•GSTC CertifiedSince 1991
Sustainability · People

Our commitment to ethical tourism.

We are dedicated to tourism that respects human dignity and safeguards the rights of all individuals — especially those most vulnerable. We hold a zero-tolerance policy against exploitation, abuse, discrimination or harassment in any form.

← Back to sustainability

Tourism puts strangers into other people's daily lives. That access is a privilege, and it comes with obligations — for our staff, our partners, and every traveller on our tours.

The kitchen garden behind a mountain guesthouse. Community-led tourism means the household growing this is paid properly for the meal it becomes.
The kitchen garden behind a mountain guesthouse. Community-led tourism means the household growing this is paid properly for the meal it becomes.

Who we protect

We actively protect and prioritise the dignity and safety of children and adolescents, women and girls, the elderly, people with disabilities, marginalised communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people living in poverty, and refugees and displaced persons.

Responsible community engagement

  • All interactions are respectful, consensual and mutually beneficial.
  • Fair compensation and support for community-led tourism initiatives.
  • No photographs taken, and no private spaces entered, without clear permission.

Ethical storytelling

  • Informed consent is obtained before capturing or sharing any photo or video.
  • People and cultures are represented truthfully and respectfully, without stereotypes.

Our core principles

  • Respect local communities — informed consent, mutual respect, shared benefit.
  • Protect children — no child labour, no exploitation, no inappropriate contact.
  • Use ethical media — consent is required and harmful portrayals are avoided.
  • Train our team — all staff and guides are trained in ethical, respectful communication.
  • Act on reports — we provide safe, confidential channels for reporting misconduct.
  • Hold partners accountable — every partner must comply with these principles.

Everyone has a role

This code applies to Sondor guides, drivers and staff, to our business partners, and to every traveller on our tours. Violations may lead to removal from a tour, termination of a partnership, or legal action.

Guiding standards & laws

What this code is built on.

UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for TourismChildSafe MovementAlbanian law on the protection of vulnerable groupsUN Women's Empowerment Principles
The church at Theth. Sacred places are entered on the community's terms, not the visitor's.
The church at Theth. Sacred places are entered on the community's terms, not the visitor's.
Why it matters

Thank you for being part of it.

A tour is only as ethical as the behaviour of the people running it and the people on it. Holding this line is what allows us to keep working in small communities year after year, and to be welcomed back.

Report misconduct

If you experience or witness misconduct, report it immediately to a Sondor guide or member of staff, or write to us directly. Reports are handled confidentially. Your voice helps us uphold safety and dignity for everyone.

info@sondortravel.com
Read next

Our other commitments.

Wildlife Interaction Code

How we protect animals and habitats on every tour we operate.

Sustainable Travel Code of Conduct

What we ask of every guest travelling with us, in nature and in villages.

Sustainability at Sondor

GSTC certification, our four pillars, and how your trip supports local communities.