Sustainability

 

GAPA TRAVEL is socially committed in Panama – every GAPA traveler is part of it!

 

As part of our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, GAPA Travel partnered in 2018 with the Waved Foundation, a Panamanian organization that combines education, surfing, and environmental awareness to transform the lives of children in rural coastal communities. Through this alliance, we support educational, environmental, and social projects that create a positive and lasting impact in the communities where we operate, contributing to the well-being of people and the preservation of our environment.

Follow the foundation on Instagram and Facebook @gowaved

Website: www.gowaved.org

 

 

 

 

Sustainability Policy of Gapa Travel

 

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE
Commitment to Sustainability
We use the Travelife platform to document, monitor, and evaluate our progress in sustainability. Our sustainability performance is published at least every two years.
Gapa Travel is committed to the continuous improvement of its sustainability practices, including regular review and updates of this policy. We comply with all local, national, and international laws – especially regarding labor rights, human rights, children's rights, the environment, and the use of animals and land. We enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, bribery, discrimination, and forced labor.

 

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT
Social Policy and Human Rights

• Equal opportunity and fair pay regardless of gender, ethnicity, origin, marital status, age, or religion

• Support for professional development

• A safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment

• Zero tolerance for human rights violations

• Expectation that partners and suppliers uphold these standards

Environmental Management within the Company

• Regular goal setting and review in the areas of energy, water, paper, and CO₂

• Hierarchical waste reduction: reduce, reuse, recycle

• Promotion of environmental awareness among staff

• Avoidance of environmentally harmful substances and emissions

Office CO₂ Management

• Reduction of business travel

• Promotion of remote work and eco-friendly transportation

• Use of energy-efficient technologies (where possible)

 

SUPPLY CHAIN
General Supplier Guidelines

• Responsible sourcing of products and services

• Preference for locally owned companies with clear sustainability policies

• Adherence to a code of ethics focusing on:

  • Human rights and fair working conditions

  • Environmental and resource protection

  • Protection from sexual exploitation in tourism

  • Combating corruption and discrimination

• In case of violations: immediate termination of business relationships

• Active collaboration to improve the sustainability performance of our partners

 

PARTNERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Travel Agencies

• Cooperation only with agencies that meet our company code of conduct

• Access to training and the Travelife platform

Transport Providers

• Selection of the most environmentally friendly means of transport (e.g. land travel instead of air travel)

• Appropriate vehicle size and efficient route planning

• Compliance with our code of ethics

Accommodations

• Selection based on sustainability criteria

• Respect for local resources and cultural sensitivities

Activities and Excursions

• No offerings that harm people, animals, or the environment

• Preference for activities with local benefits and ecological value

Guides and Local Representatives

• Fair pay and safe working conditions

• Sustainability training including protection against the sexual exploitation of children

• Promotion of sustainable and respectful guest behavior

 

DESTINATIONS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES

• Avoidance of overtourism through promotion of alternative destinations

• Support for local art, culture, and economy

• Guest education on responsible consumption and behavior

• Respect for all human and land rights

• Collaboration with local stakeholders to foster sustainable tourism development

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN DESTINATIONS

• Protection of natural resources

• Guest education on sustainable travel

 

COMMUNICATION AND CUSTOMER PROTECTION
Data Protection

• Compliance with all data protection laws

• Transparent information on data usage

Marketing

• Honest communication with no false promises or greenwashing

• Cultural, religious, and ethnic sensitivity

Sustainability Communication

• Guest education on:

  • Certified accommodations and activities

  • Responsible shopping

  • Sustainable food choices

Customer Experience

• Strict health, safety, and quality standards

• Complaint and feedback management

• Awareness-building on social and environmental topics (e.g. CO₂ offsetting, child protection)

 

RESPONSIBILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION
All employees are responsible for implementing this policy. It is coordinated by our Sustainability Officer, reachable at: sustainability.coordinator@gapatravel.com

 

Effective Date: July 1, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald Castillo

Travelife Sustainability Manager