SUSTAINABILITY

Because it means the world to us

Travel has the potential to enrich, but it can also threaten the fabric and spirit of fragile destinations. At Dynasty Travel, there’s a growing sense that we can no longer justify travel if the act of travelling actually puts at risk the very sights we’re hoping to see. Unless we all embrace the goals of sustainability, the landscapes we dream of exploring could be irreparably compromised – or may vanish entirely. So in everything we do, our overriding aim is to moderate the impact created by our business and your travel – both on the communities we’re privileged to visit and on the surrounding natural environment, where the choices we make today will be felt by future generations. At the same time, we also believe that travel can provide us with opportunities to make positive contributions to the planet rather than threatening its well-being.

Artisans Series - a CSR project to showcase best-in-class shokunins

In the course of our work in Japan, we met several remarkable individuals we are now proud to call friends of Dynasty Travel.

ENSURING THAT COMMUNITIES BENEFIT ECONOMICALLY

We strive to maximize the extent to which your trip provides income-generating opportunities for a region’s inhabitants – either from their provision of goods and services as part of your visit, or through your group’s spending in shops, restaurants, markets and other local businesses.

We ask our local suppliers to employ people from the community wherever possible.
Without compromising quality, health or safety, we favour locally owned restaurants and other establishments that are not generally frequented by other travel companies – to spread the economic benefits of your trip, and because we believe you will also appreciate being away from the obvious, overcrowded spots.
We visit local markets (rather than large scale retailers) because they often provide a more engaging shopping experience (and great photo opportunities) as well as the ability to purchase directly from artisans and small-scale manufacturers.
We cover the cost of visiting sites where the entrance fees help pay for upkeep. If a site has free admission, Dynasty Travel makes a donation and we encourage our guests to do so as well.
We produce documentaries of inspiring local artisans and farmers (prioritizing those without immediate successors), and encourage you to support them by meeting, learning and buying directly from them.

PRESERVING AND REVITALIZING LOCAL CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

Wherever we design your journey, we want to help you gain a better understanding of the region’s cultural heritage and local traditions.

Our restaurant selection tends to incorporate authentic home-grown cuisine, and we invite you to try our favourite local food.
We foster a deeper understanding of a region by visiting its historical, cultural and religious sites, arranging art, music and dance presentations, as well as access to festivals and other special events.
We often appoint a local expert to enhance our cultural appreciation and help bring each place or event to life through the insights and personal stories they share.
We provide information on how to minimise potential negative impact on sensitive local cultures, including guidance on appropriate conduct and dress codes at historically important sites or the protocol for asking to photograph someone.
We encourage you to interact with people by teaching you a few words and phrases in the local language.

Climate Change Series - A CSR project to learn from polar expeditions

We didn't even leave footprints behind so as not to trap unwitting wildlife in knee deep holes.

CONSERVING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

At the very least, we seek to avoid damage or disruption to the natural environment. At best, we take tangible positive measures to help conserve it.

We always encourage our guests to consider biking or walking components in their bespoke journeys – for the greener alternative, but also because it’s a great way to stay healthy while discovering the life of a region up close.
We always request that our suppliers have new and/or properly maintained vehicles, and we’re exploring opportunities to use alternative energy sources such as electric power, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fuel from biomass.
When visiting a protected area – for instance, a national park – we strictly comply with all rules and regulations.
When a trip includes wildlife encounters, we take practical steps to minimise any disturbance to flora and fauna, including thorough briefings on safe, eco sensitive conduct.
We avoid accidental pollution by encouraging travellers to wear biodegradable sun lotions if the trip involves swimming, diving, wading or any other contact with water.
In protected areas, our guides maintain a strict “pack it in – pack it out” policy; all waste generated on an excursion is brought back to home base and recycled if possible.
In many regions we typically try to include a visit to a research or conservation project that has direct or indirect environmental benefits.
We make clear that it’s illegal to purchase goods made from endangered species: e.g., coral or tortoiseshell jewellery, and garments or accessories made from animal skins.
Wherever you choose to explore, we encourage you to follow that well-worn yet wise adage: Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.

PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY AT OUR OFFICES

Dynasty Travel works hard to minimize the environmental impact of our business, not just on your adventures but also in our day-to-day work back at home.

We select centrally located offices, ideally near train stations or bus terminals, so that our staff can have the option of biking, walking, or using public transportation to work wherever possible.
We strive to become a waste-free office – we do not serve drinks in disposable packaging, stopped giving out single use luggage tags, and encourage our guests to view our brochures and itineraries on digital screens so that we can reduce unnecessary printed materials.
We replaced the large digital display screen on our main floor with an analog split-flap board - it is not only energy saving, but also retro-cool.
We turn off all non-essential equipment after office hours - not just lights, but also computers, screens and other devices.

HOW YOU CAN HELP US DO GOOD

We see sustainability as a key element of your Dynasty Travel experience, and we have curated many ways for you to give back in very simple ways:

Accept our offer to send you travel or trip related information digitally so that we can reduce use of paper and unnecessary waste.
Reuse the beautiful luggage tags, travel bags and water bottles that you may receive from us – they are made for repeated use.
Support our “slow travel” itineraries – by spending more time in every city you visit, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also see and learn more.
Maintain an open mind and adventurous spirit when you travel with us - very often, we will invite you to try local activities or specialties cuisine that you may not be familiar with but will add depth to your overall trip experience.
Buy directly from the local artisans and businesses that we introduce you to, so that they can benefit in very tangible ways from your visits.
Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints, especially when visiting protected areas.

At Dynasty Travel, we always believe that travel allows us to make a positive contribution to our planet, and we will continue to undertake tangible positive measures to sustain and revitalize the local communities and natural environments in the different countries that welcome us.