.
At BNT, we’ve eliminated plastic water bottles and replaced them with reusable aluminum ones.
In our office, we also reduce packaging waste by buying bulk tea and coffee and using cloth napkins.

4.3 Transportation
We favor excursions that can be accessed using sustainable transportation options whenever possible.

4.4 Waste Management
Providers should separate organic waste for composting and recycle plastic where possible.
We give preference to those implementing advanced waste reduction strategies.

4.5 Energy Efficiency
Providers are encouraged to use energy-efficient equipment like LED lights and automated systems to save power.
At BNT, we help reduce energy use by managing air conditioning wisely, turning off unused lights, and checking for water leaks.

4.6 Child Protection
Providers must respect children’s rights and ensure ethical employment practices.
If children under 14 are involved (e.g., internships), special protective measures must be in place.

4.7 Local Sourcing
We encourage the use of locally sourced food and materials, following fair trade and sustainability principles.

4.8 Biodiversity Protection
Providers must minimize negative effects on biodiversity and never offer endangered species on menus.

We give priority to excursions that support both environmental conservation and community participation.

5. Wildlife Excursion Policy

We only offer wildlife-related activities that do not harm natural ecosystems.
These must take place in well-managed protected areas or with expert guides.
If we notice unsustainable practices, we investigate and work with area managers to find solutions.

6. Prohibited Souvenirs Policy

As part of our commitment to environmental protection, cultural preservation, and compliance with national regulations, BNT Travel and tours strictly prohibits the sale, trade, promotion, or encouragement of souvenirs that are illegal or harmful to wildlife and heritage. These include, but are not limited to, products made from endangered animals (e.g., turtle shell, ivory, coral), rare plants, and unauthorized cultural artifacts. All staff, local partners, and suppliers must be informed of this policy and are expected to guide guests accordingly. Violations may result in termination of the partnership or contractual relationship.

7. Supporting Sustainable Practices

We actively help our partners improve their sustainability through:

Site visits and practical advice
Sharing standards like Travelife certification
Providing self-assessment tools and training materials

8. Non-Compliance Measures

If a provider engages in unsustainable practices, they will receive a warning.
If no improvements are made, the partnership will be ended and the provider will be blacklisted.

9. Communication with Excursion Providers

We keep in touch with our partners regularly via:

Email & Phone: For updates and sustainability discussions
Vouchers: For payment, with sustainability reminders
Contracts: For long-term partnerships, including codes of conduct and sustainability commitments
On-site Visits: Our guides and managers observe sustainability practices and give feedback

10. Mandatory Policies for Providers

Our partners must comply with the following:

Child labor laws
Anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies
Waste management standards
Biodiversity protection rules

11. Incentives for Sustainable Providers

We prioritize working with sustainable providers.
Those who show a strong commitment may benefit from perks like featuring on our website or receiving more favorable contract conditions.