Policies

PRIVACY POLICY

We embrace the European Union Regulations on Data Protection (GDPR/ General Data Protection Regulation), which came into effect on the 25th of May, 2018.

Our customers’ data and information are of high priority to us, and we understand the sensitivity involved when working with suppliers and partners. We undertake not to publish or share such details in public or on our social media platforms without prior consent.
As a Destination Management Company, we will only transfer the required data and information with our vendors (including hotels, activity providers, domestic and international flight agencies/ companies, and any other vendors who require information on guests for experiences, etc.).

 

OUR CRISIS MANAGEMENT & EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Recognising the importance and swiftness of any emergency is vital. The Emergency Plan requires us to anticipate, respond to, and recover from crises, all while minimising disruptions, safeguarding stakeholders, and upholding our reputation.

One of the primary objectives is to empower our ground team to understand the situation and assign capable teams responsible for effective action.

We have assembled a cross-functional team that excels in operational supplier networking and has established connections with local authorities.

In the event of an accident, illness, or any fatal incident involving an individual, Authenticities and/or its representative will:

• Immediately verify the nature of the emergency with our guides, vendors or hotels who are closest to our guests.
• Establish communication with our guests and immediately evacuate or arrange to take them to safety.
• Depending on the nature of the emergency, ASL shall liaise with all relevant parties, emergency services, insurance companies, law enforcement, relevant local authorities etc.
• We will contact our “Regional Staff” who represent us in key locations on the Island and will immediately coordinate with the “Emergency Task Force”.
• Contact the partners/ families of our guests immediately and update them with relevant details.
• Assist our guests in terms of medical support, insurance, recommencing their holidays, providing temporary accommodation, or even assisting guests in returning to their country.

 

EMERGENCY TASK FORCE

Apart from the above, Authenticities will produce an interim report to partners concerned within 12 hours of the incident and a final report subsequently. We shall provide our partners with regular updates with a maximum of 6-hour intervals between updates in the event of an ongoing crisis and/or aftermath.

 

HEALTH & SAFETY

Our health and safety policy aligns with the UK and EU standards in our ground operations. Our priorities in collaborating with local vendors and suppliers would include those who conform to a high standard of health and safety product standards and the ethical manner in which they conduct their business.

In essence, the following procedures are used in selecting and featuring vendors/suppliers in our programmes.

• Hotels & restaurants – We do our best to physically inspect these properties periodically; however, in the event of any potential violations or doubts, we shall request them to provide us with documentation and corrective actions.
• Transport Service Providers – Our Transport staff personally check and inspect all vehicles for their quality, standard, licensing, seating, seat belts, etc. They maintain records which are updated from time to time.
• Activity Service Providers – We will do our best to personally experience the quality and safety, including training policies, schedule, emergency procedures and liability insurance, etc.
• All incidents, near-misses, and non-conformities are documented, investigated, and used to improve our operations and training programs.
• We have clear procedures in place for handling emergencies, and we conduct regular drills to ensure everyone is prepared and can respond efficiently.
• We are committed to meeting all applicable legal, regulatory, and industry-specific health and safety requirements in all aspects of our operations.
• We align our health and safety practices with sustainability goals to protect people, the environment, and resources.

We follow a structured process to identify hazards and assess risks in all our operations, implementing measures to minimise or eliminate potential dangers.

 

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Diversity, equality, and inclusion are part of our DNA. Our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes diversity in all shapes and forms, including age, gender identities, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and perspective, is proven to nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative.

Our diversity and inclusivity policy is to foster a positive imprint on innovation, creative work ethics, and unconventional thought processes to design new elements in future travel prospects.

 

RESPONSIBLE & ETHICAL TRAVEL

We align closely with responsible and ethical travel policies respecting nature, wildlife & conservation, heritage and cultures we closely work with. We undertake the responsibility to create awareness among current and new suppliers we work with, thus educating them on ethical and responsible behaviours and practices.

Our priorities focus on safeguarding and protecting sensitive aspects related to these elements. Our practical approach involves carefully examining the detailed operations and practices of our partners, ensuring they align with the immediate communities they serve, ultimately achieving transparency and ethical standards.

REGENERATIVE & SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

• We encourage our guests to travel responsibly to minimise single-use plastics and polyethene and promote suppliers who are passionately committed to reducing plastics and overall environmental impact.
• Discourage travellers from engaging with domesticated wild animals (i.e. elephant back rides and bullock-cart rides).
• We encourage animal-friendly travel. This would mean maintaining a respectful distance between jeeps and animals in a National Park,or the distance between boats and marine life/ whales and avoiding feeding wild animals.
• We do not encourage and work with suppliers who promote animal shows, zoos or places where animals are chained or caged.
• We avoid promoting ambiguous animal welfare centres
• We do not work with suppliers who use boats which damage corals and flora.
• We do not collaborate with suppliers who use animals for photography or encourage manhandling animals at any conservation/welfare establishments.
• Concerning biodiversity protection, we encourage experiences that promote wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
• We encourage suppliers to adopt proper garbage disposal systems through regular inspections, educating them and assisting them to care for nature and cleanliness.
• Discourage our guests from purchasing souvenirs made from wild animals such as ivory,shells, teeth, turtle shells,
• We encourage our guests to speak up and inform us if they see an animal in distress, so that we can take action with the relevant authorities.
• We are committed to minimising our environmental impact by integrating low-impact experiences,including transportation and accommodation choices, into our travel.
• Through our Renew initiative, we are committed to low-carbon emission programmes to reduce carbon impact on travel experiences.
• All our experiences and activities embrace regenerative travel concepts.
• We aim to transition to renewable energy sources across our operations, reducing our environmental impact.
• We actively support and collaborate with local artisans and community-based businesses, ensuring that tourism contributes to preserving cultural heritage and traditional livelihoods while uplifting their lives.
• We ensure that all guests receive detailed guidelines on responsible travel practices.

 

WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL

This policy ensures a safe and professional work environment by prohibiting drugs and alcohol, which compromise safety and our core values. It applies to all employees, including regional representatives, chauffeurs, national guides, drivers, local hosts, and any individuals representing Authenticities Pvt Ltd., on-tour and during company events.

 

POLICY STATEMENT

Prohibited conduct includes the use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs or controlled substances, as well as alcohol consumption during work hours, on company premises, or while representing the company. Employees must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working. However, alcohol may be allowed in moderation at company-sponsored events or client functions with prior written approval from management, and employees must maintain professionalism and responsibility.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Employees are expected to adhere to the policy and contribute to a safe and professional workplace. Managers and team leads must enforce the policy and handle violations promptly and fairly. All staff are encouraged to confidentially report any behaviour suggesting substance abuse or impairment to their direct management or HR representative.

 

SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE

We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our employees. If you or a colleague is struggling with substance use, we encourage you to seek confidential help. The company will consider reasonable accommodations and referrals to support services where possible.

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension, mandatory rehabilitation programs, or termination of employment, depending on the severity of the offence.