In order to achieve our goals for sustainable development, it is important to collaborate with others and join forces. We therefore cooperate with numerous partners on specific topics so that we can benefit from each other's strengths and achieve the greatest possible positive effect through joint efforts. In 2013, for example, we were one of the first Swiss tour operators to be awarded the internationally recognised TourCert seal for our comprehensive commitment, which helps us to focus our sustainability efforts. We have also joined forces with others on issues such as marine conservation, human rights, child protection and the protection of polar regions.
Our partners at a glance
10 years of sustainable certification
Kontiki Reisen is committed to sustainable tourism development. We have proudly carried the TourCert seal since 2013 - We have now been certified for more than 10 years for our commitment to sustainability.
The internationally recognised seal shows that we firmly embed sustainability in our company and take our responsibility seriously. We have systematically reviewed our business activities for sustainability in accordance with TourCert standards and have firmly integrated sustainability criteria into the company. We have also made a commitment to TourCert to continuously improve our sustainability performance. To this end, we have drawn up a specific improvement programme.
Milestones of the last 10 years
- Since moving to Bahnhofstrasse 31 in Baden at the end of 2013, we have been powered by a 100% green electricity supply.
- We rely on recognised seals of quality for our internal procurement of materials. The Kontiki catalogues as well as the Nordland magazine are printed on FSC paper. For all other paper products, we use Refutura paper from Fischer Papiere (100% recycled paper, Blauer Engel, FSC certified, Nordic Swan, CO2 neutral). The only exception are envelopes with side folds for reasons of tear resistance.
- Since 2013, we have been distinguishing trips that stand for particularly impressive nature experiences and authentic encounters with the local population with our own «Authentic» label. In 2019, we replaced «Authentic» with «engage - people & planet». «engage» stands for a shared commitment to sustainable development and is an approach based on partnership and collaboration that is reflected in all sustainability topics. Behind the «engage» self-label are our own sustainability criteria, which are based on the GSTC criteria.
- In 2020, we launched our KONTIKI2030 sustainability programme. By 2030, we will fulfil 17 sustainability promises based on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- We are committed to sustainable tourism development through projects, workshops and presentations. Previous projects have taken us to Finland, southern Sweden and North Iceland, for example.
- Climate protection contributions via myclimate have been integrated into our booking process since 2015. This year, we are expanding our commitment to climate protection even further by investing in the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).
To download
- Our highlights of the 2019-2022 recertification (German)
- Kontiki TourCert report 2018 (German), core indicators and improvement programme
- TourCert criteria for tour operators
Our partner for marine conservation
OceanCare is committed worldwide to protecting the oceans and their inhabitants. The Swiss organisation has been the UN Special Advisor for Marine Conservation since 2011 and sees itself as the voice of marine animals. Kontiki Reisen consults OceanCare on issues relating to whale watching tours, whaling as well as plastic pollution of the oceans and coasts. Our partnership has existed since 2017.
Our partner for the protection of polar regions
Kontiki Reisen and our cruise ship partners are members of two important associations for the protection of the Arctic and the Antarctic. Kontiki Reisen is the first institution in Switzerland to join IAATO. Kontiki Reisen was elected as an associate member in June 2007. Kontiki Reisen has also been a member of AECO since 2014 – the Association of Arctic Expeditions Cruise Operators. The overall aim of these associations is to ensure that travel to polar areas takes place in harmony with nature and is respectful of the natural habitats of the resident wildlife and of indigenous cultures. The main priority is to not damage the habitat of people and animals and prevent the fragile vegetation from being destroyed by trespassing. That is why we only offer expedition cruises from selected shipping companies that adhere to certain guidelines for polar travel:
- A minimum distance of 5 metres must be kept from animals.
- All rubbish is collected on board until it is possible to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way on land.
- No wastewater is discharged into the sea.
- The crew provides comprehensive preparation on board and informs the guests about the rules of conduct during shore excursions. In addition, the IAATO contract regulates:
- A maximum of 100 passengers is allowed to go ashore at the same time.
- Boots are disinfected after each shore leave to avoid carrying seeds or spores to other areas.
- No ships powered by heavy fuel oil are allowed to sail south of the 60th parallel.
Our partner for climate protection
Kontiki Reisen has been collaborating with myclimate for several years in order to make a contribution to climate protection. For example, if you decide to make a voluntary contribution to climate protection when booking your holiday, this will support the myclimate project «Access to clean drinking water in Uganda». The main aim of the project is to supply households in Uganda with new technologies designed to purify drinking water. The resulting reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels reduces CO2 emissions and at the same time has a positive impact on the living conditions and health of thousands of people.
Our partners for the protection of human and children's rights
Kontiki Reisen, DERTOUR Suisse and DERTOUR Group are members of the Roundtable on Human Rights in Tourism and The Code. The Roundtable sees itself as a driving force and open platform for companies, organisations and institutions that are committed to respecting human rights in tourism. «The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism» is an international travel industry code of conduct for the protection of children. We are committed to upholding the rights of children and young people as well as taking active and preventative action against all forms of exploitation and abuse. In line with the six criteria of The Code framework, we have implemented various guidelines and processes. We train our employees, consult with partners, raise awareness among our travellers and submit an annual report on the measures implemented.
Great Place to Work
Kontiki Reisen is one of the winners of the Great Place to Work® study «Best Employers in Switzerland 2019». The award stands for special achievements in developing trusting working relationships and designing attractive and conducive working conditions for the employees.