Introduction
Many times, sustainability is purely understood as protecting the environment. But just as important as keeping our planet healthy is to take care of the people living on it. Hotels and the communities in which they are located are dependent upon each other. Whether staying in a bed and breakfast or all-inclusive basis, the majority of guests wants to discover the culture, community and tourist products and services of the destination. Communities expect hotels to demonstrate fairness and responsibility in their activities, and it is in the interest of hotels to ensure that they maintain a positive standing locally.
Further, as a hotelier, it is no news to you that you are responsible to take care of your employees and that they work under fair conditions and are happy in order to perform at their best and provide unforgettable moments to your guests. To state TUI’s position, we have created guidelines on Human Rights & Modern Slavery, and Child protection. You can find them under Downloads below.
Your guide to people and community engagement
Provide clarity and certainty
Have a written terms & conditions of employment in place for all your employees. It should be signed by them and include information about pay, holiday, equipment & uniform, working patterns, disciplinary and grievance procedures.No discrimination
Have a written anti-discrimination policy in place, also known as non-discrimination or equal opportunity policy. It describes your business commitment to treat employees, guests, suppliers and the local community fairly and equally.Child protection
Have a written child protection procedure in place, which sets out what your business does to respect children’s rights and to help protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation at the property. Even for properties that offer an adult only environment, it is still important to have a policy to safeguard children that specifies what will happen should a child be found at the property or guests behave suspiciously around children within or outside the property.When employing young people...
…meet national requirements when employing people under 18 years old AND be aware of the responsibilities under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and ILO Convention 138/18. Any person under the age of 18 (17 years old or less) in the majority of countries are classified as a child and their employment is often considered differently from adults. There may be restrictions around the number of hours and types of work that under 18’s can undertake.Support local artists
Support local artists and artisans of traditional crafts either through the display, commissioning or sale of their work.Support a community project
Support any local community, either through donations (including guest donations) or volunteering time, where your employees get the opportunity to contribute. Many hotels support their local environment and community by for example organising a monthly or annual beach clean, or donating a local NGO. Both staff and guests are often enthusiastic to join.Inform guests
Provide guest information (for example; in-room folders or TV channel, reception/lobby notice boards, displays or TV screens) that includes advice about the local area, attractions, landscape, culture and traditions. By doing so it helps improve guest experience, strengthen ties with the local community and supports overall sustainability aims.Local cuisine, traditions & culture
It is recommended to reflect the local cuisine, traditions and culture in your operations. Many hotels will provide some reflection of the destination they are in, whether it be through entertainment, menu choice, giftshop choices or events. This can improve guest experience and offer the opportunity to support local goods and service providers. It increases community engagement.Be a mentor
Work with a local educational organisation to support young people in gaining the skills and confidence they need for employment. This could be through apprenticeships, by providing work experience opportunites, sponsoring activities that support young people in achieving their career aspirations, providing tours of the hotel and familiarising student with the types of jobs available or by supporting teaching, for example, by making guest lectures to a local training college.Never stop learning
Offer your staff the opportunity to attend training and educational courses (over and above any statutory requirements) at least once a year. For example, many hotels provide the option for language training or to gain cooking skills as a part of their routine employment contracts. It makes your hotel attractive workplace, while it also leads to happy employees who continue in developing their skills.Best practices
Local commitment – TUI Blue Khao Lak (Thailand)
TUI BLUE Khao Lak Beachfront Resort is an exceptionally exclusive retreat hotel, perfect for the discerning traveler who loves to spend a tropical vacation in a relaxing environment. The hotel cares a lot about the local community. They make donations to the local hospital, orphanage and local temples. Besides, nearly all their personnel is from the area and 75% of them are women.
Supporting locals - TUI BLUE Elounda Village Resort & Spa (Greece)
TUI BLUE Elounda Village Resort & Spa values the local community. As such, they do the shopping at local vendors of meat, fish, cheese and vegetables. They also encourage guests to do the same. Buy locally made fun souvenirs and if you’re moving around Crete, make use of public transportation.
Hidden Secrets - TUI BLUE Grand Mediterraneo by Atlantica
With the “Hidden Secrets” program, TUI BLUE Grand Mediterraneo by Atlantica encourages its guests to take walks to the nearby winery and honey farm. As a guest, you can not only learn how the products are made here, but you can also taste and buy the products.
TUI SENSATORI Resort Atlantica Aphrodite Hills (Cyprus)
TUI SENSATORI Resort Atlantica Aphrodite Hills is eager to contribute to the local environment. Therefore, fruits and vegetables are collected from the farms in the area. The resort also works with local schools to offer internships to students from the area.
Downloads
Human Rights & Modern Slavery guideline
TUI Group 5th Modern Slavery Statement
In August 2021 TUI Group published its fifth Modern Slavery Statement as a response to the UK Modern Slavery Act. It sets out the steps TUI Group has taken to prevent acts of modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring in its business and supply chain up to and during the financial year ending 30 September 2020. Download here