Industry Insights
July 6, 2026
Responsible Tourism Across Southeast Asia
Sustainability & Partnerships
At ASEV Travel, sustainability is not simply a commitment but a fundamental part of how we operate. As a Destination Management Company specializing in Southeast Asia, we believe tourism should generate long-term value for local communities, natural ecosystems, and cultural heritage, while offering meaningful travel experiences for visitors.
Our approach focuses on responsible management, transparent partnerships, and continuous improvement. By working closely with our teams, suppliers, and nonprofit partners, we aim to ensure that tourism development contributes positively to the destinations where we operate.
Our Sustainability Mission
ASEV Travel’s sustainability strategy is built on three core pillars that guide our internal management, supplier selection, and travel program design. We continuously review and improve our policies to ensure they remain aligned with international responsible tourism standards. These three pillars are integrated into all aspects of our operations, including:
1
Internal management practices
2
Supplier selection and evaluation
3
Tour design and operational planning
4
Communication with travelers and partners
Pillar 1: Socio-Economic Development
We support local communities and businesses by prioritizing local suppliers, creating fair economic opportunities, and encouraging responsible tourism practices that benefit residents and local economies.
Pillar 2: Environmental Responsibility
We work to reduce operational impacts by managing waste, improving resource efficiency, and encouraging responsible behavior among staff, partners, and travelers.
Pillar 3: Cultural Sensitivity
Southeast Asia is home to diverse cultures and traditions. Our programs are designed to respect and preserve local heritage, ensuring that tourism supports rather than disrupts cultural identity.
A Message from Our Sustainability Coordinator
A Message from Our Sustainability Coordinator
“I believe in a future where travelers can enjoy authentic and memorable journeys while leaving a lighter footprint on the destinations they visit.
At ASEV Travel, my role is to ensure that responsible practices are implemented across our teams and partners. Sustainable tourism can only succeed through collaboration, which is why we work closely with local communities, suppliers, and travelers to promote responsible behavior and continuous improvement.”
Tram Nguyen
Sustainability Coordinator | sustainability@asev-travel.com
Sustainable Management & Certifications
Our Commitment
Sustainability is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time achievement. ASEV Travel is committed to continuously improving our management practices and progressively advancing towards the highest certification level available within each sustainability programme across our destinations in Southeast Asia.
Our Sustainability Certification Journey
ASEV Travel is committed to continuously strengthening our sustainability management across Southeast Asia through internationally recognised certification programmes. We work with respected global organisations that help us improve our environmental, social, cultural, and governance practices.
Biosphere
Biosphere® is an international sustainability certification system that supports organisations in implementing continuous improvement aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme uses internationally recognised indicators developed in collaboration with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN).
Biosphere includes two levels of recognition:
- Biosphere Committed
- Biosphere Certified
Travelife
Travelife is one of the leading international sustainability certification systems for the travel industry. Established with the support of the European Commission, Travelife covers all aspects of the tourism supply chain from environmental issues, biodiversity and human rights to labour relations.
Travelife follows a three-stage certification system:
- Travelife Engaged – Official membership and the beginning of sustainability management implementation.
- Travelife Partner – Awarded after completing a verified self-assessment covering more than 100 sustainability criteria.
- Travelife Certified – The highest level, achieved following an independent third-party audit.
Current Status of ASEV Travel Achievements
Our objective: to progressively achieve the Certified level for each certification programme.
Vietnam – Travelife Partner
Travelife Partner is the entry recognition level within the international Travelife sustainability programme for tour operators and travel agents. This recognition confirms our commitment to further improving the sustainability of our business operations through a structured sustainability management system and the implementation of recognised sustainability practices.
Travelife Partner recognition is awarded following an independent assessment based on the Travelife Partner criteria. During this assessment, our sustainability policy, objectives, management system, implementation of key sustainability practices and supporting documentation are evaluated against 60 mandatory sustainability criteria.
To maintain this recognition, our company is independently reassessed every two years to verify that we continue to comply with the Travelife Partner criteria.
Travelife Partner also provides the basis for progressing to the highest recognition level: Travelife Certified. This recognition is awarded following a comprehensive independent on-site audit based on the Travelife Certified criteria. This standard comprises more than 200 mandatory sustainability criteria and verifies the implementation of sustainability management and sustainability practices throughout the entire organisation.
More information about the Travelife programme, the different recognition levels, the validity of our current Travelife Partner recognition and the Travelife criteria can be found on the Travelife information website for travelers: travelife.info/travelers
Laos & Cambodia – Biosphere Committed
Biosphere Committed is the first recognition level within the internationally recognised Biosphere sustainability programme. This recognition confirms our commitment to embedding sustainability throughout our business through a structured management system, continuous improvement and responsible tourism practices that create positive environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts.
Our Biosphere Committed recognition has been independently validated through a third-party assessment of our sustainability commitments and actions. Maintaining this recognition requires continuous progress and regular external verification, while providing the foundation for progressing towards Biosphere Certified, the programme’s highest level of recognition.
More information about our Biosphere recognition and sustainability initiatives can be found on our official Biosphere profile
Responsible Supplier Selection
Sustainable tourism requires cooperation across the entire supply chain. ASEV Travel works with its partners to promote responsible practices and progressively expand its network of sustainable providers.
Our supplier selection process includes criteria related to:
Our supplier selection process includes criteria related to:
Compliance with safety and legal standards
Environmental management
Working conditions and fair employment
Respect for local culture and communities
Responsible wildlife practices
Our Sustainable Logo
ASEV Travel developed its own sustainable logo to highlight partners, activities, and initiatives that align with our responsible tourism values. This logo is not a formal certification label. Instead, it serves as an internal indicator within our programs to help travelers and partners easily identify experiences that support:
- Environmental protection
- Community development
- Cultural preservation
The logo allows our teams to promote responsible suppliers and gradually increase the presence of sustainable experiences within our itineraries.
Environmental Initiatives
Refill Not Landfill
To reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, ASEV Travel participates in the Refill Not Landfill initiative. This global campaign encourages travelers to replace disposable plastic bottles with reusable alternatives.
As part of this initiative, ASEV Travel:
- Provides refillable water bottles to travelers in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
- Supports the expansion of water refill stations across travel routes
- Encourages travelers to reduce plastic waste during their journeys
These actions help minimize plastic pollution while promoting more responsible travel habits.
Child Protection in Tourism
Children living in tourism destinations can be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. ASEV Travel is committed to protecting children and promoting responsible tourism practices across all destinations where we operate.
Partnership with ChildSafe
ASEV Travel collaborates with ChildSafe, an internationally recognized movement dedicated to protecting children from abuse and exploitation. Through this partnership, we implement policies and training programs to strengthen child protection awareness among staff, partners, and travelers.
Our Actions
Our child protection engagement includes:
- Child protection policies for staff and suppliers
- Media and communication guidelines to prevent harmful representation of children
- Awareness initiatives for travelers and partners
- Training and internal procedures aligned with ChildSafe principles
Reporting & Emergency Contacts
If you witness or suspect a violation involving child exploitation, please contact the following hotlines:
- Vietnam : 111 or 18001567 | report@thinkchildsafe.org
- Laos: +856 20 77 87 75 55 | report@thinkchildsafe.org
- Cambodia: +855 17 358 758 | report@thinkchildsafe.org
Additional information can also be obtained from your ASEV guide.
Our NGO Partners
Responsible tourism requires strong collaboration with organizations working directly with local communities. Since August 2023, ASEV Travel has allocated a portion of each traveler’s booking to support community development initiatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across our destinations. Travelers and partners may also contribute additional donations to support these programs.
Mekong Elephant Park
The French NGO APEEL supports the Mekong Elephant Park project, which focuses on elephant rescue, habitat protection, and ethical eco-tourism. The sanctuary promotes responsible elephant care while providing alternative employment opportunities for mahouts.
L’ASAS
L’ASAS is a non-profit organization that works to improve access to clean drinking water and rehabilitate schools in remote villages in northern Laos. The organization also created the country’s first “City of Science,” a center dedicated to education and scientific discovery.
Xonphao
Founded in 2017, Xonphao supports vulnerable individuals—including people with disabilities and those living in extreme poverty—by providing training in craft activities and helping them build financial independence.
APOPO
APOPO develops innovative humanitarian technologies to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance. In Cambodia, specially trained rats help accelerate demining operations, making land safer for local communities and agriculture.
Angkor Children’s Hospital
Founded in 1999, Angkor Children’s Hospital provides free, high-quality medical care to approximately 500–600 children every day. The hospital also contributes to improving healthcare systems through medical training and community education.
KOTO
KOTO is a social enterprise providing vocational training in hospitality and English education for disadvantaged youth. Graduates gain professional skills and employment opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
STREETS International
STREETS International is a social enterprise based in Hoi An, Vietnam, providing vulnerable youth with a free, comprehensive 14-month program in culinary arts and hospitality. Training combines English, life skills, hands-on apprenticeships, and daily support, including housing, meals, medical care, uniforms, and a monthly allowance. Graduates achieve sustainable careers, with a 96% employment rate and 58% advancing into supervisory position
Sustainable Insights & Updates