TOPS - Tour Operators Promoting Sustainability

T O P S - Tour Operators Promoting Sustainability

Tour operators joining forces

The Rainforest Alliance recognizes the crucial role that tour operators play in supporting sustainable tourism development in the destinations where we work. Tour operators that share our belief that sustainable tourism can help conserve nature and generate sustainable livelihoods are welcome to become part of an international group of Tour Operators Promoting Sustainability (TOPS).

Over the years we have seen individual tour operators invest in sustainable tourism actions to help conserve nature and support host communities. By uniting our efforts, we foresee better coordination and effectiveness in the actions undertaken to support destinations in countries where the Rainforest Alliance and participating operators work. Unity is strength!

TOPS represents a platform from which tour operators can work together, transforming the way natural and cultural resources are utilized to provide sustainable tourism services, transforming  business practices to embrace conservation and community development, raising awareness and changing  consumer behavior.

Sharing and networking with likeminded companies

In addition to supporting sustainability efforts in key destinations that are relevant for their businesses, by becoming part of this joint effort, tour operators can:

·         Strengthen relationships with local and international colleague operators.

·         Access sustainability tools and training materials for management, staff and suppliers.

·         Participate in virtual and in-person seminars on diverse themes that will be hosted throughout the year (topics to be defined based on operators´ interests and priorities).

·         Contribute to a collaborative project to support a social or environmental cause selected by participating operators every year.

·         Share experiences with fellow operators working in different countries.

·         Generate business opportunities with operators equally committed to sustainable tourism development.

·         Jointly support socio-cultural and environmental projects in key tourism destinations.

·         Access an inventory of sustainable tourism suppliers in preferred destinations (updated every six months).

·         Enjoy a 10% discount in the fees associated with verification assessments for inbound operators.

·         Take advantage of discounted participation fees for in conferences and tradeshows.

·         Participate in familiarization trips to various destinations to meet sustainable suppliers and experience local sustainability initiatives first hand.

·         Post information about your commitment to source from sustainable tourism suppliers and your sustainability projects on the Rainforest Alliance´s SustainableTrip.org.

·         Improve your image and credibility by publicly committing to working with the Rainforest Alliance in fostering sustainable tourism and communicating how your claims are translated into actions.

·         Access ongoing virtual communication mechanisms to connect with a global community of companies and share experiences in sustainable tourism.

·         Attend an annual gathering of participating tour operators.

Demonstrating commitment to sustainability

All participating tour operators, apart from formally registering, must demonstrate their commitment to sustainable tourism by:

·         Undergoing a verification assessment by the Rainforest Alliance and achieving a level of compliance with sustainability requirements equal or greater than 50% of the totality or requirements and committing to achieve at least 70% compliance in the following verification assessment (for inbound operators - see more information about verification services in http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/tourism/verification). 

·         Signing an agreement with Rainforest Alliance committing to sourcing from sustainable suppliers: at least 30% of all suppliers in key destinations in the first year must be verified or certified, 50% during the second year and increasing percentages in the subsequent years to be determined (for inbound and outbound operators – see more information about sourcing agreements in http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/tourism/sourcing).  

·         Informing the Rainforest Alliance on progress towards achieving sustainability goals.

·         Participating operators will support the work of TOPS by making a charitable contribution of US$ 550 to the Rainforest Alliance, of which US$50 will be directly allocated towards a collaborative project to support a social or environmental cause selected by participating operators.

Communicating our support

The Rainforest Alliance will communicate the commitment participating operators have to helping achieve our mission by:

·         Attending and disseminating information at international conferences and events.

·         Developing and updating a brochure to be used by participating operators in international conferences and events.

·         Participating in special activities organized by operators and partner associations (e.g. road shows with travel agents in Germany in coordination with ARGE, CATA, etc.)

·         Informing regional and international organizations about TOPS sustainability initiatives.

·         Featuring a section about TOPS and participating operators on the Rainforest Alliance web site.

·         Organizing and participating with tour operators in press events.

Organization

The Rainforest Alliance will be responsible for the coordination of TOPS’ activities. A part time staff person will provide such support. An advisory group comprised of a representative from each country for inbound operators as well as regional representatives of outbound tour operators will serve as liaisons and lead the work in their respective geographic areas. An annual meeting of participating operators will be organized to discuss progress reports and to provide training opportunities for the participants.