As a company we are committed to finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of our work both in the office and when work takes us away from the office. While we seek efficiency, we are committed to achieve this in a sustainable and practical way.
The company is doing its part by installing energy saving lighting, installation of double glazing and the use of water dispensers. We are also planning the installation of solar panels as part of our upcoming office refurbishment.
Your support is essential to succeed. The company outlines the following sustainability measures and we encourage each one of us to be Sustainability Champions to follow these measures and to also propose more sustainable ways of doing things.
Our commitment to sustainability drives us to expect the same principles from our trade partners and suppliers. Whenever it is possible it is encouraged for now to work with companies that adhere to similar sustainability principles. At a later stage this will become mandatory.
Commitment to Ethical Business Practices
Human Rights
We are fully committed to upholding and promoting global principles of human rights and local laws. We expect the same level of respect and commitment from all our partners and suppliers, as part of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve human dignity in all areas of operation.
Labour Standards
SMS adheres strictly to all applicable local labour laws and standards. We are an equal opportunities employer and maintain a comprehensive Human Resources Policy, which outlines our employment practices and internal standards, ensuring fair and respectful treatment of all employees across our operations. We encourage staff to share ideas and suggestions to improve the work environment. We also endeavour to ensure that staff engaged by our partners and suppliers also enjoy fair working conditions that respect local labour laws.
Environmental Responsibility
We recognise the importance of environmental responsibility and are committed to assessing and minimising the environmental impact of our activities. Where potential negative impacts cannot be entirely avoided, we will endeavour to implement measures to reduce and manage them effectively. The relevant policies outlined in this document guide our efforts to prevent and mitigate environmental harm while ensuring that all guests and partner’s are aware of our efforts to protect the sustainable heritage of our islands and seek their support in the process.
Authenticity
We recognise that guests want to experience local traditions and gastronomy and we will endeavour to ensure that they get an authentic Maltese experience.
Anti-Corruption and Ethical Conduct
We are steadfast in our commitment to the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and integrity. Our operations are guided by strong corporate values, and we uphold a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of corruption. This commitment extends to all business relationships, and we expect the same ethical standards from all trade partners and suppliers.
Sustainability Co-ordinator
As part of its commitment to ensure and promote sustainable operations, SMS has appointed a Sustainability Coordinator. The role and responsibilities are detailed below:
- Continuous evaluation of company’s sustainability practices.
- Develop sustainability strategies and drive their implementation.
- Regular monitoring and reporting to senior management on sustainability performance
- Drive employee engagement.
- Ensure compliance with local, national, and international environmental regulations.
- Oversee the efficient use of natural resources like energy, water, and raw materials within the company.
- Collaboration with external partners to implement sustainable practices in supply chains and operations.
- Encourage and support partners to adopt sustainability practices.
- Keep oneself informed on emerging trends, technologies, and practices in sustainability.
Sustainability Planning and Oversight
Our company maintains a Sustainability Action Plan that outlines specific targets, responsibilities, timelines, and performance indicators. This plan is developed with input from staff across the organisation, with designated team members responsible for the implementation of individual actions.
We encourage that monthly staff meetings include sustainability as a standing agenda item to review progress, evaluate performance, and consider new initiatives. Key outcomes and decisions are formally recorded. Separate meetings are also held with our guides and key suppliers, as required.
In situations when implementation challenges arise, the team discusses and agrees on corrective measures
Sustainable Office Practices
- Recycle as much waste material as possible. Ensure correct separation of waste.
- Avoid the use of paper wherever possible. Avoid unnecessary printing. Reuse wastepaper (from the printer) where possible, using the blank side for notes, etc.
- Paper products that we procure should be produced with recycled paper.
- Today most business are using electronic business cards. We will still print paper cards, but we encourage all of you to set up your electronic business card on your phone. Our IT department can assist.
- Always recycle equipment that is no longer of use to the company. We can give away items such as computers and printers that we no longer use.
- Keep air-condition temperature to 25ºC during summer and at 21ºC during winter. Please keep doors and windows closed when AC is in use.
- Whenever possible avoid the use of elevators, especially when moving only one floor, up or down.
- Purchase products with a lower environmental impact— this includes environmentally safe soaps and detergents.
- Report any leaking taps or leaking WCs immediately.
- Use low-impact transport for travel to and from work and travel for business. Whenever possible use public transport to attend meetings or order eco powered vehicles when you need to use a car.
- Avoid unnecessary travel using instant messaging, video and audio conferencing, telephone, and email instead.
- Make it a practice to turn off lights and ACs when you leave a room that isn’t being used
- Use coffee cups that can be washed and reused instead of paper cups. Try to use reusable coffee pods.
Working Sustainably with Our Partners & Suppliers
- We prefer to work with locally owned businesses reflecting and promoting our local authentic culture and values.
- We should always encourage and guide our partners and suppliers to adopt sustainable practices.
- As part of our CSR policy, we encourage support to local artisans.
- We promote Responsible Tourism in our industry and to all stakeholders that we engage with.
- We put our clients and guests at the forefront of our business and help them understand and embrace our commitment to sustainability.
- Our islands’ wildlife plants and species are to be protected, and we need to stop anyone from harvesting, selling or trading these plants, except as part of a regulated activity that is complying to local, national and international law.
- Whenever possible we use transport companies that offer energy efficient and sustainable transport options. We will always try to plan transport is a sustainable way and whenever possible we put our guests together on a larger coach rather than using separate cars.
- All guides are to be given a copy of our sustainable guidelines and are also to be made aware of our sustainability policy.
- Accommodation suppliers are to be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and encouraged to achieve sustainable certification. Whenever possible preference should be given to sustainable certified accommodation suppliers.
- No partner supplier is to promote souvenirs or food that are produced, directly or indirectly, from threatened flora and fauna species. Should any such behaviour come to our attention, SMS Tourism reserves the right to terminate the contract without notice.
Sustainability Communication and Public Engagement
Our company aims to be transparent and promote proactive communication regarding our sustainability initiatives, policies, and achievements. We recognise the importance of sharing our progress with stakeholders, including business partners, suppliers, clients, and the general public. By doing so, we will try to foster trust, accountability, and broader engagement with our sustainability goals.
We also actively encourage questions and feedback related to our sustainability efforts.
To support this:
- The contact details of our designated Sustainability Coordinator are clearly published on our official website, ensuring that all stakeholders have a direct and accessible point of contact for any sustainability-related inquiries.
- All team members are being trained to handle inquiries in a knowledgeable and professional manner. If face with technical questions our staff will be instructed to refer complex or specialised questions directly to the Sustainability Coordinator to ensure accurate and timely responses.
- This approach ensures that our sustainability communication is not only transparent and accessible but also responsive and well-integrated into our broader customer service and stakeholder relations framework.
- We encourage and welcome suggestions to improve the sustainability of our operations.
- We are happy to support partners and suppliers to adopt a sustainable approach and we are available to share our experiences.
Updated June 2025