Policy Scope and Purpose

This Policy is part of the Footprint Adventure Sustainability Policy and governs the selection, recommendation, and engagement of accommodation suppliers. It becomes effective upon approval by the Managing Director and will be formally reviewed every two years. The Managing Director or designated officer must authorise any deviation.

Guiding Principles

  • Accommodations must be clean, safe, and provide a quality guest experience. We identify the most sustainable options available across all price tiers to suit clients’ budgets.
  • Suppliers must comply with legal standards, respect human rights, promote inclusion and equitable treatment, and uphold animal and environmental protection values.
  • Preference for establishments demonstrating active measures to reduce resource use, waste, pollution, and support local community development.
  • Accommodations are assessed on-site by our Sustainability Coordinator or guided by observations and client feedback. Evaluation domains include:
  • Staff receive fair wages and working conditions (e.g., appropriate hours, breaks).
  • Respectful and inclusive workplace practices aligning with child protection standards (children under 14 only in safe, part‑time or internship roles).
  • No single-use plastic bottles are provided to guests.
  • Guests can refill water from communal jug stations.
  • Separation of organic waste (for composting) and recyclables (plastic, glass, paper).
  • Exceptional performers may practice full zero‑waste systems.
  • Use of LED or CFL lights, and energy‑efficient appliances.
  • Guest prompts for switching off appliances or global automated shutdown systems.
  • Dual‑flush or water‑safe bucket system toilets.
  • Low‑flow showerheads and regular leak monitoring.
  • Zero tolerance for sexual exploitation or harmful child labor under 14 years of age. 
  • Safety protocols in contracts allow for immediate termination in the event of violations.
  • Preference for community- or locally-owned accommodations.
  • Local food sourcing, purchases from community­‑based suppliers, fair‑trade products.
  • Incorporation of local culture or heritage in the property design, artwork, and cuisine.
  • Respect for the intellectual property rights of local communities.
  • Support of community activities or heritage efforts.
  • No use of endangered/red‑listed species in menus or décor.
  • Positive contribution or at least no harm to local natural ecosystems.
  • Include sustainability criteria in marketing material so clients understand why certain accommodations are recommended.
  • Encourage clients to follow sustainable behaviours during their stay (e.g. towel reuse, water and energy conservation, waste sorting).
  • Collect client feedback via surveys and incorporate insights into supplier assessments.
  • Facilitate training workshops or peer-learning groups for accommodation suppliers.
  • Encourage group certification initiatives among local partners.
  • Collaborate with NGOs, local government, or industry groups to support sustainable tourism in Nepal, e.g., local standards development and awareness drives.