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Tourism and Ethics - World Code of Ethics for Tourism

BIKESUL was born out of a passion for uncovering the hidden secrets of Portugal, a country that is much more than just stunning landscapes. We are passionate about offering you an authentic journey through deep valleys, enchanting mountain ranges, picturesque villages, and unique traditions that make Portugal a true treasure.

We believe that the best way to experience the authenticity of Portugal is to explore its most remote corners at your own pace. At BIKESUL, we design fully customized bike tours tailored to your needs and preferences. Whether it's the pursuit of panoramic views, the charm of historic villages, or the adrenaline of wild trails, we create experiences that reflect the unique diversity of our country.

Our team leverages its extensive experience 0000to guide you through the less-traveled paths, revealing the true essence of Portugal. Each pedal stroke is an opportunity to delve into the stories that landscapes tell and to connect with the local traditions that make each region unique.

Embark with us on this journey of discovery. Whether you're an experienced enthusiast or a curious beginner, BIKESUL is here to turn your exploration of Portugal into an authentic and unforgettable experience. Come pedal with us and discover the beating heart of Portugal on two wheels!

ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY

Bikesul has an economically responsible focus on the environment and social issues.

The goal of our sustainable tourism policy is to educate our tour guides, local agents, guides, support team, and suppliers about the importance of being mindful of the environmental, cultural, and economic issues of the countries and places visited, and to convey this message to our clients:

  • -Through practical guidance on how to achieve these objectives.
  • -We set goals and work towards sustainable tourism.
  • -In our philosophy, it is important to preserve both the nature and culture of the visited locations. Our aim is to have a positive impact on the places we visit.

For this reason, our tours are organized as follows:

  • -We travel in small groups.
  • -We always seek to have local tour leaders.
  • -We recruit local guides and drivers.
  • -We use small-scale hotels and local restaurants.
  • -We pay a fair price for the services requested.
  • -We inform our clients about local habits, traditions, culture, religion, diet, and environmental issues.
  • -We include projects/activities related to sustainable tourism in our trips, focusing on environmental and humanitarian aspects.
  • -We encourage our clients to buy locally.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Bikesul is committed to minimizing the impact of its activities on the environment. Our principles are:

  • -Protecting the environment, flora, fauna, and landscapes.
  • -Conserving natural resources in the office and at all destinations.
  • -Minimizing noise pollution, waste disposal, and overcrowding.
  • -Preferring digital communication and the use of recycled paper and other recycled materials.

WATER POLLUTION

Water is one of Earth's most precious resources. Even in countries where there is no water shortage, energy is consumed in water treatment and sewage systems; excessive water consumption can affect groundwater, causing pollution. To address these issues, we encourage our clients and ask our tour leaders to follow the following policies:

  • -Take a shower instead of a bath.
  • -Never let water run unnecessarily (e.g., while brushing teeth).
  • -Wash dishes in a container instead of letting water run.
  • -Contaminated water should be disposed of at least 30 m (100 feet) from a spring or river, and only when no sink is available.
  • -Always use biodegradable soap during cycling activities and never near a lake or river.
  • -Never pour water with oil or food waste into a watercourse.
  • -Reuse water bottles and avoid buying water bottles, as plastic buildup has a strong impact on the environment (especially in remote areas).

WASTE DISPERSION, ELIMINATION, AND REDUCTION

In natural areas, the following policy should be followed regarding waste disposal:

  • -Items to be burned: paper*.
  • -Items to be buried: vegetables and food waste*.
  • -Items to be transported: plastic, glass, and cans.
  • -Garbage should be placed only where we are sure it will be collected*.
  • -Garbage is a significant problem in many countries where waste treatment or recycling infrastructure is scarce or nonexistent. The first step is resource minimization to reduce waste production. Secondly, waste should be treated and disposed of as efficiently as possible.
  • -Waste should be disposed of responsibly. It is absolutely prohibited to throw trash out of the car window. Tour leaders have a trash container inside the car.
  • -Cigarette butts should not be left on the ground, behind bushes, thrown into the water, etc. Trash containers should be used, or cigarette butts should be kept until an appropriate disposal location is available. We recommend that smokers have a portable ashtray/small plastic or metal box (e.g., 35mm photographic film containers), which are excellent for this purpose and reduce odor.
  • -Camping areas should be inspected before leaving. All trash, including bottle caps and cigarette butts, should be collected, as well as any litter left there by other visitors. Clients are also encouraged to pick up litter during hikes.
  • -Look for the existence of a recycling center and use it as much as possible.
  • -In national parks, the guidelines set by the park will be followed.

RESPECT FOR ANIMAL WELFARE AND FLORA

Protect the fauna and flora of the places visited:

  • -Do not feed animals. Giving them different or additional food to their usual diet can be harmful to their health or make them dependent, compromising their survival in the natural environment.
  • -Do not chase animals for photos that may cause stress.
  • -Do not touch animals; this can cause stress and can be highly dangerous.
  • -Do not collect flowers or leaves.

SHOPS/SOUVENIRS: ANTIQUES, CORALS, IVORY, BUTTERFLIES, ETC.

Never buy products made from endangered species (flora and fauna). Ensure that purchased items are not made from prohibited plants or animals. It is not allowed to take any of these products out of the countries of origin.

List of prohibited products/materials:

  • -Ivory and related products.
  • -Cacti and orchids.
  • -Chinese medicines and other therapeutic substances.
  • -Any leather product made from turtle, crocodile, snakes, felines.
  • -Butterflies and parrots.

For more information on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, visit https://cites.org/eng.

Tour leaders should inform travelers to be vigilant:

  • -About goods that may be produced with child labor.
  • -About local regulations related to the purchase and export of antiques.
  • -That buying old jewelry may promote the destruction of family heritage.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Bikesul is an innovative tourism operator with strong social responsibility and ethical principles. It distinguishes itself from other operators by choosing to work alongside local partners, developing skills and knowledge through training and information sharing, always respecting local cultures and environmental principles. Contact with local populations and interaction with communities are highly valuable.

OUR PRINCIPLES ARE:

  • -Respect the environment, cultures, and local traditions, contributing to the sustainable development of the region by promoting the balance of the local economy.
  • -Ensure the total satisfaction of our customers from day one, reinforcing privacy protection and offering top-quality service.
  • -Apply the same values of respect for human and social rights to all collaborators, anywhere in the world.

OUR PRINCIPLES ARE:

• -Respect the environment, cultures, and local traditions, contributing to the sustainable development of the region by promoting the balance of the local economy.
• -Ensure the total satisfaction of our customers from the first day, reinforcing privacy protection, and offering a top-quality service.
• -Apply the same values of respect for human and social rights to all collaborators, anywhere in the world. As a tour operator, we have the responsibility to inform our guests about issues that may have a negative impact on the environment and so-scial conditions of the regions we visit.
To minimize this impact, Bikesul provides guidance on trekking, waste management, photography, donations, etc. Tour guides play a crucial role in informing our clients about sustainability issues, so Bikesul provides training to its guides and guidelines on sustainability practices. Local guides have a code of conduct to follow on each tour. Bikesul is committed to working with people and local organizations that clearly have the objectives of:

  • -Contributing to local economic growth;
  • -Improving the excellence of their services;
  • -Promoting a better understanding of their unique culture. Bikesul has always worked in collaboration with local guides, respecting local traditions and cultures, to minimize the impact of our activities and, at the same time, to develop the local economy.

CODE OF CONDUCT WHEN VISITING HISTORICAL SITES

When visiting historical sites, the tour leader must provide the following instructions to clients:

  • -Do not touch ancient monuments because the oil, acid, and dirt from hands can cause erosion.
  • -Do not take photos with flash in places where it is not allowed, as the light can cause damage.
  • -Do not take stones, fossils, or archaeological artifacts.
  • -Stay on marked trails/paths.
  • -Never climb or ascend ruins/walls.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tour guides have the responsibility to inform all clients about appropriate photography practices and, when necessary, provide additional specific advice for each destination:

  • -Always ask for permission to photograph people or their belongings (e.g., personal home, livestock, etc.).
  • -Never take a hidden photo. If people do not want to be photographed, it is our obligation to respect their wishes. When visiting villages, schools, or other institutions, it is respectful to observe, listen, and speak before starting to take photos.
  • -Do not promise to return photos if you are not absolutely sure it will be possible.

DRESS CODE

The tour leader should inform guests about the most suitable clothing to wear at each destination. In the information package sent before the trip and in the first meeting with the group, there will be information about the general dress code and the dress code for specific visits or events. We encourage our guests and tour leaders to dress according to the local culture, even if other visitors do not. Dressing according to the local culture is a sign of respect.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

Bikesul adheres to a code of conduct for suppliers that follows this list of guidelines:

  • -Supplier selection: Whenever possible, we always work with local suppliers.
  • -Minimum age: Never recruit suppliers under the age of 16.
  • -Salary: The salary is fair and includes meals. Tips should be distributed fairly and transparently. Suppliers will be paid immediately at the end of their duties.
  • -Load: No one will be asked to carry more than 25 kg. We inform guests that carriers will only take 15 kg of their luggage.
  • -Medical assistance: All medical and evacuation expenses are covered in case of illness during the trip, and the agreed-upon service remuneration will be paid in full.
  • -Awareness and customer behavior: Visitors and suppliers will be introduced at the beginning of the trip. Guests will be informed about appropriate tipping values and the most suitable time to tip.