Community Guidelines

UNBOUND Responsible Tourism & GSTC-Aligned Code of Conduct (Global Sustainable Tourism Committee)

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Building Transformational Travel Through Responsible Partnerships

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At UNBOUND, we believe travel is one of the most powerful tools for cultural connection, environmental protection, and inclusive economic growth. Every experience we design is rooted in responsible tourism principles and a commitment to long-term positive impact.

Our Local Partner Selection Policy defines how we identify, evaluate, and collaborate with local tour operators worldwide. This framework aligns with internationally recognized sustainable tourism standards and reflects our commitment to ethical supply chains, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship.

At UNBOUND, our mission is to ensure that every travel experience we design contributes to regenerative tourism. Our responsibility goes beyond minimizing negative impacts — we actively work to create experiences that restore, support, and strengthen local ecosystems, cultures, and communities.

Unbound is a female-centered community dedicated to discovering, selecting, and sharing activities, experiences, and spaces that support transformative and regenerative energies. Our intention is to cultivate environments where women can reconnect with themselves, with each other, and with the natural cycles of growth, rest, and renewal.

Through the checklist we created, we evaluate and select local tour operator partners who align with UNBOUND regenerative travel principles. This tool supports a structured and transparent assessment process aligned with international sustainability standards and GSTC criteria.

Our goal is to collaborate with partners who help deliver transformative travel experiences that generate positive, measurable impact while maintaining high standards of safety, ethics, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.

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Our Regenerative Philosophy

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UNBOUND was created to challenge extractive tourism models and replace them with regenerative travel experiences that actively contribute to destinations rather than simply consuming them. The goal is to not only managing in a sustainable way the resources but being able to find ways with the communities to regenerate them and a proper management that allow future generation to enjoy their own resources.

We collaborate exclusively with local operators who share our belief that tourism should:

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●      Strengthen local economies
 

• Protect natural ecosystems
   

• Safeguard and strengthen cultural heritage and identity
   

• Promote social inclusion and fair employment, balance disequalities such as gender, ethnic groups, minorities
   

●      Foster authentic and respectful engagement in peace, social development, cultural strengthening and circular economy
 

Our sustainability framework integrates the core pillars of responsible tourism and follows globally recognized best practices aligned with GSTC criteria in addition with our personal experience in the field.

Our pillars:

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1. Respect & Inclusivity

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We welcome women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities, and life paths.
Every member is encouraged to contribute with openness, empathy, and respect for different perspectives and experiences.

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2. Integrity in Selection as per Code of Conduct below

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Activities and experiences shared within Unbound are chosen with care and responsibility.
We prioritize offerings that:

●      Promote well-being and personal growth

• Encourage conscious, ethical, and sustainable practices

●      Support emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual balance

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3. Transformative Intent

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Unbound values experiences that create meaningful impact.  We seek activities that inspire reflection, empowerment, creativity, and positive transformation—both individually and collectively.

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4. Regenerative Mindset

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We support initiatives that restore rather than deplete.
This includes respect for:

●      The natural environment

• Local communities and cultures

●      Slower, mindful rhythms that nurture long-term well-being
 

5. Authenticity & Transparency

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Members and collaborators are encouraged to communicate honestly about their intentions, practices, and offerings.
Authenticity builds trust and strengthens the collective energy of the community.

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6. Care for the Collective Space

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Unbound is a shared space of growth and exploration.
We commit to:

●      Listening deeply

• Avoiding harmful language or behavior

• Supporting constructive dialogue

●      Holding space for vulnerability and learning
 

7. Collaboration over Competition

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We believe in mutual support and collective empowerment.
The community thrives when members uplift one another, share knowledge, and co-create meaningful experiences.

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8. Continuous Evolution

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Transformation is an ongoing process.  Unbound remains open to learning, feedback, and adaptation as the community grows and evolves.

Unbound exists to nurture a network of women who are curious, conscious, and committed to living and sharing experiences that regenerate energy, inspire transformation, and create lasting positive impact. For this reason, we are going to provide financial support and technical assistance to realities involved in improving living conditions in marginalized communities, further details on the projects are displayed on website.

 

 

How UNBOUND Selects Sustainable Local Tour Operators

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1. Local Ownership and Community Empowerment

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Tourism can only be sustainable when local communities are direct beneficiaries. Locally owned operators retain economic value within destinations and strengthen cultural continuity.

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UNBOUND Selection Requirements

We prioritise operators that demonstrate:

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●      Majority local ownership, leadership, or governance
 

• Direct economic benefit to local communities
   

• Active partnerships with local suppliers, artisans, guides, and service providers
   

• Investment in community development, education, or social initiatives
   

●      Transparent supply chain sourcing
 

2. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Responsibility

Tourism depends on healthy ecosystems. Protecting biodiversity, reducing emissions, and minimizing waste are essential for long-term destination resilience.

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UNBOUND Environmental Requirements

Local partners must demonstrate measurable environmental responsibility, including:

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●      Waste reduction strategies and recycling programs
 

• Reduction of single-use plastics across operations
   

• Responsible water and energy management practices
   

• Compliance with local environmental legislation
   

●      Support or participation in conservation initiatives
 

3. Fair Labor Practices and Human Rights Protection

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Responsible tourism must guarantee safe, dignified, and fair working conditions throughout the travel value chain. And extra attention and care for minorities, ethnic group, women and avoid underagelabor. 

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UNBOUND Labor Standards

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Partner operators must:

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●      Provide fair wages meeting or exceeding local living wage standards
 

• Guarantee safe and inclusive working environments
   

• Prohibit child labor, forced labor, or exploitation
   

• Promote gender equality and diversity inclusion
   

• Offer training, career development, and professional growth opportunities
   

●      Ensure fair contract transparency for guides and service providers
 

4. Cultural Heritage Protection and Authentic Representation

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Cultural authenticity is a cornerstone of meaningful travel. Tourism must preserve, not commodify, local traditions and identities.

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UNBOUND Cultural Integrity Requirements

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Local operators must:

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●      Respect cultural traditions, sacred sites, and local customs
 

• Obtain informed community consent for cultural activities
   

• Avoid exploitative or staged cultural experiences
   

• Educate travelers on cultural etiquette and responsible behavior
   

●      Support safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage
 

5. Animal Welfare and Wildlife Protection

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Wildlife tourism must protect animal welfare and biodiversity conservation rather than support exploitation.

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UNBOUND Animal Welfare Policy

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We partner only with operators that:

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●      Do not promote animal performances or exploitative wildlife interactions
 

• Respect wildlife viewing distance and natural habitats
   

• Collaborate with ethical sanctuaries or conservation programs
   

●      Follow internationally recognized wildlife protection guidelines
 

6. Safety, Risk Management, and Service Quality

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Sustainability includes traveler safety, operational transparency, and responsible risk management.

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UNBOUND Safety Standards

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Partners must maintain:

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●      Valid operational licenses and insurance coverage
 

• Certified and trained guides where required
   

• Emergency preparedness and crisis management procedures
   

• Transparent pricing policies and ethical sales practices
   

●      Compliance with local and international safety regulations
 

Our own knowledge of the territory and experience allow us to audit those criteria and push also for improvement where necessary especially in promoting respect of diversity and labor requirements.

We did pilot collaboration with us as first travellers and continuously maintain performance monitoring and evaluate customers feedback.