Sustainable Tourism
Trails of Indochina believes that travel, done well, can be a genuine force for good. As a destination management company working across Southeast Asia, we sit at the intersection of travelers, local communities, wildlife, and the cultures that make this region extraordinary. That comes with responsibility.
Our approach is built on ten core themes, covering legal compliance, fair labour practices, environmental management, and customer protection. It shapes how we select accommodations, choose excursions, brief our guides, and work with suppliers across our network.
Two areas receive particular focus: animal welfare, where we assess venues against internationally recognised standards rather than taking a blanket position on practices like elephant riding, and child protection, where we’ve built clear guidelines for staff, guides, and clients on responsible interaction and reporting.
Our policies are reviewed regularly and apply equally to us and our suppliers. Read them in full below.
Sustainability Policy
Our overarching framework covering legal compliance, fair labour standards, environmental management, and responsible supply chain practices. Organised into ten themes, it guides how we operate internally and how we work with accommodations, transport providers, excursion suppliers, and guides across Southeast Asia.
Animal Welfare Policy
Sets out our commitment to the Five Freedoms and the Welfare Quality criteria for any animal-related experience we offer. Defines minimum requirements for captive and working animals, lists unacceptable practices such as animal shows and wildlife selfies, and outlines how we assess and support suppliers.
SOP for Captive Elephant Interactions
A dedicated protocol addressing the complexities of elephant tourism in the region. Rather than a blanket ban on riding, it sets welfare-based criteria for evaluating elephant venues, promotes ethical and certified operators, and gives clients the choice of whether to engage in elephant contact.
Elephant Camps: Myths and Realities
A myth-busting reference addressing common misconceptions about elephant camp management, covering chaining, riding, the use of hooks, training methods, and elephant shows. Grounded in welfare science, it explains the difference between outdated stereotypes and genuine cause for concern.
Child Protection Policy
Outlines our zero-tolerance stance on child exploitation and abuse across all destinations we operate in. Covers our position against orphanage tourism, guidance for staff and clients on appropriate interaction with children, and a clear reporting protocol for suspected abuse or exploitation cases.
