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Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Industry Criteria
Stage Indicators
Stage 1
%30
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Stage 2
%70
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Stage 3
%100
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TR-I CRITERIA FOR ACCOMODATION FACILITIES
SECTION A: Demonstrating effective sustainable management
Indicators
Stage
A1 Sustainability management system
The organization has implemented a longterm sustainability management system that is suitable to its size and scope, addresses environmental,social, cultural, economic, quality, human rights,health, safety,risk and crisis management issues and drives continuous improvement.
  • The Sustainability Management System is clearly documented
  • The SM System covers environmental, social, cultural, economic, quality, human rights, health and safety issues.
  • The SM System includes consideration of risk and crisis management.
  • Documentary evidence shows implementation of the SM system.
  • The SM System includes a process for monitoring continuous improvement in sustainability performance.
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    A2 Legal compliance
    The organization is in compliance with all applicable local, national and international legislation and regulations including, among others,health, safety, labour and environmental aspects.
  • An up to date list of all applicable legal requirements is maintained.
  • Certificates or other documentary evidence show compliance with all applicable legal
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    A3 Reporting and communication
    The organization communicates its sustainability policy, actions and performance to stakeholders, including customers, and seeks to engage their support.
  • Regular reports are made available on sustainability performance
  • Sustainability policies and actions are reported in external and internal communication material.
  • Communications contain messages inviting consumer and stakeholder support.
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    A4 Staff engagement
    Staff are engaged with development and implementation of the sustainability management system and receive periodic guidance and training regarding their roles and responsibilities in its delivery.
  • Evidence is available of staff involvement with the SM System
  • Records of courses and on-the-job training, with attendance levels, are available
  • Staff training and guidance materials are available in accessible format (including use of minority languages where needed).
  • Staff hold certificates and qualifications in relevant disciplines/skills.
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    A5 Customer experience
    Customer satisfaction, including aspects of sustainability, is monitored and corrective action taken.
  • A customer feedback system is in place, together with analysis of the results
  • Negative feedback and responses made to this are recorded.
  • There is evidence of corrective actions taken.
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    A6 Accurate promotion
    Promotional materials and marketing communications are accurate and transparent with regard to the organization and its products and services, including sustainability claims. They do not promise more than is being delivered.
  • Images used in promotion are of actual experiences offered and facilities provided.
  • Sustainability claims are based on records of past performance.
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    A7 Buildings and infrastructure
    Planning, siting, design, construction, renovation, operation and demolition of buildings and infrastructure …
    A7.1 Compliance
    comply with zoning requirements and laws related to protected and sensitive areas and to heritage considerations
  • Awareness of, and compliance with, laws relating to land use and activities in the local area is demonstrated.
  • All required licences and permits are up to date.
  • Awareness of, and compliance with, nonstatutory area management plans and guidance (e.g. for particular zones, design, etc.), isdemonstrated.
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    A7.2 Impact and integrity
    take account of the capacity and integrity of the natural and cultural surroundings.
  • Site selection, design and access have taken account of visual amenity, landscape, cultural and natural heritage.
  • Site selection, design and access have taken account of the protection of biologically sensitive areas and the assimilative capacity of ecosystems.
  • The integrity of archaeological, cultural heritage, and sacred sites has been preserved.
  • The integrity and connectivity of natural sites and protected areas has been preserved.
  • Threatened or protected species have not been displaced and impact on all wildlife habitats has been minimized and mitigated.
  • Water courses/catchments/wetlands have not been altered and run-off is reduced where possible and any residue is captured or channeled and filtered.
  • Risk factors (including climate change, natural phenomena, and visitor safety) have been assessed and addressed.
  • Impact assessment (including cumulative impacts) has been undertaken and documented as appropriate.
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    A7.3 Sustainable practices and materials
    use locally appropriate and sustainable practices and materials.
  • Local materials, practices and crafts have been used in buildings and design where practicable and appropriate
  • Native and endemic plants obtained from sustainable sources have been used in landscaping and decoration, avoiding exotic and invasive species.
  • Plants have been selected for their ability to tolerate prevailing or anticipated conditions eg drought tolerant plants
  • Sustainable design, materials and construction practices have been used in buildings, with appropriate certification where possible.
  • Waste from construction is sorted and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
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    A7.4 Access for all
    provide access and information for persons with special needs, where appropriate.
  • Sites, buildings and activities are accessible to persons with physical disabilities and other special needs, as appropriate to the nature of the operation
  • Clear and accurate information is provided on the level of accessibility
  • Accessibility is certified or checked with relevant experts/user bodies.
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    A8 Land water and property rights
    Acquisition by the organization of land and water rights and of property is legal, complies with local communal and indigenous rights,including their free, prior and informed consent, and does not require involuntary resettlement.
  • Land ownership and tenure rights are documented.
  • User and access rights for key resources,including land and water, are documented where applicable.
  • There is documentary evidence of communication, consultation and engagement with local and indigenous communities.
  • İlEvidence of free, prior and informed consent of local communities is documented, where relevant (showing no involuntary resettlement or land acquisition).
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    A9 lnformation and interpretation
    The organization provides information about and interpretation of the natural surroundings, local culture, and cultural heritage, as well as an explanation of appropriate behaviour while visiting natural areas,Iiving cultures, and cultural heritage sites.
  • Information/interpretation material about the natural and cultural heritage of the local area is available and provided to customers.
  • Staff are informed and trained about the natural and cultural heritage of the local area.
  • Information is provided to customers about appropriate behaviour in the local area.
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    A10 Destination engagement
    The organization is involved with sustainable tourism planning and management in the destination, where such opportunities exist.
  • The organization is a member of the local Destination Management Organization or equivalent body, where such an organization exists.
  • The organization participates in partnerships between local communities, NGOs and other local bodies where these exist.
  • The organization participates in planning and management meetings and activities concerning sustainable tourism in the destination.
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    SECTION B: Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize negative impacts
    Indicators
    Stage
    B1 Community support
    The organization actively supports initiatives for local infrastructure and social community development. Examples of initiatives include education, training, health and sanitation and projects which address the impacts of climate change.
  • The organization engages with the local community in identifying needs and opportunities for support and evaluating their potential benefit/ impact.
  • The level and nature of contributions made to schemes in the local community is recorded.
  • The local community is offered the opportunity to access the tourism facilities and services provided.
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    B2 Local employment
    Local residents are given equal opportunities for employment and advancement, including in management positions.
  • The proportion of total employment from persons already residing in the local community is measured and managed.
  • The proportion of employment in management positions from persons already residing in the local community is measured and managed.
  • Training is offered to local residents to enhance their employment opportunities.
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    B3 Local purchasing
    When purchasing and offering goods and services, the organization gives priority to local and fair trade suppliers whenever these are available and of sufficient quality.
  • The organization regularly audits its sources of supply of goods and services.
  • The proportion of goods and services purchased from locally owned and operated businesses is measured and managed.
  • The proportion of non-locally owned or operated suppliers that are fair trade is measured and managed.
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    B4 Local entrepreneurs
    The organization supports local entrepreneurs in the development and sale of sustainable products and services that are based on the area’s nature, history and culture.
  • Locally owned businesses are given access to premises and customers for commercial activity.
  • Where appropriate, the organization provides advice and support to local service providers with whom it engages, on the quality and sustainability of their service.
  • Opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships with local entrepreneurs are considered and pursued where appropriate
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    B5 Exploitation and harassment
    The organization has implemented a policy against commercial, sexual or any other form of exploitation or harassment, particularly of children, adolescents, women, minorities and other vulnerable groups.
  • The organization has a documented policy against exploitation and harassment of vulnerable groups.
  • Action is taken to communicate and implement the policy.
  • The organization engages with the local community in working against exploitation and harassment.
  • Records of employee ages are kept and show absence of any form of child labour (as defined by ILO).
  • The organization supports action against child sex tourism
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    B6 Equal opportunity
    The organization offers employment opportunities, including in management positions, without discrimination by gender, race,religion, disability or in other ways.
  • The organization has identified groups at risk of discrimination, including women and local minorities.
  • The proportion of employees drawn from each of these groups is monitored and is commensurate with local demographics.
  • Internal promotion includes members of these groups.
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    B7 Decent work
    Labour rights are respected, a safe and secure working environment is provided and employees are paid at least a living wage. Employees are offered regular training, experience and opportunities for advancement.
  • The organization demonstrates awareness of,and compliance with, international labour standards and regulations.
  • Wage levels are monitored and regularly reviewed against national norms for a living wage
  • Training records are kept for all staff, showing the level and frequency of training received.
  • Employee contracts show support for health care and social security.
  • Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities are provided for all onsite workers.
  • Employee satisfaction is monitored.
  • An employee grievance mechanism is in place.
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    B8 Community services
    The activities of the organization do not jeopardize the provision of basic services, such as food, water, energy, healthcare or sanitation,to neighbouring communities.
  • The organization monitors its impact on the availability of local services.
  • A communication/feedback/grievance mechanism is in place for local communities.
  • Any reduction in availability of basic services to local communities, identified as the result of the organization’s activities, is addressed.
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    B9 Local livelihoods
    The activities of the organization do not adversely affect local access to livelihoods, including land and aquatic resource use,rights-of-way, transport and housing.
  • Local access to livelihoods is considered in decisions about development and operations.
  • A communication mechanism is in place for local communities to report any instance of reduced access to local livelihoods
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    SECTION C: Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts
    Indicators
    Stage
    C1 Cultural interaction
    The organization follows international and national good practice and locally agreed guidance for the management and promotion of visits to indigenous communities and culturally or historically sensitive sites in order to minimize adverse impacts and maximize local benefits and visitor fulfilment.
  • The organization demonstrates awareness of,and compliance with, existing international,national and local good practice and guidance for tourist visits to cultural sites and indigenous communities.
  • The organization engages with communities/sites in reviewing guidance and creating and agreeing additional guidelines as necessary.
  • Guidelines are effectively used and communicated.
  • Particular measures are in place to avoid inappropriate interaction with children.
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    C2 Protecting cultural heritage
    The organization contributes to the protection, preservation and enhancement of local properties, sites and traditions of historical,archaeological, cultural and spiritual significance and does not impede access to them by local residents.
  • The organization makes and records monetary contributions to the protection of cultural heritage.
  • The organization provides in-kind or other support for cultural heritage.
  • Provision is made for local access to sites
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    C3 Presenting culture and heritage
    The organization values and incorporates authentic elements of traditional and contemporary local culture in its operations, design,decoration, cuisine, or shops, while respecting the intellectual property rights of local communities.
  • Local art/craft is reflected in design and furnishings.
  • Living cultural heritage and traditions are evident in cuisine, retail, events and other services offered.
  • Copyright and intellectual property rights have been observed and necessary permissions obtained.
  • The views of the local community have been sought on the presentation of local cultural heritage
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    C4 Artefacts
    Historical and archaeological artefacts are not sold, traded or displayed, except as permitted by local and international law.
  • Any use of artefacts is transparent and/or documented and reported.
  • Where artefacts are used, laws and bylaws have been identified that permit such use.
  • Visitors are prevented from removing or damaging artefacts.
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    SECTION D: Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts
    Indicators
    Stage
    D1 Conserving resources
    D1.1 Environmentally preferable purchasing
    Purchasing policies favour environmentally sustainable suppliers and products, including capital goods, food, beverages, building materials and consumables.
  • A documented environmental purchasing policy is in place.
  • Preference is given to products and suppliers with environmental certification – notably with respect to wood, paper, fish, other foods, and products from the wild.
  • Where certified products and suppliers are not available, consideration is given to origin and methods of growing or production.
  • Threatened species are not used or sold.
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    D1.2 Efficient purchasing
    The organization carefully manages the purchasing of consumable and disposable goods, including food, in order to minimize waste.
  • Purchasing favours reusable, returnable and recycled goods.
  • Purchasing and use of consumable and disposable goods are monitored and managed.
  • Unnecessary packaging (especially from plastic) is avoided, with buying in bulk as appropriate.
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    D1.3 Energy conservation
    Energy consumption is measured by type and steps are taken to minimize overall consumption. The organization makes efforts to increase its use of renewable energy.
  • Total energy used is monitored and managed.
  • Energy used per tourist/night for each type of energy is monitored and managed.
  • Renewable sources are favoured and the share of renewable energy in total energy supply is monitored and managed.
  • Equipment and practices are used that minimize energy use.
  • Goals for reducing energy consumption are in place.
  • Staff and guests are given guidance on minimizing energy use
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    D1.4 Water conservation
    Water risk is assessed, water consumption is measured by type, and steps are taken to minimize overall consumption.Water sourcing is sustainable and does not adversely affect environmental flows. In areas of high water risk, context-based water stewardship goals are identified and pursued.
  • Water risk has been assessed and documented.
  • Where water risk has been assessed as high, water stewardship goals have been determined.
  • Water used per tourist/night per source is monitored and managed.
  • Equipment and practices are used that minimize water consumption.
  • Water originates from a legal and sustainable source which has not previously affected, and is unlikely in future to affect, environmental flows.
  • Consideration is given to cumulative impacts of tourism in the locality on water sources.
  • Goals for reducing water consumption are in place.
  • Staff and guests are given guidance on minimizing water use.
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    SECTION D: Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts.
    Indicators
    Stage
    D2 Reducing pollution
    D2.1 Greenhouse gas emissions
    Signifıcant greenhouse gas emissions from all sources controlled by the organization are identifıed, calculated where possible and procedures implemented to avoid or to minimize them. Offsetting of the organization’s remaining emissions is encouraged.
  • Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions are monitored and managed.
  • Carbon Footprint per tourist/night is monitored and managed.
  • Actions are taken to avoid and reduce significant annual emissions from all sources controlled by the organization.
  • Carbon offset mechanisms are used where practical.
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    D2.2 Transport
    The organization seeks to reduce transportation requirements and actively encourages the use of cleaner and more resource efficient alternatives by customers, employees, suppliers and in its own operations.
  • Information is provided and promoted to customers on alternative (climate friendly) transport options, for arrival, departure and during their visit.
  • Alternative transport options (e.g. bike rental, car sharing, pick-ups) for guests and staff are provided or facilitated.
  • Markets accessible by short and more sustainable transport options are favoured.
  • Local suppliers are favoured and daily operations seek to minimize transport use.
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    D2.3 Wastewater
    Wastewater, including grey water, is effectively treated and is only reused or released safely, with no adverse effects to the local population or the environment.
  • Wastewater is disposed of to a municipal or government approved treatment system, if available.
  • If suitable municipal wastewater treatment is not available, there is a system in place on site to treat wastewater (that meets international wastewater quality requirements) and ensures no adverse effects on the local population and the environment.
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    D2.4 Solid waste
    Waste, including food waste, is measured, mechanisms are in place to reduce waste and, where reduction is not feasible, to rense or recycle it. Any residual waste disposal has no adverse effect on the local population or the environment.
  • The amount of solid waste disposed per tourist/night is monitored and managed.
  • A solid waste management plan is in place.
  • The solid waste management plan includes actions to reduce, separate and reuse or recycle food waste.
  • Waste disposal is to a government run or approved facility and there is evidence that the facility has no negative impact on the environment or local population.
  • Solid waste disposed is measured by type and goals are in place to minimize non-diverted solid waste.
  • Guidance is given to customers and staff on minimizing waste
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    D2.5 Harmful Substances
    The use of harmful substances, including pesticides, paints, swimming pool disinfectants, and cleaning materials, is minimized, and substituted when available by innocuous products or processes. AlL storage, use, handling, and disposal of chemicals are properly managed.
  • An inventory of harmful substances has been made and material safety data sheets (MSDS) are held.
  • Action has been taken to source more environmentally friendly alternatives.
  • Chemicals, especially those in bulk amounts, are stored and handled in accordance with appropriate standards.
  • Visitors are informed about personal use of substances which may be considered harmful to the local environment (such as toxic sunscreens and repellants).
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    D2.6 Minimize pollution
    The organization implements practices to minimize pollution from noise, light, runoff, erosion, ozone depleting substances, and air, water and soil contaminants.
  • The potential sources of pollution covered in the criterion have been reviewed and identified.
  • The potential sources of pollution covered in the criterion are monitored.
  • Action is taken to minimize and where possible eliminate pollution from the sources covered in the criterion.
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