Dear Lena, you recently achieved recertification by TourCert once again and are one of the Latinconnect DMCs that place a particularly high priority on sustainable tourism. When was the foundation for this laid, and what responsibilities does it entail?
Sustainability has always been a priority for Neptuno Colombia - though initially, of course, our approach was quite basic, as we had a lot to learn and the local infrastructure for it was barely developed at the time. We achieved national certification as early as 2014, which gave us a fantastic starting point for structuring our efforts and really getting to grips with the subject. However, given our international market presence, we opted for the more rigorous, global TourCert seal in 2017. Managing this is now an integral part of our daily routine: as the Sustainability Officer, I coordinate our CSR system, drive data monitoring, and conduct team training. It is an ongoing process, but one that yields immense rewards.
What are the areas of action you are continuously working on?
We make a clear distinction here between internal areas of action (which are much simpler) and external ones. Internally, we focus on the seemingly ‘small things’ that nonetheless make a significant difference when combined: waste sorting, eco-friendly cleaning products, avoiding single-use plastics, and purchasing local products for the office. Externally, the focus is on supply chain management - specifically raising awareness among our partners (hotels, transport providers, guides) and evaluating them internally to ensure that operations are ‘clean’ and fair. Another major area of action is climate protection: we already directly offset Neptuno’s own emissions and have developed a comprehensive calculation to determine the average CO₂ output per trip, which serves as the basis for the offsetting options we offer our customers. - - - -- - - -
What hurdles did you encounter while implementing your sustainability goals, and have you noticed any changes over time?
One of the biggest hurdles was establishing a system over the years that works for us in our day-to-day operations. Today, we finally have reliable data and figures that can be analyzed to track progress and identify gaps. Another very current challenge is climate protection: we found that offering CO₂ offsetting on a purely voluntary basis to customers unfortunately barely works - which is why we are currently working to integrate it automatically and mandatorily into all our trips as soon as possible. There has been a positive shift in the local offerings: while sustainable products were scarce in the past, awareness has grown significantly today. Organizations like ACOTUR and FONTUR provide excellent support, assisting stakeholders directly with sustainable business strategies. As a result, entirely new regions have been developed sustainably, enabling travelers to enjoy extremely authentic experiences today.
How did you go about making supplier commitment measurable, and how do you communicate positive product examples to your resellers?
To measure our partners' level of commitment, we use tailored sets of criteria and regular surveys. Based on this, we internally evaluate and categorize our partners using a points system. When it comes to communication, the onus is on us to take the initiative: since direct requests for explicitly sustainable tours from wholesalers and travelers remain the exception rather than the rule, we must proactively offer these products and make them appealing. We therefore make a concerted effort to highlight these positive examples and partners in our proposals and during personal B2B interactions.
What successes are you celebrating, or - on the other hand - are there areas where you would like more support?
My greatest sense of achievement comes from seeing years of hard work reflected in concrete data and witnessing our local partners taking the initiative themselves because they understand the underlying purpose. On the other hand, I would certainly like to see more initiative and genuine commitment from the international market - specifically from travel agencies and travelers. It is not enough to simply call for sustainability in glossy brochures; tour operators and final customers need to actively request these products. In doing so, we also need to dispel the misconception that sustainable travel is necessarily more expensive - because it absolutely isn't; it often just requires a more conscious approach when making choices.
How do you think we could ensure that travelers perceive sustainability not as a sacrifice, but as a genuine enrichment?
By stopping the practice of selling sustainability as a form of sacrifice. First and foremost, guests want to experience an unforgettable trip - and sustainable offerings often make precisely that possible, and frequently even better. When travelers have authentic encounters with people, experience local culture, or discover unique natural landscapes, they quickly realize that sustainability means not less, but more: more quality, more personal interactions, and more lasting memories. For instance, staying with a Wayuu family, exploring with a local guide, or visiting a community project allows travelers to take home experiences that a standard itinerary simply cannot offer. In this way, sustainability ceases to be the product itself and instead becomes a natural part of an authentic and enriching holiday experience.
Are there any product examples you like to recommend and would like to highlight here?
Absolutely - we have fantastic examples on Latinconnect that show the diverse ways this topic can be brought to life. Here are some of my personal highlights:
Activities & Packages:
- Half Day Tour Urban Constellations (Medellín): An impressive community project in Comuna 3 that demonstrates how social change through tourism works.
Package Calanoa Lodge (Amazon): An absolute highlight that is extremely well-positioned in terms of both environmental protection and socio-cultural engagement within the region.
Foundation Hogar de la paz (Bogotá): A project truly close to our hearts. A visit that reveals the reality faced by many Colombians, builds bridges, and offers children a future perspective.
Accomodations:
El Almejal (Pacific Coast): A true pioneer in ecotourism with its own impressive nature reserve.
BioHotel Organic Suites (Bogotá): Proof that sustainability and modern comfort go perfectly hand in hand, even in a major metropolis.
- Sazagua Cocora Hotel (coffee region): A beautiful boutique hotel that consistently focuses on local value creation and partners.
This is, of course, just a small selection - we have many other sustainable products in our portfolio. If you are looking for more, feel free to ask us!
Thank you very much, Lena!
