On 27 October 2021, Panorama Destination Thailand was officially awarded Travelife certification, becoming one of only five companies in Thailand to have received this badge of honour. The leading international sustainability certification scheme for the travel sector, Travelife provides companies with realistic sustainability goals, tools and solutions to devise and implement positive changes within their businesses and supply chains.
“I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operators’ sector is gaining momentum,” said Mr. Naut Kusters, who is General Manager of Travelife for Tour Operators. “The award of the trailblazer Panorama Destination Thailand will inspire other companies in Thailand to follow the same path,” he added.
In order to receive “Travelife Certified” status, Panorama Destination first had to submit a detailed report in compliance with the Travelife standard (which includes an independent on-site audit). The office was also required to demonstrate full compliance with more than 200 criteria concerning tour operators’ sustainability practices.
These requirements cover every aspect of sustainable tourism business operations, from office management and product ranges, to international business partners and customer information. The Travelife standard also covers the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, comprising environment, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations; certification therefore provides official confirmation that Panorama Destination is in full compliance with the UN-supported Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.
“We are delighted to have obtained ‘Travelife Certified’ status,” explains Mr. Nicola Scaramuzzino, who is the Country Manager of Panorama Destination Thailand. “This award reflects our ongoing commitment to make tourism more sustainable in Thailand, and we look forward to working with Travelife in the months ahead to bring our vision for the future more clearly into focus,” he said.
Travelife is the travel industry’s leading training, management and certification initiative for tourism companies committed to reaching greater sustainability. The Travelife system aims to help DMCs, tour operators and travel agencies manage and improve social, environmental and economic impacts through compliance with a wide range of sustainability criteria.
The Travelife certification programme follows a three-stage approach: Travelife Engaged,
during which a company makes a commitment to assess its operations and devise the appropriate management procedures; Travelife Partner, which enables the company to communicate its sustainability commitments and achievements; Travelife Certified, in which the company is confirmed to be in compliance with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and formally recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Only partners who complete this third phase can achieve Travelife Certified status.
In addition to auditing and certification, Travelife provides its partners with a range of online training and practical tools to help enhance their sustainability credentials. Since 2012, more than 500 tour operators worldwide have received a Travelife award, with more than 1,500 also trained in CSR and sustainability issues within the tourism sector. The scheme is supported by more than 35 national travel associations globally.
With official Travelife Certified status, Panorama Destination is looking forward to a brighter, greener future in Thailand. As international tourism returns and the sector looks to build back better following pandemic-era shutdowns, Panorama Destination is ready to lead the way as a ‘Travelife trailblazer.’
