Sustainibility

1. Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Alkemia ehf. is committed to responsible and sustainable tourism that respects Iceland’s unique nature, culture, and communities. As a small travel agency operating in Iceland, we recognize our responsibility to minimize negative impacts and to contribute positively to the environment, local society, and the long-term sustainability of tourism.

We are working towards becoming a Travelife Partner and align our operations with the Travelife Sustainability System and internationally recognized principles for sustainable tourism.

2. Environmental Responsibility

Iceland’s natural environment is central to our business and must be protected for future generations. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by:

• Promoting responsible travel behaviour in fragile natural areas
• Encouraging respect for marked trails, protected areas, and wildlife
• Prioritizing low-impact activities and nature-based experiences
• Reducing paper use, waste, and energy consumption in our office operations
• Encouraging suppliers to follow environmental regulations and best practices

We actively discourage activities that damage nature, disturb wildlife, or contribute to over-tourism in sensitive areas.

3. Climate Awareness

We acknowledge tourism’s contribution to climate change and aim to raise awareness by:

• Encouraging longer stays and meaningful travel experiences rather than high-volume tourism
• Informing guests about climate-conscious travel choices where possible
• Supporting suppliers that take steps to reduce emissions

4. Social Responsibility & Human Rights

We fully respect human rights and ethical business conduct. Alkemia has zero tolerance for:

• Child labor
• Sexual exploitation or abuse
• Sexual harassment
• Human trafficking

We support the protection of children in tourism and expect all partners and suppliers to share this commitment.

We also commit to:

• Equal treatment regardless of gender, origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age
• Fair working conditions and a safe working environment
• A respectful, inclusive workplace culture

5. Supporting Local Communities & Icelandic Culture

Tourism should benefit local communities across Iceland. We aim to:

• Work with local guides, operators, and service providers whenever possible
• Support rural communities and lesser-visited regions
• Respect and promote Icelandic culture, history, and traditions
• Encourage guests to engage respectfully with local people and customs

We avoid activities that exploit people, culture, or local resources.

6. Responsible Supply Chain

We work with suppliers who comply with Icelandic laws and regulations and encourage them to adopt sustainable and ethical practices. Sustainability considerations are increasingly integrated into how we select, communicate with, and evaluate our partners.

7. Customer Information & Responsible Travel

We provide our clients with clear, honest information to help them travel responsibly by:

• Communicating guidelines on responsible behaviour in nature and communities
• Encouraging respect for safety rules, signage, and local regulations
• Avoiding misleading or exaggerated sustainability claims

8. Legal Compliance

We comply with all relevant Icelandic laws and regulations, including those related to:

• Labor and employment
• Environmental protection
• Health and safety
• Tourism operations

9. Continuous Improvement

Sustainability is an ongoing process. We commit to:

• Reviewing and improving our sustainability practices regularly
• Training staff on sustainability and responsible tourism
• Monitoring progress in line with Travelife Partner requirements