Sampan Travel believes that responsible tourism has the potential to be a great force for good. We are determined that through the tours we organise we play our part in making Myanmar not only a better place to visit but also a better place to live. This is our mission.

By being aware of the needs and desires of the people and places that we love to visit, responsible travel can deliver an enriching and flavoursome experience while preserving these destinations for future generations.

When travelling around Myanmar we attempt to tread as lightly as possible, gently engaging with the local communities and wildlife. Engines are turned off when not in use, rubbish generated is disposed of appropriately, and mutual respect is encouraged through sensitive and informed cultural interaction with local communities.

For the last three years we have been winners at the Myanmar Responsible Tourism Awards. In 2017 our magazine Slow Travel Myanmar was recognised for its commitment to the communication of sustainability. In both 2018 & 2019 we were named Best Responsible Tour Operator. In 2020 we were shortlisted for the Experience Mekong Showcase – celebrating organisations that provide authentic local experiences while at the same time making a significant social impact.

Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents: (Stage 1) Travelife Engaged; (Stage 2) Travelife Partner and (Stage 3) Travelife Certified. We were awarded Travelife Certified (Stage 3). Travelife Certified is a recognition of our excellence towards social and environmental sustainability. We comply with more than 160 criteria related to sustainability management, office operations, working with suppliers and customer communication. Travelife is a certification body that is formally Accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the highest global body for sustainability in tourism, supported by the United Nations.”

Below is Sampan’s Sustainability Policy: a working, breathing document that outlines what we have already  managed, what we are currently doing, and what we hope to achieve in the future. This Policy is guided by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We outline where our policy aligns with the broader, overarching goals of the UN.

To find out more about our sustainable policies and practices, please don’t hesitate to Managing Director Bertie Alexander Lawson at bertie.lawson(at)sampantravel.com. You can see our Sustainability Policy in Burmese here and our Mission Statement & Ethical Code here.