Company’s Policy | Sail in Greece™

Tourism is one of the largest industries worldwide, employing directly and indirectly millions of people, benefiting economically and socially all the hosting communities. In Greece, in particular, tourism is the backbone of the economy, thus one of the most important industries of our country. While tourism can largely benefit a large proportion of the population, it can also have widely negative effects both in the societies and the environment, if no measures are taken for responsible and sustainable tourism development. In Sail in Greece, responsible travel is central to our ethos and our mission is to work towards more sustainable forms of tourism in Greece. Through our operation, we aim at extending the tourism season, promoting less developed tourism destinations, thus distributing the social and economic benefits of tourism to other regions and communities too, besides the already well known tourism destinations, protecting the natural environment and supporting as much as possible the local hosting communities.

Using locally owned, and environmentally and socially responsible, accommodation wherever possible.
Support the local communities by choosing locally owned partners in our destinations, using local guides and drivers, family-run hotels and restaurants.
Ensuring that people who work for Sail in Greece are treated fairly and paid a fair wage
Developing long-term relationships with our local partners so that the economic benefit is ongoing.

Wild and domestic animal protection alongside broader good environmental practice.
Being environmentally friendly also in our own offices such as encouraging cycling to work, car sharing, recycling, lowering energy use and using planet-friendly cleaning products.
Minimising our environmental footprint while on a tour, by traveling in small groups, avoiding the use of plastic bottles, recycling our cans, paper and plastics
The implementation of practices that help in the environmental conservation of the areas we visit.

Ongoing training of our staff and local partners in the principles and practices of responsible travel
Ensuring that our type and scale of tourism is appropriate to local conditions and does not overload local infrastructure.
Encouraging positive cultural exchanges between our travelers and the hosting communities, offering a deep understanding of the hosting culture and preserving the local traditions and customs.
Encouraging our clients, through our literature, staff and leaders, to act in a socially responsible way.
Attempt to integrate the ethos of responsible travel throughout our organisation.

Sustainability Officer: A dedicated Sustainability Officer oversees the strategy, sets measurable goals and monitors progress.
Mission Statement: Sail in Greece is committed to preserving the marine environment, protecting cultural heritage and supporting local communities across the Greek islands.
Continuous Improvement: We conduct regular baseline assessments, set targets and publicly report progress every two years on our website and through Travelife.
Legal & Ethical Compliance: We adhere to all Greek and international laws, including anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-discrimination regulations.
Staff Engagement & Training: All employees receive regular training on responsible tourism practices through the Travelife platform and internal workshops.

Fair Employment: We provide written contracts, wages at or above the legal minimum, overtime compensation, paid leave and medical insurance in full compliance with Greek labor law.
Health & Safety: Our vessels and offices comply with national safety standards; crew and staff are trained in first aid and emergency procedures.
Equality & Non-Discrimination: We guarantee equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, religion, or background and respect the freedom of association.
Child Protection: We strictly prohibit child labor and train staff and guides to recognize and report any signs of exploitation.

Marine & Air Quality: Our small-ship cruises adopt practices to reduce emissions: switching to marine gas oil (MGO) where possible, using advanced emission purification systems, and reducing speed when approaching ports. Some vessels, such as M/S Eros, are equipped with solar panels.
Energy & Water Management: We monitor consumption, use eco-lighting and low-flow fixtures, and source green energy when available.
Waste Reduction: We minimize single-use plastics by providing refillable bottles and using recyclable or biodegradable materials. All vessels and offices have clearly marked recycling bins and follow proper disposal procedures for hazardous materials such as batteries and printer cartridges.
Paperless Operations: We maintain a near paper-free office and use duplex printing only when necessary.

Sustainable Procurement: We favor local, eco-labelled and low-carbon products and services and select suppliers with a proven commitment to sustainability.
Contract Clauses: All partner agreements include clauses on child protection, anti-discrimination, anti-corruption, waste management and biodiversity protection. Contracts can be terminated in cases of non-compliance.
Capacity Building: We share our sustainability policy with partners and encourage them to participate in Travelife training.

Eco-Efficient Mobility: We choose the most environmentally responsible transport options for transfers and excursions, balancing comfort, safety and price.
Travel Reduction: We limit business travel through teleconferencing and encourage staff to use public transport or carpooling when possible.

Sustainable Stays: We give preference to accommodations with recognized sustainability certifications (e.g. Travelife).
Cultural Heritage: We prioritize properties that incorporate local art, architecture and traditions and that respect community needs.
Child Protection & Fair Labor: All accommodation contracts include clauses protecting minors and ensuring fair employment practices.

Responsible Tourism: We avoid activities that harm humans, animals, or the environment, and we do not offer excursions involving captive wildlife unless fully compliant with EU and national law.
Community Support: We promote experiences that directly benefit local communities, such as purchasing local products and promoting traditional gastronomy.
Visitor Guidance: Guests receive clear information on appropriate behavior at cultural or religious sites.

Local Employment: We give preference to hiring local staff and licensed guides, ensuring proper contracts and fair wages.
Training: All guides and crew are trained in sustainability principles, cultural norms and child protection.
Awareness: Guides communicate sustainability practices to guests, including advice on respecting local customs and minimizing environmental impact.

Responsible Route Planning: We carefully select destinations to avoid overtourism and support under-visited communities.
Biodiversity Protection: We comply with the CITES treaty and the IUCN Red List and do not promote or sell souvenirs made from endangered species.
Community Engagement: We support local planning initiatives and collaborate with port authorities and community stakeholders to ensure long-term benefits from cruise tourism.

Transparent Information: Before booking, guests receive accurate details on sustainability credentials and responsible travel guidelines.
During the Cruise: We provide guidance on respecting local culture, reducing waste and protecting the marine environment.
Feedback & Improvement: We monitor guest satisfaction (including sustainability aspects) through surveys and take corrective actions based on feedback.
Data Privacy: We comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure client privacy and data security.

Our Commitment

Sail in Greece is dedicated to making small-ship cruising a positive force for the environment and local communities. Through continuous improvement, collaboration with our partners and engagement with our guests, we aim to deliver unforgettable travel experiences that respect the seas and cultures of Greece.