"Take only photographs; leave only footprints"
Here at Jules Verne, we have taken the first steps on our sustainability journey. We recognise that this undertaking is a long-term commitment and a process of continuous improvement.
We know travel can have negative impacts, but at Jules Verne, we passionately believe that travel can be a force for good and as a responsible business, our goal is to protect the planet so we can continue to travel now and in the future.
We are committed to incorporating sustainability principles into our business operations, through our people, our places, and our products. We want our destination partners and customers to feel that way too, which is why we aim to provide the highest level of meaningful customer experience, all the while raising awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
As part of the travel community, we are coming together, we see the need for change and we are making this part of who we are, as we lead consistent practices and initiatives across all of our programmes.
We will make progress over perfection, and we recognise that it will indeed take small steps to make a big change.
Offices
Starting in our London HQ, we have measured, and are working at reducing our carbon footprint through energy conservation measures, recycling policies, reduction in the use of resources and actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment.
Accommodation
The cruise vessels and accommodation we use are locally staffed, providing employment opportunities in the area. We provide healthy, balanced menus with high-quality food that is locally sourced and freshly prepared, making use of seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. We do not include overfished species in our menus, and we are working towards a reduction in food waste.
Local Guides & Partners
We have been pioneers in working with expert local guides for 45 years. We feel this gives our clients the best possible local experience, not only because they are the local experts and generally the best informed, but also to ensure local communities benefit from our visit, and the impact we have locally is positive.
We work with our local partners to ensure that all of our guides are local and in exchange for their expertise, they are paid and treated fairly. We ensure that all personnel in the resort are extended this courtesy. Your Tour Leader will give you guidelines on Responsible Travel to help you understand how you can help reduce your impact and maximise the benefits to the local community from your visit.
Tour Itineraries
Our tours, whilst great fun, are largely focused on culture history and natural wonders, the itineraries include visits to several significant sites. In doing so we promote these cultural assets by establishing an international appreciation of the architecture, history, and artefacts within. Additionally, this creates a demand for local employment and income for local sellers and service providers.
Animal Welfare Policy
We believe tourism should work positively towards protecting wildlife. We want our customers to have an unforgettable holiday experience, but not at the cost of an animal’s welfare. Working with our local suppliers, we encourage good practice and help them in making informed choices to better protect animals, their habitats, and the communities that live alongside them. Our customers can travel with peace of mind, knowing we strive for an ethical and sustainable approach to animal tourism.
Supplier Code of Conduct DERTOUR Group
As part of the bigger international travel group DERTOUR, Jules Verne is aware of the responsibility it has towards the host countries and their cultures, as well as towards customers, partners, employees and society. We are therefore committed to ecologically and socially responsible corporate governance and, in particular, to respecting human rights. As part of the DERTOUR Group, we expect that our suppliers and service providers also observe these principles and adhere to the DERTOUR Group Supplier Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as “SCoC”) which serves as a cornerstone for the joint and effective implementation of these principles.
Read the full supplier code of conduct here
DERTOUR is REWE Group’s travel and tourism division. As one of Europe’s leading travel groups, DERTOUR Group encompasses more than 130 companies with over 9,200 employees in 16 European countries.
Guidelines, Reporting and Grievance Channel
Our grievance procedure guarantees a trustworthy and at the same time transparent process in dealing with grievances about violations of human rights or environmental obligations. A grievance can be used to report suspicions of possible risks to human or environmental rights or violations of due diligence obligation, such as forced labour, child labour, discrimination or the harmful contamination of soil, water and air, as well as detrimental noise and excessive water consumption which are linked to Jules Verne, its supply chains or its employees. Grievances can be submitted by employees as well as third parties via the grievance channel to REWE Group – anonymously if requested.
Customer complaints about the quality of Jules Verne products and services, are not considered grievances about human rights or environmental risks or due diligence violations. For such complaints, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Experience Department.
We expressly encourage employees and external parties to inform us of any suspicion on human rights or environmental risks or of any due diligence violations. Whistleblowers will not suffer any occupational disadvantage as a result of submitting grievances. The grievance procedure follows a defined process, which is set out in the Rules of Procedure and complies with German Law in regard to Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (LkSG). Impartiality is guaranteed at all times; those involved in the procedure are not bound by instructions and are obliged to maintain confidentiality.