Minzifa Travel`s Sustainability Policy

1. Introduction

Minzifa Travel recognises its responsibility to society, the environment and future generations. In the face of global change and the growing focus on sustainability, we endeavour to integrate sustainability into all aspects of our business. 

Our sustainable development policy aims to minimise the negative impacts of tourism and maximise its positive effects on local communities and nature in Central Asia.

Environment

In our office:

  • We have successfully implemented a “no-print” policy and have significantly reduced the amount of printing of promotional materials, and double-sided printing or other paper-saving modes are applied to required documents by default;
  • We don’t have single-use plastic in the office (we use a water filter, don’t use disposable cutlery, crockery, etc.)
  • Comply with national legislation regarding waste management and separate materials that can be recycled and organise their collection and proper disposal (waste paper and plastic).
  • Sort and do not dispose of batteries in the general waste bin.
  • Replaced all lights with energy efficient lighting.
  • Switch off lights and equipment when not in use and set equipment to default to energy saving mode.
  • We prioritise low-energy equipment when purchasing new products. For example, our appliances have the highest energy efficiency class (class A). 
  • We strive for transparency in our actions and regularly update the public on our progress.

Social policy and human rights

  • We guarantee fair working conditions for all our employees, respecting international human rights standards.
  • We are in favour of equal opportunities and do not accept discrimination in all its forms. We are against the use of child labour.
  • We provide comprehensive information and training to our employees about all aspects of sustainability.
  • We share best practices and raise awareness of sustainability among our teams and partners.

Tourist accommodation

  • We favour accommodation that reflects local culture and protects our cultural heritage.
  • We ensure that our partners comply with labour rights standards, including not using child labour in their operations.

Excursions and other activities

  • We prioritise hiring local guides, drivers and service providers.
  • We work exclusively with licensed guides. 
  • Our itineraries and activities are designed to ensure the comfort and safety of tourists, as well as to support local traditions and customs.
  • Our efforts are aimed at supporting small and medium-sized tourist destinations that ensure an even distribution of tourist flows and contribute to the development of local economies.
  • We promote and respect Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage by engaging with local communities and emphasising traditional customs. Tours include visits to local communities, craft workshops and masterclasses with residents.
  • We do not carry out visits to schools or nurseries as this could be detrimental to the local community.
  • We provide our guests with information on how they can reduce the environmental impact of their travels.
  • We do not allow the purchase of souvenirs containing endangered species of flora and fauna, any illegally acquired historical/archaeological artefacts, drugs or illegal substances and comply with local and international laws to prevent this.
  • Excursions and tours involving captive wildlife are not conducted, except for activities that are properly regulated and in compliance with local, national and international legislation.
  • We do not harvest, consume, display or sell wildlife species, except as part of a regulated activity that ensures their sustainable use in accordance with local, national and international legislation.

Customer communication, consumer protection

  • Our clients can expect a high level of service and protection of their rights at all stages of their journey, from booking to post-trip feedback.
  • We ensure that our clients’ privacy is protected.
  • We inform our travellers about eco-friendly alternatives in terms of accommodation, excursions and transport options, if any.
  • Our marketing process to customers is clear and straightforward. We provide comprehensive product information, including a sustainability statement, and provide services strictly in accordance with the contract and programme.

Minzifa Travel’s Sustainability Policy reflects our commitment to creating a responsible and sustainable business that benefits both our customers and society as a whole. 

We are confident that the implementation of this policy will enable us to make a meaningful contribution to environmental conservation and community development, while providing a high level of quality tourism services.

We encourage all employees, partners and customers to join our efforts to promote sustainable tourism. Together we can create a more sustainable future for Central Asia and make a positive change in the world of tourism.

2024

Contact Information

For more information about our sustainability policy or suggestions for improvement, please contact our Sustainability Coordinator:

Coordinator’s name: Kurbonov Botir 
Email: asistent01@minzifatravel.com 
Phone: +99890-299-23-33

Minzifa Travel’s Sustainability Report (2024)

Minzifa Travel has steadily embarked on a sustainable development path, striving not only to offer clients unique and safe tours, but also to make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection and support for socially vulnerable groups. We are proud of what we have done so far and share with you our major achievements in this area.

Our internal initiatives:

  • Accountability starts with us. Minzifa Travel has appointed a dedicated Sustainable Tourism Coordinator who has been certified in the international Travelife programme , gaining the necessary knowledge and tools to incorporate green and social practices into our operations.
  • Employee Education and Engagement. We held a number of training sessions for our employees to discuss how each of us can contribute to sustainability. This has become an important part of our corporate culture, as only by working together can we make a real difference.
  • Environmental transformation of office work. All office equipment has been modernised by installing energy-saving LED bulbs, which has significantly reduced electricity consumption. We also continue to actively seek ways to improve the energy efficiency of our office and minimise our environmental impact.
  • Minimising waste. We are committed to reducing the amount of disposable packaging and consumables. All our office purchases are now made in bulk, minimising the use of packaging. We have also created special bins to collect waste paper, plastic and used batteries, which encourages recycling and waste disposal.
  • Supporting vulnerable groups. As part of our social responsibility, we provide financial assistance to disabled and disadvantaged people and actively support environmental initiatives.

Responsible approach in our tours:

  • Informing tourists. We believe that awareness is the key to successful change, which is why we include detailed advice on how to travel responsibly in our tourist handouts. We encourage our clients to recognise the importance of preserving the environment and maintaining cultural values.
  • Guide Training. As part of the training of our guides, we have added important points to their briefing, encouraging them not only to talk about the sights, but also to actively engage tourists in the process of adhering to the principles of sustainable tourism. We believe that the future of our planet depends on every traveller.
  • Reducing plastic waste. We have completely phased out the use of single-use plastic bottles and now provide our travellers with reusable bottles, thereby significantly reducing plastic waste. We are also actively working with partners to encourage them to switch to water coolers instead of plastic bottles.
  • Supporting local producers. As gifts for our tourists, we have started to purchase products from local producers, which contributes to the development of the region’s economy and helps tourists to get to know the culture and traditions of the place.

Future and next steps:

Minzifa Travel is firmly committed to continue incorporating environmental and social practices into every facet of its operations. We believe that only by adhering to the principles of sustainability can we create a future where nature and society thrive. We will continue to work on implementing innovative solutions, engaging our employees, partners and travellers in the process, creating a more sustainable future for all.

Minzifa Travel is not just about travelling, it is about travelling with a sense of responsibility to the planet and its future!