Responsible travel | Sonasia Holiday

Since the very beginning, we have always cared about developing a sustainable tourism and do our best daily to organize tours taking into account the economic, social and environmental aspects.

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION

We have taken many actions so far to make a positive impact in the environments we operate in. Our sustainability policy is now well integrated and focuses around 4 axes :

Foster cultural interaction

We do our best to foster communication and involve the local communities in our activities. We try to facilitate cultural exchange and authentic meetings.

Support local charity

We are participating in several projects in remote and disadvantaged areas, to support small infrastructure construction or help kids in medical emergency.

Reduce environmental footprints

We take actions to minimize our impact on the nature and environment, through eco-friendly transportation or waste recycling for instance.

Support ethical partners

We make sure that all our stakeholders follow the same sustainable practices. We also favor partners that are committed in ethical projects such as fairtrade shops.

A MUTUAL BENEFICIAL TOURISM

We have committed ourselves to develop a more local and responsible tourism for several reasons.

A better community for residents

The money that tourists spend can be reinvested in local economies, from public services to education.

Did you know that for every $1 generated in direct Travel & Tourism GDP, more than $2 are generated on an indirect and/or induced basis

Lots of jobs

Tourism is a sector that is all about people - and as such is an incredible driver of job creation from big cities to small local communities.

Did you know that in 2019 the sector employed 1 in 10 people on the planet and it created 1 in 4 of all new jobs globally in the last 5 years

More creative and entrepreneurial

Tourism’s positive ripple effect not only helps support local businesses but fosters entrepreneurship and new business ventures.

Did you know that 80% of the sector is composed of SMEs

Opportunities for all

Tourism offers opportunities to people from all walks of life, supporting vulnerable groups, including minorities, youth and women among others.

Did you know that the tourism sector has almost twice as many women employers as other sectors and employs a higher share of youth than the overall economy

More peaceful and more tolerant

Tourism is a driver for peace. It helps promote tolerance between people as they learn and better understand each other’s cultures.

Did you know that countries that have more open and sustainable tourism sectors will likely enjoy higher levels of positive peace in the future

Preserving heritage

Tourism can help protect and finance the preservation of historic and cultural sites, and even prompt the creation of new community initiatives.

Did you know that 40% of travellers identify as cultural tourists?

Preserving the wildlife we love

Tourism can help protect and revitalise wildlife through preservation programmes against illegal poaching and creates conservation jobs

Did you know that the total economic contribution of wildlife tourism amounted to $344 billion in 2018, equivalent to the entire GDP of South Africa or Hong Kong

Fueling the adoption of sustainable tech

Tourism helps accelerate the integration of innovative technologies, which can facilitate your everyday activities while enhancing sustainability and creating more touchless experiences.

Did you know that 66% of consumers are using less cash and moving toward more contactless solutions in the wake of COVID-19

Sonasia Holiday sustainability policy

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Thinking of doing something to support the responsible tourism? Do not think of something big, just start with something small and realistic. Our mother Theresa said: "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." Here is the list of what you can do to fulfill your part.

Sustainable Tourism Alternatives

Sustainable Tourism Alternatives

There are alternatives we can opt for when we plan our trips that ease the burden on congested tourist destinations.

(1) Travel in the Off-Season

(2) Stay Outside the City Centre

(3) Research Eco-Friendly Services in the Area

Go Green at Your Hotel

The chance to go green starts with your hotel. If you are staying longer than a day or two, ask them not to change your sheets and towels every day. Similarly, turn off air conditioners, heaters, and other electronic gadgets when you go out. Better still, stay in hotels that have recycling programs in place and abide by their guidelines.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

One key step in promoting sustainable tourism is reducing your carbon footprint. There are plenty of green tips to offset your carbon footprint such as taking direct flights, buying organic, local products from grocery stores and farmer's markets.

Say NO to Illegal Trade

Buy from local businesses so you circulate money in the local economy and create jobs for local people. Patronize businesses that are not engaged in illegal trade, the exploitation of humans (especially children) and the looting of artifacts.

Take Care of Heritage Places

Heritage sites you visit are likely visited by millions of other people a year, so care needs to be taken to allow others to enjoy them as well. Take your litter with you and for heaven's sake, don't graffiti! Do you absolutely have to take that picture of yourself on top of a monument especially when the signs say "NO"?

Challenge Yourself to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Often, we go on cushy guided tours and retreat to our hotels for meals. Instead, you should walk around the nearby areas, eat at local restaurants, or talk with local peoples. Challenge yourself. Taking a step beyond your comfort zone each time you take a trip is worthwhile. You will be surprised at the rich treasures stored in your memory.

Support Community-Based Initiatives and Tourism

Dining with local families, spending the night at a local home, or joining the farming activities are some examples of what you can support the local communities. Communities have a stake in the development of tourism in their areas, so their active involvement will ensure that programs will be sustained.

Respect the Practices of Local People

Be discreet when people are praying in churches, mosques or temples, and if you choose to visit any of these places, wear appropriate clothing. On top of abiding by the dress code, be sure to respect the silence and the restrictions placed on these sites. If you see a pile of shoes outside the entrance, take your own off too. Don't be a doofus . . . think!

Use Reusable Bags

This is just a simple thing to do, but it eliminates the plastic bags that pollute the environment and create eyesores such as roadside fences completely covered in plastic bags.

NOT READY YET?

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision.

Check below the detailed information for our different destinations, our plans by travel theme or time frame to learn more before moving forward...

OUR DESTINATIONS

Vietnam

A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.

Thailand

Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.

Cambodia

There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.

Myanmar

It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.

Laos

Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.

PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME

Must-see

Family Vacation

Luxury Holiday

Honeymoon Vacation

Unseen

Trek & Hike

Cycling & Biking

Wellness & Leisure

Cruise

PLANS BY TIME FRAME

About 1 week

Vietnam Thailand Cambodia Myanmar Laos

About 2 weeks

Vietnam Thailand Cambodia Myanmar Laos

About 3 weeks

Vietnam Thailand Cambodia Myanmar Laos

About 4 weeks

Vietnam Thailand Cambodia Myanmar Laos

All tour packages

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