Sustainability Policy of Aura Voyages Private Limited

Purpose

Aura Voyages is committed to growing responsibly and sustainably in close collaboration with all stakeholders. The purpose of this policy is to integrate sustainability principles into every aspect of our operations and travel experiences that we offer in India, Nepal and Bhutan.

We are implementing this policy to:

• Align with global sustainability standards and stakeholder expectations.
• Protect the natural environment and cultural heritage in the regions where we operate.
• Contribute positively to local communities and economies.
• Enhance trust and transparency with our employees, suppliers, and travelers.

Scope

This Sustainability Policy applies to all aspects of Aura Voyages’ operations and is relevant to the following groups:

• Employees: All full-time, part-time, and contracted staff are expected to follow and actively contribute to the implementation of this policy.
• Suppliers and Partners: Accommodation providers, transport companies, guides, and excursion partners are expected to comply with our sustainability standards and collaborate with us to achieve continuous improvement.
• Clients/Travelers: We encourage our travelers to engage with and support sustainable practices during their journeys with us.

Implementation Responsibility

The Aura Voyages management team holds overall responsibility for implementing this policy, while every team member is responsible for integrating sustainable practices into their daily work. Suppliers and partners play a key role by aligning their operations with our sustainability requirements.

Sustainability management & legal compliance

a) Sustainability Commitment

Aura Voyages is committed to include sustainability into every aspect of its business operations. Our leadership fully endorses this Sustainability Policy and takes responsibility for its effective implementation.

• Leadership & Governance: Sustainability considerations are integrated into our strategic planning, operations, and supplier relationships. Goals are regularly reviewed to ensure continuous improvement.
• Monitoring & Reporting: We use the Travelife platform to measure, track, and evaluate our sustainability performance. Progress is assessed annually and communicated publicly at least once every two years.
• Stakeholder Engagement: While we recognize that we cannot directly control the practices of all third- party suppliers, we actively communicate our sustainability policy to them, encourage alignment with our objectives, and prioritize working with partners who demonstrate responsible practices.
• Company Culture: All employees are expected to contribute to the company’s sustainability objectives through their daily work. Training and awareness programs are provided to ensure a strong culture of responsibility and accountability across the organization.

b) Legal Compliance

Aura Voyages is committed to conducting its business with integrity and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Adherence to Laws: We strictly comply with all local, national, and international legal requirements relevant to our operations as a tour operator. Also we follow all local regional, national and international regulations as related to Human resources, Human rights, Children Rights, Land Rights, Enviornmental Management, Wildlife and Land Use.
• Ethical Business Practices: We uphold principles of transparency, fairness, and anti-corruption in all aspects of our business, ensuring that our activities are socially acceptable and legally sound.
• Supplier Expectations: We expect all contracted partners and suppliers to operate in accordance with legal requirements and to respect fair labor, human rights, and environmental standards.

Internal Management

a) Social Policy & Human Rights

At Aura Voyages, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset in delivering meaningful travel experiences to our clients. We are therefore committed to upholding fair, safe, and respectful working conditions, guided by the following principles:

• Professional Development: We support both career-related and job-related training opportunities to help employees grow and reach their potential.
• Fair & Equal Pay: We are committed to equal pay for equal work, ensuring that employees and contractors are treated fairly regardless of gender, race, nationality, marital status, age, religion, or any other personal characteristic.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: We foster a healthy, safe, and inclusive work environment where everyone can perform their duties with dignity and fully recognize their potential.
• Zero Tolerance for Violations: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against bribery, corruption, discrimination, and all forms of human rights abuse, including forced labor, human trafficking, and child exploitation. We expect the same high standard of respect for human rights from all our partners and suppliers.

b) Environment

Aura Voyages is committed to managing its environmental impact as an integral part of daily operations. Our goal is to continually reduce our footprint and ensure the environmental integrity of our workplace practices. We do this by:

• Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption wherever possible, including limiting the use of heating and air conditioning.
• Waste Reduction: Following the waste hierarchy by reducing, reusing, and recycling before disposal. Paper use is minimized; printing is only done when essential. Used paper is repurposed for internal office needs before being sent for recycling.
• Plastic-Free Office: Avoiding single-use plastics such as cups, plates, and sealed water bottles, and encouraging alternatives that are reusable or recyclable.
• Pollution Prevention: Minimizing pollution in all forms — light, noise, soil, water, and air — and avoiding the use of toxic or hazardous substances in our operations.
• Water Management: For drinking, we use RO water instead of bottled mineral water. Conserving and reusing water through practical measures, such as using air-conditioning outflow water for plant irrigation and repurposing reverse-osmosis (RO) reject water for floor cleaning.

c) Carbon Management

Aura Voyages is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its office operations and related activities by implementing the following measures:

• Travel Reduction: Limiting work-related travel where possible and encouraging the use of remote working tools.
• Efficient Operations: Ensuring regular maintenance of company vehicles and using energy-efficient equipment and appliances where appropriate.
• Low-Impact Practices: Using handwritten welcome boards at airports or using laminated welcome boards incase of regular arrivals from the same company.
• Sustainable Guest Amenities: Providing cloth welcome bags that can be reused during the journey and beyond, and offering stainless steel refillable water bottles to minimize single-use plastic waste.

d) Land Use

Aura Voyages operates its office in a suburban area in full compliance with local land use regulations. We ensure that our premises are used responsibly, respecting community planning requirements and minimizing any negative environmental or social impact.

General Suppliers Policy

Aura Voyages is committed to sourcing products and services in a responsible way that minimizes negative impacts on society, culture, and the environment. We expect our suppliers and partners to share this commitment and to demonstrate responsible business practices in their own operations.

• Partnership Approach: We prefer to work with partners who align with our sustainability values, including accommodations, transport providers, and activity organizers.
• Local Benefits: We prioritize suppliers that are locally owned or managed, make use of local and seasonal products, hire staff from the local community, and ensure fair and equitable working conditions.
• Responsible Practices: Suppliers are expected to:
• Comply with all local, national, and international laws and regulations.
• Protect the environment and natural resources in their operations.
• Act in the best interests of local communities.
• Conduct business with integrity and transparency.
• Capacity Building: We actively raise awareness among our suppliers about social and environmental best practices, encouraging them to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable methods.
• Collaboration & Communication: We maintain open communication with suppliers and partners, inviting feedback and dialogue on all matters, especially sustainability. We also encourage continuous learning and provide support wherever possible to improve sustainability performance.

Inbound Partner Agencies

In developing and operating our travel packages, Aura Voyages expects its partner agencies to act responsibly and in the best interests of local communities, the environment, and our guests. We look for inbound partners who follow our sustainability policy, share our ethical values, and demonstrate a commitment to fair, transparent, and environmentally conscious practices.

Transport Policy

Aura Voyages recognizes that transport is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in tourism. We are therefore committed to integrating sustainable transport practices into supplier selection, guest transfers, and the design of our travel packages. Our aim is to reduce environmental impact while maintaining safety, comfort, affordability, and customer satisfaction.

To achieve this, we follow these guidelines:

• Supplier Selection: Preference is given to transport suppliers who demonstrate sustainability commitment alongside safety, reliability, and customer service.
• Low-Emission Vehicles: We prioritize the use of newer, fuel-efficient, and low-emission vehicles, including hybrid, CNG, electric, or Euro 6-compliant diesel. Wherever feasible, electric vehicles (EVs) are encouraged.
• Right-Sized Vehicles: Vehicles are assigned according to group size to ensure efficiency and avoid unnecessary emissions from underutilized large vehicles.
• Eco-Driving Practices: We value suppliers who train drivers in eco-driving techniques, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
• Sustainability Certifications: Going forward, preference will be given to transport suppliers that obtain recognized sustainability certifications.
• Women’s Empowerment: Where possible, Aura Voyages seeks to work with transport providers who employ and support female drivers.

Accommodation Policy

Aura Voyages recognizes that accommodation is a key part of the travel experience and can have significant social, cultural, and environmental impacts. We therefore integrate sustainability considerations into our accommodation selection and partnerships.

• Sustainable Practices: Preference is given to hotels and accommodations that demonstrate sustainability practices, such as energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of locally sourced products.
• Certifications: Where possible, we prioritize accommodations that hold recognized sustainability certifications or have actively incorporated sustainability in the policies.
• Local Character: We value accommodations that reflect local architecture, customs, and traditions, helping to preserve cultural heritage and provide authentic experiences for travelers.
• Community-Based Tourism: Aura Voyages encourages homestays and family-run accommodations wherever feasible, ensuring direct benefits to local communities.
• Supplier Engagement: We communicate our sustainability expectations with accommodation partners and encourage them to adopt more responsible practices.
• Continuous Improvement: As part of our supplier management, we review and update our accommodation portfolio to ensure alignment with our sustainability goals.

Activities & Excursions Policy

Aura Voyages carefully selects and manages excursions and activities to ensure they contribute positively to communities, culture, and the environment.

• Respect for People & Culture: All activities must respect local customs, traditions, and cultural integrity.
• Environmental Protection: We do not offer excursions that harm people, wildlife, natural habitats, or vital resources such as water and energy.
• Community Benefits: Preference is given to activities that directly support local communities through employment (like village guides), fair income, and skill development.
• Animal Welfare: We avoid activities that exploit animals and instead promote experiences that respect animal welfare and conservation.
• Sustainability Criteria: Where possible, we work with activity providers who demonstrate sustainable practices.

Tour Leaders, Local Representatives, and Guides Policy

Aura Voyages is committed to working with professional local guides, representatives, porters, drivers, and other staff in a way that ensures fair employment and responsible tourism experiences.

• Fair Employment: We hire qualified local staff and ensure they receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and respectful treatment. We also expect the same standards from our suppliers who employ local staff on our behalf.
• Guides / Tour Leaders : We recognize that guides are key intermediaries between guests and the socio- cultural and environmental context of a destination. All guides are briefed on sustainability issues and trained to promote appropriate visitor behavior.
• Child Protection: Our guides are specifically sensitized on the prevention of sexual exploitation of children in tourism and trained to respond appropriately if such issues arise.
• Inclusive Travel: For travelers with special needs or disabilities, guides and drivers receive clear instructions to provide careful assistance while fully respecting the dignity and independence of the traveler.
• Capacity Building: Going forward, Aura Voyages plans to provide guides with ongoing learning opportunities on sustainability with access to the Travelife online training platform.

Destinations Policy

a) Sustainable Destinations

Aura Voyages is committed to promoting destinations that integrate sustainability into community and destination development. We actively:

• Prefer destinations where local communities value and practice sustainable tourism.
• Encourage travel to secondary or lesser-known areas to reduce overtourism and support equitable distribution of tourism benefits.
• Collaborate with organizations that implement sustainable tourism projects to strengthen positive local impacts.

b) Contribution to Local Communities and Economic Networks

Aura Voyages aims to make a positive contribution to the destinations in which we operate by:

• Sourcing Responsibly: Prioritizing local suppliers and promoting traditional arts, crafts, and culture.
• Responsible Shopping: Educating guests about avoiding illegal, prohibited, or harmful souvenirs.
• Respect for Rights: Advocating for human rights, including children’s rights, women’s rights, labor rights, and land rights.
• Cultural Experiences: Encouraging visits to local museums, music and dance performances, and participation in local festivals.
• Community Engagement: Promoting homestays and meals with local families, heritage walking tours led by local experts, and interactions with indigenous communities such as the Bishnoi in Western Rajasthan.
• Support for Local Crafts: Introducing travelers to traditional skills such as block printing, pottery, and other crafts, helping artisans showcase their products.
• Socially Responsible Tourism: Highlighting cafés and restaurants run by acid attack survivors, people with disabilities, or other marginalized groups.
• NGO Partnerships: Supporting organizations such as The Blind Relief Association in Delhi, Sight Savers, WWF India, and other groups working for social and environmental causes.

c) Environmental Stewardship in Destinations

Aura Voyages is committed to protecting natural resources and minimizing environmental impacts by:

• Promoting responsible visitor behavior and educating guests about the principles of sustainable travel.
• Ensuring excursions and activities are designed to conserve natural habitats and resources.
• Raising awareness among travelers and partners about minimizing waste, conserving water and energy, and reducing pollution at destinations.

Customer Communication and Protection Policy

a) Privacy

Customer protection is a top priority for Aura Voyages. We maintain a clear privacy policy that ensures:

• Full compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Protection of customers’ personal data against misuse.
• Transparency so customers understand how their information is collected, stored, and used.

b) Marketing and Communication

Aura Voyages is committed to transparent, responsible, and ethical communication. We ensure that:

• All products and services are described truthfully and accurately.
• Explicit and implicit commitments and promises are honored.
• All sustainability claims are genuine, avoiding any form of greenwashing.
• Marketing is inclusive, respectful, and sensitive to cultural, religious, and ethnic contexts.

c) Sustainability Communication

We actively inform and educate customers about making responsible travel choices. This includes:

• Highlighting activities and excursions that support local communities and environmental protection.
• Advising against the purchase of illegal or harmful souvenirs.
• Providing guests with practical tools for responsible travel, such as tote bags, reusable stainless-steel water bottles, and opportunities to support NGOs like The Blind Relief Association.

d) Customer Experience and Feedback

Aura Voyages values open communication with customers and encourages feedback on all aspects of the travel experience, particularly sustainability.

• A structured feedback form is provided at the end of each tour, covering accommodations, transport, guides, restaurants, and tour execution.
• Feedback is carefully reviewed and used as an opportunity for continuous improvement.
• We aim to transform every guest experience into a learning process to deliver higher-quality and more sustainable services for future travelers.

Contact / Responsible Person

All staff of Aura Voyages share responsibility for promoting and implementing this sustainability policy within their respective roles and departments. Overall implementation and monitoring of the policy is led by the designated Sustainability Coordinator : Vandana Atri Email: auravoyages@gmail.com

The Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the execution of this policy, ensuring compliance, updating the policy as needed, and acting as the main point of contact for stakeholders with questions or feedback regarding Aura Voyages’ sustainability practices.

Effective Date

This policy comes into effect immediately. To ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness, it will be formally reviewed and updated every two years, in line with Travelife requirements, or earlier if significant changes in operations or sustainability standards occur.