CSR in Tourism: EXO Travel & The EXO Foundation

• The mission: Sustainable development of destinations by minimizing negative impacts and maximizing the positive for the benefit of all stakeholders

• Our commitment: Being a responsible travel company who cares about how our business impacts the people and places it touches

• Support of different projects: Develop responsible activities and actively support a variety of projects that are making a real difference in the communities

• Community based tourism: Support community based tourism projects with local organizations as part of our attempt to spread revenues to the most remote and poorest communities

Responsible Travel with EXO

Why EXO Foundation?Exotissimo’s previous involvement in charitable actions:

• Cyclone Nargis Relief Efforts in 2008 • Biggest charity initiative in

Exotissimo’s history• Collected almost 200,000$ of

donations

In 2011: Exo Travel decision to create a separate foundation to:

• integrate ethical positioning within the EXO Travel brand

• give back to communities • redirect clients’ donations

Using tourism to make destinations better places for people to live in and for travelers to visit.

By:

• Sharing: Support sustainable human, social and economic development of local communities in the destinations

• Promoting Responsible Travel within EXO Travel: Advise and accompany Exotissimo to become a leading responsible TO

• Advising clients

The Mission

Relying on Donations:

• Mainly from EXO Travel Clients (1 $ per Traveller) and Clients’ donations

• Bearing most operational costs for office, staff and communication materials (website, brochures, etc.)

• Planned Opt-in option to donate 1$ per pax on invoices to travel agents

• transparency policy including annual financial reports

Total of US$ 98,716 in 2012 and US$ 88,508 in 2013 were donated to various projects, an increase of 30% and 16% respectively on the 2011 total of US$76,007

Funding Sources

”Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”

• Purpose of project; contributing to sustainable development, NGOs, small enterprises

• Preference for small, local organizations and projects

• Upon provision of a coherent activity & financial reports

• Priorities for EXO Foundation funds:– supporting responsible tourism initiatives, and waste management in

tourism destinations– support creation of economic activities for disadvantaged people

Project Selection

Operating Range

Education Health & Sanitation Fight against abuse & human trafficking

Environmental protection

Economic development Cultural revival

Projects in Laos

• Lao Kids• COPE• Traditional Arts & Ethnology

Center• AFESIP• Vientiane Rescue Team• MAG• Lone Buffalo• Big Brother Mouse• Free the Bears

Case Example: TAEC in Luang Prabang

• Developing engaging and professional permanent and temporary Exhibitions

• Fostering learning and awareness through Education and Community Outreach

• Documenting masterpieces of material culture in our Collection

• Supporting sustainable income-generation opportunities through our Advocacy and Livelihoods programmes

• Conducting and facilitating Research in and with ethnic communities.

Case Example: The Akha Experience

• Authentic ecotourism trek in theNorthern Laos area surrounding MuangSing

• Owned by the villagers of 8 Akha villagesand aims to improve their well-being, aswell as to increase their incomes

• Offers a valuable tool for environmentaland cultural awareness for guests andlocals

• For each tour, 75% of the money goesdirectly to the villagers and the villagedevelopment fund, part of which is usedfor trail and forest maintenance.

Case Example: Orchid Trek

• Genuine and authentic ecotourism trekclose to Vientiane, Tours lead by the villagersof Ban Hatkhai village

• Unique project to raise environmental andcultural awareness as well as encouragingorchid preservation and conservation

• Strong involvement of the villagers, creatingincome and employment

• For each tour, a part of the money goesdirectly to the villagers and the villagedevelopment fund. Additionally, part of themoney helps maintain the walking trails andforest cleanliness.

Travelife Certification

Training, management and certification initiative for tourism companies committed to reach sustainability

Growing consumer and business demand for sustainable products

Establishing consistent sustainable business practices including products, how to monitor and manage impacts and how to support our suppliers on their road to sustainability

Travelife Certification

• Organizational governance – practicing accountability and transparency at all levels of your organization

• Human rights – making special efforts to help people from vulnerable groups

• Labor practices – providing safe and healthy conditions for workers; engaging in two-way discussions to address workers’ concerns

• Environment – identifying and improving environmental impacts, including resource use and waste disposal

Travelife Certification

• Fair operating practices – practicing accountability and fairness in dealings with other businesses, especially your suppliers

• Consumer issues – providing healthy and safe products, giving accurate information, and promoting sustainable consumption

• Community involvement and development – getting involved in the betterment of the local communities that your organization operates in; being a good neighbor

Thanks for your attention!