Our values

Sustainability Management and Legal Compliance

We commit to sustainability management, practiced by these following actions:
– To have an active Sustainability Coordinator who has successfully completed the basic Travelife Sustainability training and examination. Our SC will be responsible for overseeing the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of our sustainability policy and action plan.
– We will define, document, and publicly share our sustainability mission statement and policy to ensure clarity and accountability.
– We will carry out a baseline assessment to evaluate our current performance in sustainable practices and identify areas for improvement.
– We are committed to transparency in our sustainability efforts by regularly reporting and openly communicating our progress and practices to the public.
– We will actively engage our staff in the execution of our sustainability action plan, ensuring they are fully informed about our Sustainability Policy and dedicated to its ongoing improvement.
– We will fully comply with all applicable national legislation related to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Our pledge is to follow the following principles ourselves, as well as use them for the selection of all our service providers:

Internal Social Management and human rights

– We ensure all employees have the freedom to enter and terminate their employment contracts with appropriate notice and without penalties.
– Employment contracts include clear terms aligned with national labor laws, including a defined job description and a wage rate that meets or exceeds the legal minimum.
– Overtime work will be agreed upon in advance and fairly compensated in accordance with applicable regulations.

– We provide medical and liability insurance coverage as required by national law.
– All employees are entitled to paid annual leave and sick leave, as stipulated by national legislation.
– We are committed to equal opportunity in recruitment, employment conditions, access to training, and advancement to senior positions. Discrimination of any kind—based on gender, race, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation—will not be tolerated.
– We strictly adhere to national laws regarding the minimum legal working age and do not employ anyone below that age.
– We regularly assess employee satisfaction and address complaints promptly, taking appropriate action for continuous improvement.
– We provide opportunities for our employees to gain experience, grow professionally, and pursue career advancement within the company.
– We support learning and development by offering traineeship, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities to students.

Internal management: environment

We are dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact through responsible internal practices. Our commitments include:

1. Waste Reduction and Responsible Consumption
We are actively working to reduce and, where possible, eliminate the use of disposable and single-use consumer goods. Our internal waste management systems are continuously reviewed and improved to ensure compliance with national legislation and alignment with best environmental practices.
Key Actions:
•We use refillable toner cartridges instead of single-use options.
•We use mostly reusable glass and ceramic items.
•Printing is minimized, and we are shifting procedures toward digital alternatives.
•We print only when necessary.
•We prioritize the procurement of sustainable and eco-certified goods and services.
Notably, our operations are now almost entirely paperless, using paper only when strictly necessary.

2. Energy and Water Efficiency

Reducing energy and water consumption is a key focus area. We monitor usage, identify areas for improvement, and invest in efficient systems to support environmental goals.
Key Actions:
•We work from home, and our buildings are equipped with modern water-saving technologies.
•Dual-flush toilets are installed to reduce water usage.
•Heating and cooling systems are deactivated during non-working hours.
•Water consumption is tracked through regular analysis of billing data.
•We use only green energy sources and have transitioned to energy-efficient lighting.
•All equipment is set to energy-saving mode.
•When purchasing new equipment, we favor energy-efficient models based on performance, cost, and environmental impact.
•We use sustainably sourced water without disrupting environmental flows.

3. Employee Engagement and Training

We believe sustainability is a shared responsibility. To this end, we provide ongoing training and communication to ensure all team members understand their roles in achieving our environmental goals.
Key Actions:
•Staff receive periodic training on internal sustainability practices.
•Sustainability updates and guidance are shared regularly to reinforce awareness and engagement.

4. Sustainable Transportation and Travel

We aim to reduce the environmental impact of staff commuting and business travel through digital solutions and responsible vehicle use.
Key Actions:
•We encourage teleworking, video conferencing, and hybrid work models.
•Business travel is minimized, and more sustainable modes of transportation are prioritized.

5. Sustainable Infrastructure and Land Use

We align all infrastructure-related decisions with environmental, legal, and cultural considerations. Our goal is to build and operate in harmony with the surrounding environment and local communities.

Key Actions:
•We comply fully with national regulations on land use, zoning, and the protection of heritage sites.
•Construction and renovation projects incorporate locally appropriate sustainable practices and materials.
•We contribute to the preservation of local historical, archaeological, cultural, and spiritual sites, ensuring unhindered access for residents.

General suppliers policy

Responsible Sourcing and Supplier Engagement
At Nikena Eco Adventureq, we are committed to sourcing products and services in a way that minimizes negative impacts on society, culture, and the environment. We expect our suppliers and partners to demonstrate the same level of commitment and responsibility in their business practices.

Our Approach to Sustainable Sourcing
We actively seek to collaborate with partners who share our values and dedication to sustainability. Specifically, we prefer to work with suppliers that:
– Have a documented sustainability policy or a clearly defined sustainability statement integrated into their business operations. – Are locally owned or managed in the destinations where they operate. – Use local, seasonal products and services, and contribute to the well-being of local communities by hiring locally, promoting equity, and providing fair and safe working conditions.

Supplier Expectations and Code of Conduct
We require all suppliers to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which outlines essential responsible business practices, including:
– Full compliance with applicable local, regional, national, and international laws and regulations – Respect for all human rights, including labor rights, children’s rights, and women’s rights – Commitment to fair employment practices and safe working conditions – Adherence to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-extortion, and anti-discrimination standards – Protection of children from sexual exploitation and other forms of harm in the context of tourism – Protection and responsible use of the natural environment and resources – Respect and support for local communities and their well-being – Safeguarding the ethical and reputational interests of Nikena Eco Adventures
Our full Supplier Code of Conduct can be accessed here: https://www.montenegro-eco.com/our-values 

Enforcement and Zero Tolerance
We follow a strict zero-tolerance policy. Any supplier found to be in violation of our Code of Conduct—particularly regarding corruption, bribery, discrimination, or human rights abuses—will face immediate termination of the business relationship.

Engagement, Awareness, and Collaboration
– We actively work to raise awareness among our suppliers about responsible social and environmental practices, including ways to reduce their carbon footprint. – We engage in ongoing collaboration with our partners to support the continuous improvement of their sustainability performance. – We encourage and support sustainability learning and capacity building within our supply chain wherever possible. – Open communication is central to our supplier relationships. We welcome feedback from all stakeholders and encourage dialogue on any topic, especially related to sustainability.

Partner Agencies

We recognize the important role our partner agencies play in achieving our sustainability goals. As such, we are committed to fostering transparent and responsible partnerships built on shared values and standards.

Our commitments include:
– Sharing key sustainability standards: We ensure that our key partners are informed about Travelife requirements and relevant national tourism sustainability standards.
– Communicating our sustainability policy: We clearly communicate our company’s sustainability policy to our partners, and we expect them to comply with it and, where appropriate, relay relevant aspects to end customers.
– Embedding sustainability in agreements: We include key sustainability clauses in our contracts with inbound and receptive partners, reinforcing our joint responsibility in promoting responsible tourism.
– Encouraging capacity building: We actively encourage our inbound partners to participate in sustainability training programs relevant to the travel industry, helping them build knowledge and integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

Sustainable Transport

We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of travel by prioritizing more sustainable transport options throughout our operations. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with affordability, comfort, and practicality.

Our commitments include:
– Offering sustainable holiday packages: We strive to integrate and promote travel products that include sustainable transport, eco-certified accommodations, and responsible activities.

Sustainable Accommodation Practices

We are committed to partnering with accommodations that align with our values of environmental responsibility, cultural respect, and social equity. Our goal is to ensure that the accommodation services we offer contribute positively to the destinations and communities in which we operate.

Our commitments include:
– Encouraging sustainability certification: We actively motivate and support our partner accommodations in pursuing recognized sustainability certifications, helping to raise industry standards and accountability.
– Supporting local ownership: We prioritize accommodations that are locally owned and managed, thereby contributing to the local economy and community empowerment.
– Fostering local employment: We give preference to accommodations that provide fair employment opportunities to local residents.
– Promoting responsible tourism practices: We encourage our accommodation partners to implement best practices in sustainability, covering areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement.
– Including sustainability clauses in contracts: All accommodation agreements include standard sustainability clauses that address critical issues such as the prevention of child labor, anti-corruption and bribery, effective waste management, and the protection of biodiversity.
– Respecting cultural heritage: We collaborate with accommodations and restaurants that celebrate local culture through architecture, art, and heritage elements—ensuring that the intellectual property rights of local communities are acknowledged and respected.
– Protecting children’s rights: Through our accommodation supply chain, we ensure the rights of children are upheld and safeguarded. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the sexual exploitation of children in tourism.
– Upholding essential community resources: We will immediately terminate partnerships with any accommodation provider found to be compromising local access to essential resources such as clean water, food, energy, healthcare, or fertile soil.

Sustainable Excursions and Activities

As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carefully select and promote excursions and activities that respect local cultures, support community development, and protect the natural environment. Our approach ensures that the experiences we offer align with sustainability principles and contribute positively to the destinations we operate in.

Our commitments include:
– Maintaining a curated inventory of environmentally and culturally sensitive excursions offered in each destination to ensure our experiences align with local values and conservation efforts.
– Educating guests on responsible behavior during excursions and activities, with guidance on how to respect local customs, communities, and ecosystems.
– Prohibiting harmful activities: We do not offer excursions that may cause harm to people, animals, plants, or natural resources (such as water and energy), or that are considered socially or culturally inappropriate.
– Protecting wildlife: We do not support or promote any excursions that involve wildlife being held in captivity, except in cases where activities are properly regulated and fully compliant with local, national, and international laws.
– Opposing illegal wildlife trade: We do not engage with or support companies involved in the harvesting, consumption, display, sale, or trade of wildlife species, unless these practices are part of a legal and sustainable framework governed by applicable regulations.
– Employing qualified guides: We ensure that our excursions to culturally and ecologically sensitive areas are led by knowledgeable, skilled, and/or certified guides to enhance guest understanding and promote responsible engagement.
– Supporting local communities: We promote excursions and activities that directly benefit local communities by encouraging guests to purchase locally made products, traditional crafts, local food, and to visit community-based or social initiatives.
– Encouraging environmental protection: We advise and promote activities that contribute to the conservation of the environment and biodiversity, such as visits to protected natural areas, eco-reserves, or environmental education and conservation projects.

Tour Leaders, Local Representatives, and Guides

We recognize the vital role that our tour leaders, local representatives, guides, and other support staff play in delivering meaningful and responsible travel experiences. As part of our sustainability commitment, we ensure fair labor practices, invest in training, and promote local employment whenever possible.

Our commitments include:

– Fair and transparent employment: All staff under our contract receive a written employment agreement outlining job descriptions and labor conditions in accordance with national laws. We ensure that all employees fully understand their rights and responsibilities.
– Prioritizing local employment: We give preference to hiring local tour leaders, representatives, guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff—provided they have equal qualifications and abilities. Where necessary, we provide training to build local capacity.
– Living wages and fair pay: We guarantee that all tour leaders, guides, porters, and other contracted staff are paid at least a living wage, which is at or above the legal minimum or relevant industry standards.
– Qualified and continuously trained staff: All our tour leaders, guides, and hosts are professionally qualified and receive regular training to maintain high standards in service delivery, guest experience, and sustainability awareness.
– Sustainability awareness and compliance: Local staff are kept informed of our sustainability policy and practices through newsletters, contract addenda, emails, or dedicated training sessions. We expect them to adhere to these standards in their daily operations.
– Guest education on sustainability and ethics: Tour leaders, representatives, and guides are responsible for informing guests about important sustainability topics, including the protection of local flora and fauna, cultural heritage, responsible resource use, and local customs such as tipping, dress codes, and respectful photography.
– Safeguarding children’s rights: We provide specialized training to our tour leaders and local representatives on the prevention of sexual exploitation of children in tourism. This includes education on how to identify and respond to risks, and ensuring compliance with all regulations concerning child protection.

Sustainable Destination Management

We are committed to making responsible and informed decisions when selecting, promoting, and operating in travel destinations. Our aim is to contribute positively to local communities, protect natural and cultural heritage, and reduce the negative impacts of tourism.

Our commitments include:
– Integrating sustainability into destination selection: We consider environmental, socio-cultural, and economic sustainability criteria when choosing new destinations. We also explore and promote alternative, lesser-known destinations to help reduce overtourism and distribute tourism benefits more equitably.

– Avoiding destinations with harmful tourism impacts: We do not operate in destinations where tourism contributes to long-term negative local effects—unless our involvement leads to demonstrable positive outcomes that offset these impacts.
– Promoting accessible and low-impact travel: Where possible, we prioritize destinations that can be reached using more sustainable modes of transport.
– Respecting local planning and protection laws: We comply with spatial planning regulations, protected area laws, and cultural heritage protections at local, regional, and national levels. We align with the destination management strategies set by local authorities and communities.
– Strengthening local supply chains: We support initiatives that foster cooperation between accommodations and local producers, helping to keep tourism revenues within the local economy and reduce dependency on external suppliers.
– Conserving biodiversity and natural areas: We contribute to the conservation of biodiversity—including protected areas and ecologically sensitive zones—through financial support, product integration, and advocacy.
– Prohibiting the sale of harmful souvenirs: We do not promote or sell souvenirs made from threatened plant or animal species, as listed under the CITES Treaty or the IUCN Red List, nor do we support the trade of historical or archaeological artifacts unless explicitly permitted by law.
– Promoting locally made souvenirs: We support the sale of souvenirs produced by local artisans and businesses. We inform our clients about suppliers that offer authentic, locally made, and culturally respectful products.

Customer Engagement and Responsibility

We are committed to ensuring a high standard of transparency, ethical communication, safety, and sustainability in our customer interactions. Our goal is to provide meaningful, respectful, and responsible travel experiences while empowering customers to make informed, conscious choices.

Our commitments include:
Transparency, Ethics, and Communication
– Protecting customer privacy: We ensure that customer data is handled securely and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

– Honest marketing: We comply with applicable marketing standards and voluntary codes of conduct. We do not overpromise or mislead customers through our communications.

– Clear product and pricing information: We provide complete, accurate, and transparent information about our products, services, pricing, and sustainability claims.

Providing Destination & Sustainability Information
– Accurate destination content: We provide fact-based, balanced, and comprehensive information about each destination, including relevant sustainability aspects.

– Environmental impact of transport: We inform customers about the environmental footprint of various transport options (especially when not included in packages) and recommend more sustainable alternatives where feasible.

– Promoting sustainable options: We highlight certified sustainable accommodations, excursions, packages, and transport options, using recognizable labels or logos to help customers identify the more responsible choice.

– Educating on sustainability: Customers receive relevant information about natural surroundings, local culture, heritage, and sustainability challenges at their destinations, along with actionable tips to make a positive contribution.

Customer Safety, Respect, and Protection
– Health and safety: We inform clients about potential health and safety risks in their destination and how to take appropriate precautions.

– Emergency preparedness: A dedicated contact person and 24/7 emergency phone number are always available. Our staff are trained and guided on how to respond in case of emergencies.

– Responsible behavior guidelines: We provide clients with codes of conduct for sensitive excursions and experiences, developed where possible in collaboration with local communities and NGOs, to minimize negative impacts and enhance enjoyment.

– Exploitation awareness: Clients are informed about issues of exploitation and harassment—especially concerning children and adolescents—and are made aware of laws and ethical responsibilities.

– Protection of heritage and biodiversity: We educate customers about local legislation regarding the purchase, sale, import, or export of historical artifacts and items containing endangered species or protected flora and fauna.

Promoting Positive Impact and Local Benefit
– Support for local businesses: We encourage clients to dine at local restaurants, shop from locally-owned stores, and support artisans and community-based enterprises.

– Sustainable transport options: Clients are informed of more eco-friendly modes of transport within destinations, when feasible.

– Giving back: We motivate customers to support local charities or sustainability-focused initiatives that benefit the destination and its residents.

Customer Feedback and Continuous Improvement
– Measuring satisfaction: We systematically monitor customer satisfaction and integrate insights into the continuous improvement of our services and sustainability performance.

– Sustainability in feedback: Sustainability-related aspects are incorporated into customer satisfaction surveys to track awareness, preferences, and overall experience.

– Clear complaints procedure: We maintain transparent procedures for handling customer complaints, ensuring that all concerns are acknowledged and addressed promptly.

This policy is effective from the 30th of August, 2025.

Customer privacy

Your privacy and protection are important to us. Sensitive information is stored electronically within our database, which is secured and only accessible by accredited staff who follow strictly privacy procedures. If any documents containing personal date are printed for internal purposes, they are kept in a filing system in our office that is only accessible by our most trusted employees. If documents are no longer applicable, they are shredded before disposal.

• Any personal data is only collected if relevant and necessary for us to provide the services sold.
• All personal data is kept for maximum 1 year.
• Our customers are informed on how we store data and where. They always have the option to be deleted from our database.
• We are committed to protecting the privacy of all of our guests and users, and we would like to reassure you that all of the information you provide us with is kept strictly private and confidential

© Nikena Eco Adventures