Sustainability Policy Of Hike’n Sail Türkiye

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY OF HIKE’N SAIL TÜRKİYE

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT & LEGAL COMPLIANCE

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to contribute to a more sustainable society and economy by supporting all stakeholders in building greater awareness and action toward sustainability.

We are committed to minimizing and mitigating our impact on the natural environment, while actively contributing to the well-being of our local communities and society at large.

Through our operations and travel experiences, we aim to:

Promote sustainable living and responsible travel practices
Reduce our carbon footprint and limit the use of single-use plastics
Support local industries and prioritize locally sourced products and services
Create a democratic and inclusive work environment for our team
Reject gender stereotypes and foster equality
Respect cultural and religious diversity
Protect wildlife and care for stray animals encountered in the areas we visit

Sustainability is not just a principle—it is the foundation of how we operate, the way we travel, and the legacy we aim to leave.

Sustainability Commitment

At Hike’n Sail Türkiye, our leadership is fully committed to advancing the company’s sustainability performance and upholding our mission and policies related to responsible travel.

We utilize the Travelife platform to report, monitor, and evaluate our sustainability progress in a transparent and systematic way.

We are dedicated to publicly communicating our sustainability performance by sharing a comprehensive Travelife report every two years, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement across all areas of our operations.

Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance

At Hike’n Sail Türkiye, we are committed to the continuous improvement of our sustainability practices. This includes the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of our Sustainability Policy, supported by dedicated personnel and allocated resources to ensure we meet our sustainability objectives.

We strictly comply with local, regional, national, and international laws and regulations relevant to:

Human resources and labor practices
Human rights and children’s rights
Land use and land rights
Environmental management and wildlife protection

Our operations are guided by a rigorous Code of Ethics, which includes a zero-tolerance policy for:

Corruption and bribery
Forced or child labor
Discrimination of any kind

Through these commitments, we ensure that our business practices align with ethical, legal, and sustainable principles.

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT: SOCIAL POLICY & HUMAN RIGHTS

Employees

We recognize that our employees are our biggest asset for delivering meaningful travel experiences to our customers. Therefore, we maintain a clear human resource policy to ensure:
Legal compliance in all regards
A safe, healthy, and welcoming workplace
Fair contract conditions including fair compensation
Training opportunities including training on topics of sustainability, sexual harassment, and exploitation in the workplace and the industry
Participation in the sustainability planning activities
Hike’n Sail Türkiye supports both career-related and job-related professional development activities.
Hike’n Sail Türkiye is committed to the principle of fair and equal pay for like work and for work of equal value for all its employees, and contractors, regardless of gender/sex, race, national origin, marital status, age, or religion.
Hike’n Sail Türkiye is committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace/work culture where all employees can perform their duties/recognize their potential.
Hike’n Sail Türkiye is committed to a zero-tolerance policy for acts of bribery, corruption, discrimination, and violation of human rights, including forced labor, human trafficking, and all rights of children.
Hike’n Sail Türkiye further expects this commitment from all partners and suppliers.

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT: ENVIRONMENT

Environmental management of office operations

Hike’n Sail Türkiye is committed to managing environmental impact as an integral part of our operations. It is our policy to assure the environmental integrity of our processes and products at all times.
Continuously seeking opportunities to improve our environmental performance by establishing objectives and targets, measuring progress, and reporting our results, including but not limited to energy, water, paper, and carbon. Favor sustainable suppliers and products, whenever these are available and of sufficient quality.
Practicing a waste hierarchical approach to always refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle commodities and products instead of waste, particularly waste to landfill.
Promoting participation and communicating our commitment to responsible environmental management by promoting environmental responsibility amongst our employees and stakeholders and soliciting input from them to better achieve our environmental goals.
Minimizing pollution including light, noise, and any soil, water, or air contaminants, and avoiding the use of any toxic or hazardous substances.

Carbon management of office operations

Hike’n Sail Türkiye is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and endeavors to reduce the amount we travel as much as possible by:
Reduce the amount we travel as much as possible
Monitoring and measuring carbon footprint with the aim to reduce as much as possible and offset remaining amounts.
Encouraging remote work whenever possible, and when it is not possible, makes it easier for employees to limit their carbon footprint by the use of eco modes of transportation.
Committing to offsetting our remaining direct and indirect carbon from travel and fossil energy use via Tomorrow’s Air.
Installing energy-efficient equipment and appliances.

Land use

Hike’n Sail Türkiye offices are located in an urban area and abide by all local land use laws, respect local cultural and natural resources in our business operations, and favor sustainable architecture and design.

GENERAL SUPPLIERS POLICY

Hike’n Sail Türkiye is committed to sourcing its services responsibly, avoiding harmful impacts on society, culture, and nature as much as possible. We expect the same level of engagement and commitment from our suppliers.
Hike’n Sail Türkiye prefers to work with partners that share the company’s commitment to sustainability. This means that we prefer partners that have a written sustainability statement as an integral part of their business policy and/or a clear sustainability policy in place.
Hike’n Sail Türkiye prefers to work with suppliers in destinations that are locally owned or managed, use local and seasonal products and services, and benefit the local community by hiring locally and equitably and by providing fair working conditions.
Whenever possible, Hike’n Sail Türkiye prefers to select partner companies that comply with tourism-specific, internationally recognized (GSTC-accredited) certifications, or other sustainability certifications like B Corp or ISO.
Hike’n Sail Türkiye expects its suppliers to adhere to Our Code Of Conduct, which includes the following responsible business practices:
Complying with all local, regional, national, and international regulations
Respecting all human rights including labor rights, children’s rights, and women’s rights
Committing to fair employment conditions
Following anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-extortion, and anti-discrimination policies
Protecting children from (sexual) exploitation through tourism
Protecting the environment and natural resources
Acting in the best interest of local communities
Protecting the interests of Hike’n Sail Türkiye

OUR CODE OF CONDUCT

Hike’n Sail Turkey testifies that the only way to maintain sustainable tourism in Türkiye is to understand, promote, and actively implement the GSTC Industry Criteria for Tour Operators.
To this end, all our policies, plans, decisions, and day-to-day actions are designed to comply with the following principles:

Environmental & Cultural Responsibility

Use locally owned infrastructure for accommodation and transport where possible.
Respect local customs, cultures, and traditions, and avoid pressuring the local lifestyle.
Ensure that all activities follow “leave no trace” principles, especially in sensitive natural and cultural environments.
Actively reduce carbon emissions and offset the remaining impact, maintaining our carbon-neutral status since 2020.
Enforce a strict switch-off policy for all devices when not in use. Avoid unnecessary energy consumption, including over-heating and over-cooling.
Discourage any participation in activities that exploit wild or domestic animals and plants.

Social Equity & Human Rights

Ensure that all staff, guides, providers, and travelers are treated with dignity and respect, without discrimination based on:
- Racial or ethnic background
- Ability or disability
- Neurodiversity
- Language
- Socioeconomic status
- Citizenship or land of origin
- Faith, religion, or spiritual affiliation
- Gender identity or expression
- Sexual orientation
- Age or marital status
Provide safe, inclusive, and enjoyable travel experiences for all participants.
Provide opportunities for meaningful interaction between travelers and local people.
Educate travelers and providers about the why and how of sustainable travel.
Uphold a zero-tolerance policy against commercial sexual exploitation and illegal drug use by any leader, guide, or traveler.
Prevent the exploitation of children in tourism at all times.
Support and promote fair employment practices, including equal opportunity and fair wages.

Economic Fairness & Local Empowerment

Distribute financial benefits fairly among local people and businesses.
Work with local providers who align with Hike’n Sail’s principles and offer high-quality service.
Support local organizations and communities visited by Hike’n Sail groups.
Always strive to offer our travelers excellent value for money.

Accountability and Integrity

Hike’n Sail maintains a strict anti-corruption and anti-bribery policy. We do not tolerate any form of corruption, bribery, facilitation payments, or unethical practices in our operations. All staff, guides, and partners are expected to:
- Reject bribes or improper advantages in any form
- Report any suspected corrupt practices or unethical behavior
- Act in full transparency and integrity in all financial and contractual dealings
We expect the same level of ethical conduct from our partners, suppliers, and contractors.

Supplier Compliance

If a contracted accommodation or supplier is found to jeopardize the integrity of local communities, including access to essential services, resources, livelihoods, or significant sites, Hike’n Sail reserves the right to terminate the agreement without warning.

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

At Hike’n Sail Türkiye, we recognize that transportation is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in tourism. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we apply a thoughtful and responsible approach to all travel-related transport decisions.

Code of Conduct

We only work with transport providers who adhere to Hike’n Sail Türkiye’s Code of Conduct, which outlines our expectations for environmental, safety, and ethical performance.

Environmentally Responsible Travel

When selecting transport options for both guests and business-related travel, we are committed to choosing the most environmentally friendly options available, while balancing comfort, safety, distance, route, and budget. Our preferences and operational practices include:

Prioritizing ground transport over air travel for short-haul destinations.
Avoiding in-destination flights as much as possible by designing overland itineraries.
Encouraging rail-and-fly combinations where available for airport transfers.
Using public transportation (e.g., ferries, trams) in cities, especially in Istanbul.
Selecting appropriate vehicle sizes based on group size to maximize fuel efficiency.
Choosing low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles whenever available.

GHG Emissions Reduction & Compensation

Hike’n Sail Türkiye has implemented clear guidelines for reducing GHG emissions from transport. Additionally, we:

Have systems in place to measure unavoidable transportation emissions.
Either include carbon compensation costs within the tour package price, or actively promote compensation options to clients during booking.

By continuously reviewing and improving our transportation practices, we aim to minimize our environmental impact while maintaining a high standard of comfort and reliability for our guests.

Code of conduct for drivers

Eco-driving is the driver’s application of techniques that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without necessarily upgrading the vehicle’s technology. In addition to certain circumstances such as weather, road conditions, and congestion, driving behaviour can considerably influence vehicles fuel consumption. Adopting eco-driving habits can save a significant amount of fuel (10-20% with professional training) while simultaneously increasing road safety.

Eco-driving has the following benefits:

Ability to travel longer distances with the same amount of fuel;
Less stress, wear, and tear, on the vehicle, resulting in fewer and less (costly) repairs;
Safer driving, fewer accidents;
Less fuel use resulting in less CO2 emissions, and less air pollution.

We expect our drivers to follow the following rules:

Drive at the designated speed limit and on low gears to save carbon emissions;
Use the engine more consciously (let go of the gas pedal in time);
Check your route before leaving to avoid traffic and avoid getting lost;
Use a relaxed and defensive driving style and view ahead to avoid sudden stops (e.g., with traffic jams or red lights ahead, stop giving gas and just let the car go);
Do not idle; rather, switch the engine off when you anticipate a long wait (e.g., railroad tracks, checkpoints, etc.);
Remove the roof-rack or any unnecessary accessories when not in use;
Check tire pressure before leaving
Only use heating/air conditioning when necessary.

ACCOMMODATIONS

At Hike’n Sail Türkiye, sustainability is at the heart of our travel philosophy. Our tours often take place in or near culturally and ecologically sensitive areas, where responsible tourism practices are essential. We recognize that our choice of accommodation directly impacts the environmental and social integrity of the places we visit.

We are committed to working only with accommodation providers who share our values and operate responsibly. Our policy is guided by the following principles:

At Hike’n Sail Türkiye, sustainability is at the heart of our travel philosophy. Our tours often take place in or near culturally and ecologically sensitive areas, where environmental care is essential. We recognize that our choice of accommodation directly impacts the integrity of these places.

We are committed to working only with accommodation providers who share our values and operate responsibly.

Selection Priorities

In our decision-making, we prioritize accommodations in the following order:

Locally owned and operated properties, to ensure direct economic benefits for the community.
Accommodations that reflect authentic architecture, preserve local character, and are situated in special or meaningful locations.
Properties that are certified as sustainable by recognized third-party labels or national programs.

Supporting Positive Change

We actively support and encourage initiatives by accommodation providers to improve their sustainability practices, even if they are in the early stages of implementation.

Environmental & Social Criteria for Partner Accommodations

No Deforestation

The property must not be built on land cleared by cutting native trees or damaging natural ecosystems.

Responsible Waste Management

The accommodation must not discharge solid or liquid waste into the surrounding environment.

Energy and Water Conservation

There must be active policies in place to reduce energy and water consumption (e.g., efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, solar heating).

Vegetarian Food Options

The accommodation must offer vegetarian meals and promote sustainable food choices.

Respect for Local Wildlife

Properties located near sensitive habitats (e.g., Olympos Beach, a sea turtle nesting site) must take steps to reduce noise and light pollution, especially during critical breeding seasons.

No Captive Exotic Animals

We do not work with accommodations that keep or display wild or exotic animals in captivity for entertainment or attraction.

Local Sourcing and Employment

Provisions should be purchased locally, and local people should be prioritized in employment and service provision.

Biodiversity-Friendly Development

Any new construction, renovation, or landscaping must be done with care to protect or enhance local biodiversity.

Waste Separation and Recycling

The property must separate recyclable materials and have an operational recycling system.

By partnering with accommodations that uphold these standards, we aim to ensure that our presence contributes positively to the places we visit — protecting nature, supporting communities, and enriching the travel experience for our guests.

ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS

Hike’n Sail Türkiye is committed to promoting sustainable excursions.

Sustainability of an excursion provider is of key importance, as it enables our company to extend sustainability practice throughout a core element in our tours / supply chain. When selecting excursions/activities for clients, it is our policy to recommend the most sustainable excursion options within their budget range. When we do have a chance to select the excursions, we will give strong preference to establishments that follow sustainable practices throughout all aspects of their operation.

Scope

This policy will be part of the Sustainability Policy. The policy is applicable to the selection of excursion suppliers that our company collaborates with.

This policy is effective immediately after approval by Managing Director and circulation to staff. The policy will be formally reviewed every 2 years to ensure its relevancy. The Managing Director or an officer delegated with such authority must approve any deviations to this policy.

Sustainable Excursion Principles

In our effort of selecting the most sustainable excursion suppliers available, we prefer establishments who follow these core principles:

The right product for the right price

The establishment is hygienic, sanitary and safe and is able to offer a good comfort and service to the expectation of our clients. Sustainable excursion practices can be found in all price ranges; hence we aim to identify the most sustainable options available within the budget of our clients.

Fair business

The establishment follows fair business practices, including transparency and adherence to law, human rights and economic/social equity, and environmental and animal protection.

Minimizes impact on the environment and society

The establishment places high priority on sustainable practices, aiming at minimizing its effect on the surrounding environment and society.

General Sustainability Considerations

Currently, internationally certified excursions are not available in Türkiye. However, some suppliers are recognized for their responsible and sustainable practices. These practices are not exclusive to high-end services and can be found across various budget ranges. For this reason, Hike’n Sail Türkiye focuses on evaluating suppliers based on their actual sustainability practices rather than solely on price or certification status.

Evaluation Methods

Excursion providers are assessed using multiple tools and feedback sources:

Site visits conducted by our sustainability coordinator or manager
Observations from our tour guides
Client feedback forms

Sustainability Criteria

We evaluate our excursion partners based on the following principles:

Human Care
We aim to collaborate with suppliers who treat their staff fairly, giving:

Legal wages (minimum or higher)
Reasonable working hours
Adequate rest and meal breaks

No-Plastic Policy
Preferred providers avoid single-use plastics. For example, they:

Do not distribute plastic water bottles
Offer refill stations or provide jugs in rooms and common areas

Waste Management
Suppliers must at least:

Separate plastic for recycling
Preference is given to suppliers with more comprehensive waste management systems.

Energy Efficiency
Suppliers should implement:

Energy-saving technologies (e.g., LED lights, efficient appliances)
Guest awareness efforts or automation to reduce unnecessary energy use

Child Protection
All suppliers must uphold children’s rights. If children under 14 are involved (e.g., internships), safe and legal working conditions must be provided.
Use of Local Supplies
We encourage suppliers to use locally produced, fair-trade food and materials wherever possible.
Biodiversity Protection
Suppliers must minimize any harm to local ecosystems.
Authentic Cultural Elements
Preference is given to businesses that incorporate local art, design, or traditions in their space or service.
Community Engagement
Suppliers are encouraged to:

Respect the intellectual property of local communities
Contribute to community welfare (e.g., event sponsorships, donations to heritage preservation)

Supporting Suppliers in Sustainability

We actively support and promote long-term collaboration with excursion suppliers to enhance their sustainability performance. Our support includes:

Advisory visits by management or guides
Sharing of best practices
Resources such as:
- Information on certifications (e.g., Travelife for Tour Operators)
- Self-assessment tools
- Training materials

Accountability and Sanctions

If a supplier is found engaging in unsustainable or unethical practices:

We issue a formal warning
If the issues persist, we will terminate cooperation and blacklist the supplier

Communication with Excursion Providers

We maintain regular communication with suppliers through:

Email and phone – our primary means of discussing sustainability topics
In-person visits – during which our team or guides may provide feedback and advice

Mandatory Sustainability Policies We Promote

Zero tolerance for child labor
Anti-corruption and bribery
Waste management requirements
Biodiversity protection policies

Incentives for Sustainable Practice

Excursion suppliers that demonstrate responsible environmental and social practices are prioritized. Where appropriate, we may offer:

Increased visibility through promotion on our website
Preferred contract conditions based on booking volume and sustainability performance

Tour Leaders, Local Representatives, and Guides

At Hike’n Sail Türkiye, we recognize the vital role that guides and local representatives play in delivering meaningful, responsible, and educational travel experiences. Our commitments in this area are as follows:

Fair and Ethical Employment

We are committed to employing qualified local guides, porters, drivers, and other essential local staff. We ensure that all individuals working directly or indirectly for us receive:

Fair and living wages
Safe and equitable working conditions

We also expect our suppliers and partners to uphold the same ethical standards when hiring local personnel on behalf of Hike’n Sail Türkiye.

Role of Guides in Sustainability

We understand that guides are the key link between our guests and the cultural, environmental, and social context of each destination. They play a crucial role in:

Communicating appropriate behavior
Promoting sustainability principles
Representing local communities and environments with respect

Therefore, we ensure that all guides hired or contracted by Hike’n Sail Türkiye are:

Regularly trained and briefed
Knowledgeable about the sustainability challenges and opportunities of the destinations they work in
Child Protection Training

All our guides receive specialized training on the prevention of sexual exploitation of children in tourism. This training is mandatory and reflects our zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse or exploitation.

Ongoing Sustainability Education

Hike’n Sail Türkiye supports the continuous learning and professional development of its guides. We provide:

Free access to the Travelife Online Learning Platform
Additional training resources and materials focused on sustainability in tourism

DESTINATIONS

Sustainable destinations

Hike’n Sail Türkiye prefers to work in destinations that have committed to sustainability as an integral part of community and destination development.
Hike’n Sail Türkiye aims to send visitors to secondary or lesser-known tourist areas to avoid over-tourism.

Contribution to local communities / local economic network

Hike’n Sail Türkiye commits to a positive contribution to the destinations in which we operate, by:
Sourcing locally and responsibly, and supporting local and traditional arts and culture
Encouraging guests to shop responsibly and educating them about illegal/prohibited/forbidden souvenirs
Collaborating with other local tourism stakeholders [including local government, other tourism businesses, academia, and community groups] to further the sustainable tourism development of the destination
Respecting and advocating for all human rights (i.e. children’s rights, women’s rights, labor rights, etc.) as well as land rights

Environmental stewardship in destinations

Hike’n Sail Türkiye commits to environmental stewardship in the destinations in which we operate by:
Ensuring natural resources remain intact
Educating guests about the principles of responsible travel and responsible visitor behavior.

Unsustainable Destinations

At Hike’n Sail Türkiye, we are committed to responsible tourism that respects the environment, culture, and local communities. To uphold this commitment, we have established a clear policy regarding unsustainable destinations:

1. Avoidance of Over-Touristed and Environmentally Vulnerable Destinations

We actively avoid destinations and sites known to suffer from overtourism, environmental degradation, or significant social disruption caused by tourism.

2. Prioritizing Sustainable and Lesser-Known Destinations

We prioritize travel to destinations that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, local community wellbeing, and environmental protection. Whenever possible, we choose secondary or lesser-known locations to reduce pressure on fragile areas.

3. Responsible Destination Selection Criteria

Before including any destination in our itineraries, we evaluate its sustainability based on:

Environmental impact and conservation status
Community consent and involvement in tourism development
Capacity to manage visitor numbers without harm
Presence of sustainable tourism certifications or local sustainability initiatives

4. Collaborating for Destination Improvement

When working in destinations facing sustainability challenges, we:

Collaborate with local stakeholders to support sustainable development efforts
Encourage and promote responsible tourism practices among our clients and partners
Avoid activities that contribute to negative impacts on the destination’s environment or culture

5. Right to Exclude Destinations

If a destination or supplier is found to consistently engage in unsustainable or unethical practices, Hike’n Sail Türkiye reserves the right to remove that destination or supplier from our offerings without prior notice.

CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION AND PROTECTION

Privacy

Our customer protection is our priority. Therefore, we maintain a clear privacy policy [link to document/website] to ensure:
Legal compliance in all regards
Customers and their data are protected
Customers know how their information is being used

Marketing and communication

Hike’n Sail Türkiye strives to be truthful in all situations and at all times. We offer products and services that do what we claim in our communications.
We honor our explicit and implicit commitments and promises.
We are anti-greenwashing and stand behind our sustainability claims 100%.
We endeavor to be inclusive and representative in our marketing and to always take into account cultural, religious, and ethnic sensitivities.

Sustainability communication

Customers are informed about the social and environmental impact of their journey and are educated about the sustainable choices they can make, including transparent communication on:
Certified accommodations
Compensation for their trip’s CO2 emissions
Activities and excursions that benefit the local communities and environmental protection
Responsible shopping and illegal souvenirs.

Customer experience

The company aims for all customer experiences to be positive and follows strict health and safety, marketing, and excursion policies to ensure customer satisfaction. These policies cover specific topics of (but are not limited to):
Health and Safety
Emergency procedures
Privacy
Group numbers
Greenhouse Gas emissions and offsetting
Transport
Shopping
Sexual exploitation
Children in tourism
Satisfaction and Complaints
Hike’n Sail Türkiye maintains open lines of communication with our customers and encourages feedback at any time and on any topic, particularly sustainability.

CONTACT / RESPONSIBLE PERSON

All staff is responsible for the ownership and undertaking of this policy.

All staff is responsible for the promotion and implementation of this sustainability policy within their departments. The implementation of this policy will be led by the Sustainability Coordinator, Liliana Rios Santana, who can be reached at sustainability@hikeandsail.com.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy is effective from August 8^th, 2025.

REVISION HISTORY

This policy was revised on August 7^th, 2025 This policy will be revised by August 7^th, 2027

Our Code Of Conduct

Environmental & Cultural Responsibility

Use locally owned infrastructure for accommodation and transport where possible.
Respect local customs, cultures, and traditions, and avoid pressuring the local lifestyle.
Ensure that all activities follow “leave no trace” principles, especially in sensitive natural and cultural environments.
Actively reduce carbon emissions and offset the remaining impact, maintaining our carbon-neutral status since 2020.
Enforce a strict switch-off policy for all devices when not in use. Avoid unnecessary energy consumption, including over-heating and over-cooling.
Discourage any participation in activities that exploit wild or domestic animals and plants.

Social Equity & Human Rights

Ensure that all staff, guides, providers, and travelers are treated with dignity and respect, without discrimination based on:
- Racial or ethnic background
- Ability or disability
- Neurodiversity
- Language
- Socioeconomic status
- Citizenship or land of origin
- Faith, religion, or spiritual affiliation
- Gender identity or expression
- Sexual orientation
- Age or marital status
Provide safe, inclusive, and enjoyable travel experiences for all participants.
Provide opportunities for meaningful interaction between travelers and local people.
Educate travelers and providers about the why and how of sustainable travel.
Uphold a zero-tolerance policy against commercial sexual exploitation and illegal drug use by any leader, guide, or traveler.
Prevent the exploitation of children in tourism at all times.
Support and promote fair employment practices, including equal opportunity and fair wages.

Economic Fairness & Local Empowerment

Distribute financial benefits fairly among local people and businesses.
Work with local providers who align with Hike’n Sail’s principles and offer high-quality service.
Support local organizations and communities visited by Hike’n Sail groups.
Always strive to offer our travelers excellent value for money.

Accountability and Integrity

Hike’n Sail maintains a strict anti-corruption and anti-bribery policy. We do not tolerate any form of corruption, bribery, facilitation payments, or unethical practices in our operations. All staff, guides, and partners are expected to:
- Reject bribes or improper advantages in any form
- Report any suspected corrupt practices or unethical behavior
- Act in full transparency and integrity in all financial and contractual dealings
We expect the same level of ethical conduct from our partners, suppliers, and contractors.

Supplier Compliance

If a contracted accommodation or supplier is found to jeopardize the integrity of local communities, including access to essential services, resources, livelihoods, or significant sites, Hike’n Sail reserves the right to terminate the agreement without warning.

Our Ethical Code

Hike’n Sail Turkey strongly affirms that the only path toward achieving and maintaining truly sustainable tourism in Türkiye is through a deep understanding, consistent promotion, and practical application of the GSTC Industry Criteria for Tour Operators.

To align with this vision, all of our policies, decisions, operational plans, and actions are developed and implemented in accordance with the following core principles:

Economic and Local Benefit

Prioritize the use of locally owned infrastructure, including accommodation and transportation providers, wherever possible.
Ensure that economic benefits are shared fairly among local people and operators.
Work only with local partners who align with our principles and deliver high-quality service to both travelers and staff.
Support local communities and organizations visited by Hike’n Sail groups.
Provide travelers with meaningful opportunities to engage with local people in a respectful and enriching way.

Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion

Treat all employees, guides, partners, and travelers with dignity, respect, and fairness, without discrimination based on racial/ethnic background, ability/disability, neurodiversity, language, socioeconomic status, citizenship, land of origin, religion or spiritual affiliation, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital status.
Promote fair employment practices and equal opportunity across all operations.
Uphold the rights and welfare of children, and work to prevent their exploitation in tourism.
Do not tolerate the endorsement or participation in commercial sexual activities or illegal drug use by any group leader or traveler on Hike’n Sail trips.

Environmental Stewardship

Deliver trips that are safe, responsible, and low-impact, leaving no trace in sensitive natural and cultural environments.
Actively discourage participation in activities that exploit wild or domestic animals and plants.
Continuously reduce carbon emissions and offset the remainder, maintaining our carbon-neutral status since 2020.
Reserve the right to terminate contracts with any accommodation provider found to compromise a local community’s access to essential services, resources, livelihood, or significant cultural/natural sites.

Education & Cultural Integrity

Educate our travelers, guides, and suppliers about why and how we travel sustainably.
Promote respect for local customs and cultures, and avoid placing pressure on the local way of life.
Provide experiences that are not only responsible but also enjoyable and rewarding for our travelers.

This commitment is central to our mission and embedded in our operations. For more details, read our Sustainability Policy

Accommodation Policy

We are committed to working only with accommodation providers who share our values and operate in a responsible manner. The following criteria guide our selection process:

Environmental & Social Criteria for Partner Accommodations

Health and Safety Policy

Hike’n Sail Türkiye
Updated: June 2025

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Health and Safety Policy is to ensure the wellbeing of all guests, staff, guides, partners, and local communities involved in our operations. As a responsible adventure travel company, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment across all our activities—whether on land, sea, or in remote settings.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Hike’n Sail Türkiye staff, contractors, guides, suppliers, and participants engaged in tours, expeditions, and related operations.

3. Commitment

We are committed to:

Complying with all applicable local, national, and international health and safety regulations.
Implementing best practices specific to adventure travel and outdoor risk management.
Promoting a proactive culture of safety, preparedness, and shared responsibility.

4. Roles & Responsibilities

a. Management

Maintain and update risk assessments for all activities and destinations.
Ensure all staff and guides are trained in first aid, emergency response, and activity-specific safety.
Provide access to appropriate safety gear and equipment.
Maintain insurance coverage for public liability, guides, and participants.

b. Guides & Field Staff

Conduct daily safety briefings and assess conditions before each activity.
Monitor group health, weather, terrain, and other hazards.
Carry a first-aid kit and a means of emergency communication (e.g. satellite phone, radio, or mobile).

c. Participants

Must disclose relevant medical conditions and fitness limitations prior to the trip.
Must follow guide instructions and wear safety gear when required.
Are encouraged to carry personal insurance covering medical evacuation and adventure activities.

5. Key Procedures

a. Pre-Trip Risk Assessment

Each itinerary is assessed for potential hazards including terrain, altitude, weather, wildlife, water exposure, and political stability.

b. Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

Every tour includes a written emergency plan, including evacuation routes, emergency contacts, local medical facilities, and incident protocols.

c. First Aid & Medical Care

All guides are certified in first aid and CPR. On multi-day or remote expeditions, enhanced medical kits and a trained wilderness responder are present.

d. Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, or near-misses are documented and reviewed post-tour for continuous improvement.

e. Equipment & Gear Maintenance

All safety equipment (helmets, harnesses, kayaks, life jackets, etc.) is inspected and maintained regularly, with records kept.

6. COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Readiness

We follow WHO and local authority guidance to reduce the risk of disease transmission, including:

Pre-tour health screening
Sanitation of shared equipment and vehicles
Mask and hygiene protocols where appropriate

7. Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Adventure travel can be physically and emotionally demanding. Our team is trained to identify and support participants under stress, anxiety, or fatigue and ensure respectful, inclusive group dynamics.

8. Continuous Improvement

We regularly review this policy, gather feedback from guests and staff, and update procedures to reflect evolving best practices.

9. Contact

For questions, feedback, or concerns related to safety:
sustainability@hikeandsail.com

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it through our compliance with this privacy policy (“Policy”). This Policy describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide (“Personal Information”) on the hikeandsail.com website (“Website” or “Service”) and any of its related products and services (collectively, “Services”), and our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that Personal Information. It also describes the choices available to you regarding our use of your Personal Information and how you can access and update it.

This Policy is a legally binding agreement between you (“User”, “you” or “your”) and Hike’n Sail Türkiye (doing business as “Guvercin Turizm Ltd. Şti.”, “we”, “us” or “our”). If you are entering into this agreement on behalf of a business or other legal entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind such entity to this agreement, in which case the terms “User”, “you” or “your” shall refer to such entity. If you do not have such authority, or if you do not agree with the terms of this agreement, you must not accept this agreement and may not access and use the Website and Services. By accessing and using the Website and Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Policy. This Policy does not apply to the practices of companies that we do not own or control, or to individuals that we do not employ or manage.

Collection of information

Our top priority is customer data security and, as such, we exercise the no logs policy. We may process only minimal user data, only as much as it is absolutely necessary to maintain the Website and Services. Information collected automatically is used only to identify potential cases of abuse and establish statistical information regarding the usage and traffic of the Website and Services. This statistical information is not otherwise aggregated in such a way that would identify any particular user of the system.

Privacy of Children

We do not knowingly collect any Personal Information from children under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18, please do not submit any Personal Information through the Website and Services. If you have reason to believe that a child under the age of 18 has provided Personal Information to us through the Website and Services, please contact us to request that we delete that child’s Personal Information from our Services.

We encourage parents and legal guardians to monitor their children’s Internet usage and to help enforce this Policy by instructing their children never to provide Personal Information through the Website and Services without their permission. We also ask that all parents and legal guardians overseeing the care of children take the necessary precautions to ensure that their children are instructed to never give out Personal Information when online without their permission.

Use and processing of collected information

We act as a data controller and a data processor when handling Personal Information, unless we have entered into a data processing agreement with you in which case you would be the data controller and we would be the data processor.

Our role may also differ depending on the specific situation involving Personal Information. We act in the capacity of a data controller when we ask you to submit your Personal Information that is necessary to ensure your access and use of the Website and Services. In such instances, we are a data controllers because we determine the purposes and means of the processing of Personal Information.

We act in the capacity of a data processor in situations when you submit Personal Information through the Website and Services. We do not own, control, or make decisions about the submitted Personal Information, and such Personal Information is processed only in accordance with your instructions. In such instances, the User providing Personal Information acts as a data controller.

In order to make the Website and Services available to you, or to meet a legal obligation, we may need to collect and use certain Personal Information. If you do not provide the information that we request, we may not be able to provide you with the requested products or services. Any of the information we collect from you may be used to help us run and operate the Website and Services.

Processing your Personal Information depends on how you interact with the Website and Services, where you are located in the world and if one of the following applies: (i) you have given your consent for one or more specific purposes; (ii) provision of information is necessary for the performance of an agreement with you and/or for any pre-contractual obligations thereof; (iii) processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which you are subject; (iv) processing is related to a task that is carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in us; (v) processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by us or by a third party.

Note that under some legislations we may be allowed to process information until you object to such processing by opting out, without having to rely on consent or any other of the legal bases. In any case, we will be happy to clarify the specific legal basis that applies to the processing, and in particular whether the provision of Personal Information is a statutory or contractual requirement, or a requirement necessary to enter into a contract.

Disclosure of information

Depending on the requested Services or as necessary to complete any transaction or provide any Service you have requested, we may share your information with our affiliates, contracted companies, and service providers (collectively, “Service Providers”) we rely upon to assist in the operation of the Website and Services available to you and whose privacy policies are consistent with ours or who agree to abide by our policies with respect to Personal Information. We will not share any personally identifiable information with third parties and will not share any information with unaffiliated third parties.

Service Providers are not authorized to use or disclose your information except as necessary to perform services on our behalf or comply with legal requirements. Service Providers are given the information they need only in order to perform their designated functions, and we do not authorize them to use or disclose any of the provided information for their own marketing or other purposes.

Retention of information

We will retain and use your Personal Information for the period necessary to comply with our legal obligations, to enforce our agreements, resolve disputes, and unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

We may use any aggregated data derived from or incorporating your Personal Information after you update or delete it, but not in a manner that would identify you personally. Once the retention period expires, Personal Information shall be deleted. Therefore, the right to access, the right to erasure, the right to rectification, and the right to data portability cannot be enforced after the expiration of the retention period.

Data Analytics

Our Website and Services may use third-party analytics tools that use cookies, web beacons, or other similar information-gathering technologies to collect standard internet activity and usage information. The information gathered is used to compile statistical reports on User activity such as how often Users visit our Website and Services, what pages they visit and for how long, etc. We use the information obtained from these analytics tools to monitor the performance and improve our Website and Services.

Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers incorporate a Do Not Track feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Tracking is not the same as using or collecting information in connection with a website. For these purposes, tracking refers to collecting personally identifiable information from consumers who use or visit a website or online service as they move across different websites over time. The Website and Services do not track its visitors over time and across third-party websites. However, some third-party websites may keep track of your browsing activities when they serve you content, which enables them to tailor what they present to you. For a description of Do Not Track protocols for browsers and mobile devices or to learn more about the choices available to you, visit internetcookies.com

Social Media Features

Our Website and Services may include social media features, such as the Facebook and Twitter buttons, Share This buttons, etc (collectively, “Social Media Features”). These Social Media Features may collect your IP address, what page you are visiting on our Website and Services, and may set a cookie to enable Social Media Features to function properly. Social Media Features are hosted either by their respective providers or directly on our Website and Services. Your interactions with these Social Media Features are governed by the privacy policy of their respective providers.

Email Marketing

We offer electronic newsletters to which you may voluntarily subscribe at any time. We are committed to keeping your e-mail address confidential and will not disclose your email address to any third parties except as allowed in the information use and processing section. We will maintain the information sent via e-mail in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

In compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, all e-mails sent from us will clearly state who the e-mail is from and provide clear information on how to contact the sender. You may choose to stop receiving our newsletter or marketing emails by following the unsubscribe instructions included in these emails or by contacting us.

Links to other resources

The Website and Services contain links to other resources that are not owned or controlled by us. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other resources or third parties. We encourage you to be aware when you leave the Website and Services and to read the privacy statements of each and every resource that may collect Personal Information.

Information Security

We secure information you provide on computer servers in a controlled, secure environment, protected from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards in an effort to protect against unauthorized access, use, modification, and disclosure of Personal Information in our control and custody. However, no data transmission over the Internet or wireless network can be guaranteed.

Therefore, while we strive to protect your Personal Information, you acknowledge that (i) there are security and privacy limitations of the Internet which are beyond our control; (ii) the security, integrity, and privacy of any and all information and data exchanged between you and the Website and Services cannot be guaranteed; and (iii) any such information and data may be viewed or tampered with in transit by a third party, despite best efforts.

Data Breach

In the event we become aware that the security of the Website and Services has been compromised or Users’ Personal Information has been disclosed to unrelated third parties as a result of external activity, including, but not limited to, security attacks or fraud, we reserve the right to take reasonably appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, investigation and reporting, as well as notification to and cooperation with law enforcement authorities. In the event of a data breach, we will make reasonable efforts to notify affected individuals if we believe that there is a reasonable risk of harm to the User as a result of the breach or if notice is otherwise required by law. When we do, we will send you an email.

Changes and Amendments

We reserve the right to modify this Policy or its terms related to the Website and Services at any time at our discretion. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We may also provide notice to you in other ways at our discretion, such as through the contact information you have provided.

An updated version of this Policy will be effective immediately upon the posting of the revised Policy unless otherwise specified. Your continued use of the Website and Services after the effective date of the revised Policy (or such other act specified at that time) will constitute your consent to those changes. However, we will not, without your consent, use your Personal Information in a manner materially different than what was stated at the time your Personal Information was collected.

Acceptance of this policy

You acknowledge that you have read this Policy and agree to all its terms and conditions. By accessing and using the Website and Services and submitting your information you agree to be bound by this Policy. If you do not agree to abide by the terms of this Policy, you are not authorized to access or use the Website and Services. This privacy policy was created with the help of WebsitePolicies.com

Contacting Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Policy, the information we hold about you, or if you wish to exercise your rights, we encourage you to contact us using the Contact Us Page.

We will attempt to resolve complaints and disputes and make every reasonable effort to honor your wish to exercise your rights as quickly as possible and in any event, within the timescales provided by applicable data protection laws.

This document was last updated on March 11, 2023

Client Complaint Policy

At Hike’n Sail Türkiye, we are dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences for our clients. However, we understand that situations may arise where clients are not completely satisfied with certain aspects of their journey. We take such feedback seriously and have established this client complaint policy to ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

Reporting a Complaint

If you have a complaint related to any aspect of your tour, please follow these steps:

Contact Your Tour Guide: Your tour guide is your primary point of contact during the tour. They are there to assist and address any concerns you may have in real-time.

Contact Our Office: If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction during the tour, or if you have concerns after the tour has concluded, please contact our office. Provide us with details of your complaint and any relevant supporting documents.

Acknowledgment of Complaint

Upon receiving your complaint, we will acknowledge it within 24 hours through your preferred contact method.

Investigation and Resolution

Thorough Investigation: We will conduct a thorough investigation into your complaint, considering all relevant information.

Resolution Timeframe: We strive to resolve complaints promptly. However, more complex issues may require additional time. We will provide you with an estimated resolution timeframe.

Communication

Regular Updates: We will keep you informed about the progress of our investigation and resolution.

Dedicated Contact: A dedicated contact person will be assigned to you, serving as your main point of contact throughout the resolution process.

Fair Resolution

Resolution Options: We aim to achieve a fair resolution that addresses your concerns and reflects the nature of the complaint.

Compensation: If appropriate, we may offer compensation or an alternative solution as part of the resolution.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Learning from Complaints: We view complaints as valuable feedback for improvement. Your insights help us enhance our services.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Confidentiality: We treat all complaints and associated information with strict confidentiality.

Enhancing Our Services

Feedback Utilization: We use feedback from complaints to continually enhance our services and prevent similar issues in the future.

Contact / Responsible person

All staff is responsible for the ownership and undertaking of this policy.

Effective date

This policy is effective from August 18th, 2023.

Hike’n Sail Türkiye

Hike’n Sail Joins Tomorrow’s Air

Hike’n Sail Türkiye Climate Action Partnership with Tomorrow’s Air

Inspired by nature and in recognition of travel’s opportunity to help when it comes to our climate, Hike’n Sail Türkiye is joining Tomorrow’s Air, supporting climate action education and accelerating the development of sustainable aviation fuel and carbon removal with permanent storage.

We learned that alongside conventional carbon offsetting and natural climate solutions, new carbon removal and storage approaches are also needed to help us clean up the trillion tons of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The reality is that even if all carbon dioxide emissions were to halt completely right now, Earth’s warming would continue due to the high levels of carbon dioxide already stored in the atmosphere. The only way to permanently reverse warming is through carbon removal .

Hike’n Sail Türkiye made a carbon removal contribution to Tomorrow’s Air in 2023, funding an order for one ton of carbon dioxide to be removed and permanently stored. Hike’n Sail Türkiye will also support climate conscious travel and carbon removal education with Tomorrow’s Air, supporting online social campaigns, research and industry event content.

Additionally, beginning in January 2024, Hike’n Sail Türkiye is incorporating a $30 contribution to Tomorrow’s Air into all its trips. Hike’n Sail Türkiye traveler contributions support:

Inspiring traveler education about meaningful climate action
50% to carbon removal and permanent storage
50% to CO2e via sustainable aviation fuel

How It Works

The Tomorrow’s Air portfolio of carbon removal innovators includes pioneering companies selected for their technical and hybrid nature-tech solutions that can help restore our climate: Climeworks, Pacific Biochar, Eion Enhanced Rock Weathering and Neste Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Traveler and Hike’n Sail Türkiye’s contributions support climate conscious travel education and directly fund emissions reductions via sustainable aviation fuel and carbon removal provided by these companies.

About Climeoworks

With direct air capture, carbon collectors capture carbon dioxide from ambient air. Air is drawn into the collector with a fan, and adheres to a filter within the collector. Once the filter is saturated, the collector is closed, and the temperature is increased, releasing pure carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is dissolved in water, just as a soda machine makes sparkling water.

Graphic courtesy Climeworks

This water mixed with carbon dioxide is then injected deep underground into basaltic rock in Iceland. The basaltic rocks release metals that mix with the carbon dioxide in the water and turn this carbon dioxide into stone. The process safely and permanently removes the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere since rocks cannot leak out of the ground. The entire process is powered by geothermal energy.

About Pacific Biochar

Pacific Biochar captures and stores carbon dioxide by stabilizing natural processes of decay in organic matter and keeping it safely in the ground. The biochar created is used in soil applications. Biochar can help enhance the overall health of soil by helping hold plant nutrients in topsoil. It also supports increases in crop yield, and can also help conserve water used for crops by improving the water retention of the soil.

About Eion Enhanced Weathering

Eion’s novel process speeds up the natural process of chemical weathering that causes the breakdown of rocks and minerals, storing carbon dioxide along the way. Eion applies crushed silicate rock – olivine – to soil. Through existing moisture and acidity in the soil, the crushed rock dissolves, resulting in carbon dioxide being pulled from the atmosphere into the solution. The bicarbonate ions that are formed as part of the process over time make their way to the ocean. Once they reach the ocean, they improve ocean alkalinity and remain at the bottom of the ocean for 500,000 years.

About Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a biofuel that can be used to power airplanes. It is “drop in” fuel that can be mixed with conventional jet fuel and requires no modification to existing jet engines and airport infrastructure. SAF is created from renewable sources such as waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste and non-food crops. These products are processed to produce a more sustainable, safe and powerful jet fuel substitute that can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to using fossil jet fuel. Despite its benefits the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reports that the use of sustainable aviation fuels was only 0.1 percent of the total jet fuel consumption in 2022. Tomorrow’s Air is helping to expand the use of sustainable aviation fuel by aggregating and coordinating traveler and travel business demand for it, which will help grow the supply and expand its use.

Hike’n Sail Türkiye Travelers Are A Valuable Part of the Solution

As a global community, travel holds immense potential to support our society’s transition to sustainability. Millions of travelers along with countless travel companies around the world form a potentially powerful collective to embrace climate-conscious travel and support innovative carbon removal solutions that will be needed alongside our forests, oceans, and soils to absorb and store carbon dioxide.

Through their stories and perspectives as well as through their direct contributions to carbon removal with permanent storage, Hike’n Sail Türkiye’s travelers are building the carbon removal movement and providing vital funding for pioneer decarbonization solutions.

Hike’n Sail Türkiye travelers are encouraged to share their personal travel stories and perspectives with the Tomorrow’s Air community and are invited to

Follow Tomorrow’s Air on Instagram @tomorrowsair_
Sign up for the Airrow Bulletin for travel insights and carbon removal highlights
Join the collective as a Supporter, Leader or Champion member

We All Share the Same Air

Carbon dioxide is extremely well-mixed in our atmosphere: emissions from one part of the world mix in with emissions from other parts of the world. When we reduce the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide—regardless of where on Earth the reduction occurs—the entire atmosphere, and all of us on Earth who are protected by it, benefit.

Let’s band together to restore our climate.