MISSION
We provide authentic travel experiences that honor and protect Sicily’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Guided by the UN’s Agenda 2030, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact, we foster ethical partnerships with our stakeholders. Our focus is on enhancing sustainability awareness among our partners and aligning our practices with the highest ethical and environmental standards. We are dedicated to supporting small local businesses, artisan producers, and traditional practices through our tours, ensuring their preservation and contributing to the sustainable development of Sicilian communities and ecosystems.
Through these efforts, we aim to become an increasingly sustainable company and make a more and more meaningful contribution to the local communities and ecosystems in which we operate.
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
INTRODUCTION
The company DESTEFANO SPECIALE & C. srl based in Messina was founded in 1924 and has been registered with the Messina Chamber of Commerce since 1925 under number REA 209.
Since its foundation it has operated as a maritime agency both in the port of Messina and Milazzo and afterwards also in the harbors of Giardini Naxos and Lipari. Since the 1980s it has also operated in the travel agency and tour operator sector, especially in the cruise industry, for the organization of shore services and excursions in the main Sicilian ports for several international companies and tour operators.
Present in the area for over 100 years, in carrying out its various activities, the agency has always adopted behaviors in line with a philosophy linked to the utmost respect for people, the territory and the well-being of the community.
The company boasts a high reputation both nationally and internationally, so it is evaluated not only for the quality of the services provided but also for its public image.
In recent years, also following the publication of the Agenda 2030 program with the 17 objectives for sustainable development set by the United Nations, it has deemed it necessary to transform this corporate philosophy into a short code of ethics with the aim of determining the principles and criteria that must regulate the behavior and actions of all workers (employees and managers). In managing its duties, the agency believes it must be strongly committed to promoting correct environmental and social practices, to collaborate with partners in the right way and to assist its customers to the best of its ability. Being a company that mainly provides services, its commitment is expressed through a series of behaviors that have been summarized in this document which has been prepared for a quick consultation and has the aim of establishing simple guidelines to which all operators, employees and collaborators will have to comply in order to become an increasingly “sustainable” company from an economic but also social and environmental point of view; a model to be followed also by other operators in the industry. All members of the company (administrators, employees and collaborators) are involved and are integral part of the company policy.
Herebelow are summarized the main points, for which the company prepares adequate information, prevention and control tools:
ETHICS, HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEFENSE OF RIGHTS
- RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL AND DEFENSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
- HEALTH AND SAFETY, WORKERS’ CONDITIONS AND ENHANCEMENT OF RESOURCES
- ANTI-CORRUPTION AND RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION
POLICY FOR PARTNERS & SUPPLIERS
- ACCOMMODATION POLICY
- EXCURSION POLICY
DESTINATION POLICY
- ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONS
ENVIRONMENT
- TRANSPORT AND GAS EMISSIONS
- WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL
- RECYCLING AND ENERGY SAVING
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
- SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
ETHICS, HUMAN RESOURCES AND PROMOTION OF THE DEFENSE OF RIGHTS
The Destefano Speciale & C. srl agency undertakes to manage its business activity by pursuing high standards of economy and efficiency, through actions and behaviors that promote respect and protection of human rights; abhors any form of violation of these principles in the management of relationships with its interlocutors (employees, partners, suppliers, passengers) and promotes respect and sharing among all.
1. Respect for the individual and Defense of Human Rights
The Destefano Speciale & C. srl agency condemns any discrimination related to age, sex, sexual orientation, health, race, nationality, political opinions and religious beliefs and promotes the fundamental value of dignity of all individuals. It supports diversity, promotes the principle of equal opportunities and inclusion among all human beings, regardless of their personal characteristics. Bases the choice of collaborators and suppliers only taking into account the professionalism and merit of the person. It abhors any practice related to human trafficking, slavery or child labor.
Any form of harassment towards employees, partners, suppliers or guests is absolutely not tolerated. Any type of discrimination that violates international, national or local laws, including forms of discrimination related to religion, skin color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, constitutes a violation of this policy and will be treated as a disciplinary matter.
2. Health and Safety, Workers’ Conditions and Enhancement of Resources
The Destefano Speciale & C. srl agency is committed to creating a working environment in which all employees can develop their aspirations and abilities as well as actively realize their human potential. It is important that each employee feels part of the company and actively contributes to its success. For this reason, it is committed to providing them with the best working conditions and a safe and fair environment, and to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and absolute respect. All wages paid for work performed are in accordance with local laws, including those relating to minimum wages, legally required benefits and overtime hours. Regular medical visits are scheduled for all collaborators to protect their health as required by the laws currently in force and they are periodically and adequately trained and informed on safety procedures through courses organized by authorized persons and organizations.
The contracts offered by the company to its employees comply with Italian national regulations for all employment contracts in the travel and tourism sector. All Destefano Speciale & C. srl employees have an ordinary national collective agreement (a CCNL – National Collective Labor Agreement) for workers of all levels in the tourism sector, which:
- Guarantees all standard labor rights;
- Refers to specific salary tables and grades;
- Regulates the terms of notice in the event of resignation or dismissal (which vary depending on the levels), the periods of annual holidays/permits, maternity leave, pensions, absences due to illness, and related allowances;
Guarantees a work environment based on mutual respect and fairness, considering unacceptable any discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, origin, or opinions, or, in any case, harmful to personal dignity
3. Anti-Corruption and Responsible Information Management.
The Destefano Speciale & C. srl agency actively fights any type of corruption, extortion and embezzlement and undertakes to respect the principle of confidentiality regarding all information deriving from the management of its relationships with the various stakeholders (employees, partners, suppliers and customers). Adopts behaviors aimed at respecting privacy and confidentiality clauses in the processing of personal data and information in its possession, always obtained with prior authorization and in compliance with the laws and regulations currently in force regarding the privacy and the security of information.
POLICY FOR PARTNERS AND SUPPLIERS
Sustainability is an integral part of the partnerships and the supply chain of Destefano Speciale & C Srl. We rely on collaboration with our partners and suppliers based on a shared vision of compliance with a customary code of conduct and sustainable practices. To ensure compliance with our sustainability policy, we share it with all partners and suppliers and ask them to align with it.
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl is committed to working primarily with partners and suppliers who demonstrate an authentic commitment to these values, using a sustainability questionnaire to evaluate both potential and long-standing partners. Our attention is focused on those who demonstrate strong ethical initiatives and awareness of sustainability issues. We use a sustainability questionnaire to evaluate both potential and long-standing partners.
With reference to the specific regulatory framework, the Destefano Speciale & C. srl complies with all regulations adhering to the laws in force in Italy and Europe regarding:
- Rights and safety of employees in the workplace;
- Crimes of child labor;
- Crimes of fraud, corruption, and extortion;
- Crimes of waste management;
- Environmental violations (against the protection of biodiversity).
and asks all its partners and suppliers to be equally respectful.
The corporate values of partners and suppliers are in line with ours and are based on reliable, efficient, and responsible performance. All partners and suppliers are local, carefully selected, and personally visited through regular inspections to confirm that they provide quality products and services. We maintain solid and continuous relationships with them, keeping informed about their activities and promoting a network of collaboration. We do not know them only superficially. We are in constant contact with them, we are updated on their work and their projects, and they are updated on ours.
As a Destination Management Company (DMC) specializing in inbound tourism, the Destefano Speciale & C. srl has established long-term partnerships with Italian agencies based on shared commitments to sustainable practices and an informal code of conduct. Our main partners, chosen for the quality and reliability of their services, are in line with our fundamental values of reliability and responsibility.
As specialists with extensive experience in offering high-quality services and personalized tours, events, experiences, private land excursions, and services such as wine tastings, cooking classes, apartment rentals, and other properties and visits to unique museums throughout Italy, the Destefano Speciale & C.srl pays the utmost attention to the selection of restaurants, accommodations, wineries, and all its suppliers. We have a thorough and extensive knowledge of the territory and know our guides and drivers personally. We have and maintain a genuine and positive relationship with them.
Recently, the Destefano Speciale & C. Srl has begun to encourage its destination partners and has implemented a policy to sensitize its key suppliers to sustainability and to obtain an overview of their commitment to managing sustainable tourism, including them in their own path of sustainability and progress. We monitor their compliance during meetings in our offices and during on-site visits.
To raise awareness of sustainability, Destefano Speciale & C. srl has implemented a policy of involving partners/suppliers, using a questionnaire to assess and encourage sustainable tourism practices, with all responses securely stored in our green supplier database. In addition, key partners/suppliers are registered on the Travelife platform, where they benefit from training and reporting tools to further support their sustainability initiatives.
Destefano Speciale & C. Srl has customary commercial agreements with its partners and suppliers that involve compliance with the laws in force in Italy and Europe by both parties. The dialogue with them is constant and is carried out from the first contact through regular correspondence. The customary agreements with our partners and suppliers are based on key clauses of social sustainability included in international, European, Italian, and local regulations to which our DMC refers and which it scrupulously respects.
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl is committed to selecting accommodations that align with our core sustainability values. Our primary approach prioritizes accommodation facilities that:
- Employ local staff, fostering community economic growth.
- Maintain long-standing partnerships with family-run or locally owned estates and businesses, reinforcing local traditions and economic stability.
- Serve traditional cuisine or produce and sell their own products, promoting local agriculture and cultural heritage.
To ensure a positive impact from our accommodation choices, Destefano Speciale & C. srl adheres to the following principles:
- We prioritize relationships with accommodation facilities that demonstrate a commitment to minimizing harm to the environment and local communities.
- We give preference to accommodation providers that actively pursue internationally recognized certifications, such as Travelife, while also considering price and comfort for our clients.
- We avoid accommodation providers that compromise the local community’s access to essential services (e.g., food, water, energy, or healthcare) or that undermine the integrity of such services. We reserve the right to terminate our collaboration with such providers if they fail to uphold these standards.
- We prioritize certified accommodation facilities that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, especially those with internationally recognized certifications like Travelife or those recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). When suitable certified facilities are not available, we give preference to facilities with a demonstrably positive reputation for robust sustainability practices.
If any partner accommodation facility is found to compromise the local community’s access to essential resources, essential services, livelihoods, or important sites, Destefano Speciale & C.srl reserves the right to terminate the agreement/contract without prior notice.
We give preference to accommodation providers that actively choose, purchase, utilize, and offer (on their menus) local and home-grown organic food products (prioritizing these over imported alternatives), sourced according to the principles of fair trade and sustainability from local and minority-owned businesses and that monitor and work to reduce food waste in their daily operations.
The Destefano Speciale & C.srl favors accommodation facilities that demonstrably safeguard and protect local biodiversity, and that limit their negative impact on local and global biodiversity to the greatest extent possible (e.g., by refraining from offering endangered species on the menu).
The Destefano Speciale & C.srl actively seeks accommodation and restaurants that protect local culture, traditions, and architecture and that incorporate local art and craftsmanship by:
- Promoting local art, craftsmanship, music, and architecture.
- Providing information to our guests about local customs and traditions and educating them on how to be respectful of them.
- Including traditional local dishes and drinks on menus.
- Utilizing menus to explain the history and cultural significance of local dishes.
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl only collaborates with accommodation facilities that demonstrably respect and actively protect children’s rights, adhering fully to the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation. Any suspicious behavior exhibited by individuals within the facility or during excursions must be reported immediately to the local authorities. Such behavior will result in the immediate termination of our collaboration.
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl ensures that, throughout our accommodation supply chain, children’s rights are respected and protected. We do not enter into contracts (direct or indirect) with accommodation facilities that:
- Fail to comply fully with national labor laws and regulations, licenses, and insurance required by law.
- Are involved in forced labor or that employ children to perform work normally performed by adults.
We require accommodation facilities that employ children (under the age of 16) to comply with special working hours and conditions, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and/or ILO Convention 138.
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl prioritizes accommodation facilities that offer locally and/or sustainably produced souvenirs that are based on the unique history and culture of the surrounding area.
All the main excursion providers that collaborate with us undertake to respect and always guarantee the protection and care of people, guaranteeing their fundamental human rights according to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This includes ensuring that travelers, suppliers, staff, and local communities are treated with respect, dignity, freedom, and equality.
We personally know all our suppliers and commercial partners, which allows us to confirm that they do not participate in any activity that could discriminate, exploit, or traffic women or minority groups in any way, shape, or form.
To maximize the benefits of our excursions for the local community and the environment, we also follow these guidelines:
- Our company ensures that excursions are conducted in compliance with national, regional, and local sustainability standards.
- We select the most sustainable transport option possible, as long as it is in line with the preferences of our customers. We prefer train travel between major cities and use state-of-the-art means of transport that belong to the most recent environmental class and produce less pollution. All vehicles are periodically maintained according to current laws and are used with maximum efficiency and capacity.
- We always give priority to local drivers, guides, and tour leaders to offer better experiences and support local communities.
- We do not offer products or services from tour operators that damage people, animals, plants, natural resources, or that are socially or culturally unacceptable.
- The main drivers, tour leaders, local representatives, and guides are adequately qualified and trained.
SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION POLICY
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl also develops itineraries for cruise companies and partner travel agencies that offer low-impact options for small and medium-sized groups, placing emphasis on involvement and authentic immersion in the community and local traditions.
As far as possible and based on demand and the possibilities of each destination, in the process of selecting new destinations, we favor the development potential and the proposal of this type of alternative based on authentic involvement with the communities and local traditions.
For several years, Destefano Speciale & C. Srl has given priority to the development and promotion of “Ecotours”, excursions with minimal environmental impact whose main theme is to introduce guests to local traditions and experiences, involve local communities or even visit companies that use recycled materials and that can represent models of reference.
The “Ecotours” focus on immersive experiences, showcasing local heritage and offering the opportunity to visit or interact with companies that promote sustainability using recycled materials and function as positive models for responsible commercial practices; putting travelers in touch in a deeper and more authentic way with the destinations and the communities that live there.
Our clientele is mainly composed of elderly people, often multigenerational families with children and elderly, retired couples, and people with different degrees of mobility.
Given this type of clientele, ease of access to the visited places also becomes a fundamental requirement for sustainability.
Therefore, when we develop an itinerary and a tailor-made package, we always take into account the factors of price and comfort/accessibility, as well as the various modes of transport, to identify the closest and most easily accessible destinations from the place of stay of our guests and from the departure point of our service (a land excursion, an event, a tour, a cooking class or a tasting, etc.).
In particular, upon request, we also develop accessible itineraries for people with reduced mobility, based on the accessibility of the sites in the various cities.
ENVIRONMENT
The Destefano Speciale & C. srl agency is committed to promoting human health and preserving the global environment by seeking, in every phase of its activity, to find a balance between economic initiatives and the needs of the environment, taking into account the needs of future generations.
1. Transport and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Being a company that mainly provides services, the Destefano Speciale & C.srl agency cannot measure its environmental impact in terms of gas emissions. However, in its activities and in particular in the organization of excursions offered to its customers, it takes into account some measures aimed at safeguarding and protecting the environment, and in particular:
– mainly uses transport suppliers who can guarantee the use of vehicles with low environmental impact and in compliance with current pollution regulations;
– when organizing tours for cruise passengers, try to organize vehicles and guides in such a way that they can reach the meeting place with the passengers with the same buses used for the excursions, thus avoiding the use of their own vehicles.
– organizes and promotes the sale of the so-called “ecotours”, excursions with low environmental impact whose central theme is to introduce guests to local traditions and experiences, to involve local communities or even to visit companies which use recycled materials being reference models for other companies.
Transfers to/from the airport are carried out by car, minivan, boat (for short distances) or using a combination of these means of transport together with the train (for long distances) to/from the accommodation.
Our collaborators for transport services are always chosen based on the principles of local sourcing and excellence of the means of transport, which must be of the latest generation (where possible) and always revised, in accordance with the law.
In this regard, vehicles must belong to the Euro 6 environmental class and be equipped with systems for the treatment of exhaust gases.
The car and bus rental companies that collaborate with us must also respect and offer their drivers the best working conditions, in accordance with the law and the most recent regulations in their contracts.
Finally, the transport companies we collaborate with are all local companies and the choice to use one rather than another also depends on the distance that vehicles and drivers must travel to perform the requested service, which must be as short as possible.
2. Waste Management and Disposal.
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl agency makes every effort to reduce waste to a minimum and to research and use adequate disposal methods. Collaborators are asked to carry out waste separation according to the calendar published by the municipality. Special waste such as old computers, obsolete machines, batteries and neon lights are disposed of by taking them to the relevant recycling center. It puts into practice virtuous behaviors in order to limit the use of disposable objects, such as batteries (replaced by rechargeable ones) and the purchase of loose products compared to those that include bulky packaging in order to reduce waste production. It is chosen and put into practice a policy of conscious use of the paper (for example by recycling sheets printed by mistake and avoiding printing emails and unnecessary documents).
3. Recycling and Energy Saving
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl agency is committed to reducing waste and consumption to a minimum. All collaborators are invited to turn off lights, air conditioners and any other device when they are not present in the office or in any case when they are not necessary; monitors and screens when they are not at their workstation; computers and printers in the evening or before going home. Each workstation is structured to avoid any energy dispersion. As far as possible, supplies of recycled materials are chosen and preferred (paper, consumables, etc.). It starts and promotes the use of low energy consumption devices (air conditioners, printers, LED lighting systems, etc.) and the adoption of behaviors which avoid unnecessary energy dispersion.
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl minimizes energy waste by adhering to its code of conduct in the sustainable office manual*, which includes the use of low-energy equipment, switching off lights, monitors, air conditioners/heaters, etc. in unused rooms and during closing hours, constant control of thermostats, and closing doors and windows when the heating is on and lights when natural light is sufficient to work.
Our new equipment purchasing policy requires that new equipment and systems meet the highest standards of energy efficiency.
All lighting and all air conditioning/heating systems in the headquarters are energy-efficient and almost all electrical appliances are switched off when not in use. In unused offices, lighting and air conditioning/heating are kept off.
Our “switch-off” policy to reduce energy waste and save energy requires that equipment such as air conditioning/heating and all office lights are always switched off outside of working hours or during lunch breaks (not in sleep mode), that the computer monitor is switched off when operators are not at their desks, and that all devices such as chargers, which consume energy even when no device is connected, are switched off or disconnected from the power outlets.
Furthermore, Destefano Speciale & C. Srl guarantees a percentage of workers who travel by train (20%), saving energy and CO2 emissions due to transport to and from the workplace.
Only strictly necessary business trips are also carried out, such as those for the evaluation and monitoring of the supply chain or for operational reasons (e.g., inspections of partners and suppliers and coordination of land excursions).
*The sustainable code of conduct available in the manual for the sustainable office of Destefano Speciale & C. Srl provides that:
- all employees are instructed on the “switch-off” policy from the first moment;
- all personnel turn off the computer monitors of their workstations when leaving the desk;
- the last person who leaves the office at the end of the working day or for the lunch break has the task of checking all equipment and switching off or disconnecting any device still on;
- as long as the light allows, staff work inside the office with natural light, keeping the windows open, and turn on artificial light only when necessary;
- as long as the temperature allows, employees open the windows instead of turning on the air conditioning at medium-high temperatures;
- in the cold season, when the heating is on, employees keep doors and windows closed to avoid heat loss. The thermostats are also checked to ensure that there is no excessive difference between the external and internal temperature.
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
The Destefano Speciale & C. Srl agency, being a company that does not produce material goods but a company that mainly offers services related to tourism, adopts the culture of sustainability and is committed to sharing it with all its stakeholders. With their involvement and collaboration, it intends to leave a sustainable legacy for future generations. It is committed to being a promoter of change, helping to design a new idea of reliable, safe and responsible value. The procurement policy is aimed at selecting suppliers who share these principles and corporate values based on integrity and respect for the environment, people and local communities. All suppliers are expected, as far as possible, to adhere to and share these values. Any violation of work ethics will require a corrective action plan or termination of the relationship with the company violating these principles.
1. Sustainable procurement
The Destefano Speciale & C. srl is committed to making procurement decisions that minimise environmental impact and gives preference to purchasing local products and services that are made with respect for people and the planet. The repair or reuse of items takes priority over the purchase of new items and, before discarding an item, new uses are always considered. Company purchases are geared towards products with ecological certification/labelling and are made in bulk to minimise packaging.
Before making any purchase for the office or for operations/excursions, the company carries out an assessment to determine whether the product is really necessary.
Where possible and for certain categories – such as office equipment, photocopiers and printers, telephones, computer hardware (laptops, desktops), projectors and presentation equipment – the company considers renting, leasing, borrowing or using second-hand items rather than purchasing new ones.
The company prefers to purchase durable and reusable products rather than disposable or fragile items.
The company considers the potential of the products purchased to create unnecessary waste or damage to the planet, including harmful effects on air/water/soil, excessive energy consumption or pollution resulting from transport.
In its purchases, the company gives priority to products from local companies.
The company gives preference to products with environmental certifications or labels to ensure a reduced environmental impact.
Orders are combined and purchases are made in refill or bulk formats to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport.
The company ensures that all equipment in its offices is inspected and maintained by authorised professionals, following a regular maintenance programme aimed at increasing its longevity and efficiency.
The proper disposal of broken equipment is ensured through authorised partners.
The company prioritises the purchase of equipment with high energy efficiency ratings – e.g. EU energy labels, Energy Star symbols – selecting the most efficient options available.
2. Commitment to reducing consumption
To improve energy efficiency within its offices, Destefano Speciale uses LED lighting. This choice helps to reduce overall energy consumption while providing adequate lighting for all workspaces.
With regard to temperature control within its offices, the company is committed to maintaining a comfortable working environment while minimising energy consumption. Energy-efficient air conditioning systems are used to optimize cooling/heating.
To further support sustainable purchasing efforts, a consultable Good Practice Manual for the office is available. This manual provides additional guidance on best practices for promoting sustainability in office operations.
3. Purchasing specific products to reduce pollution
The company minimises the use of disposable and single-use items, focusing on finding reusable alternatives.
The company purchases certified eco-friendly and low-density paper.
The company always assesses the real need to print a document, focusing on reducing the use of paper and ink by preferring digital alternatives such as electronic brochures and itineraries. The possibility of reducing the number of prints required and reusing printed material is also always assessed and encouraged.
Employees bring their own lunch, water bottles and personal tableware from home to eliminate or minimise the use of disposable items and waste accumulation.
The company provides a range of fresh, local food products to eliminate or minimise pollution from transport.
The company selects sustainable options, such as refillable items and toilet paper and towels made from recycled materials, and orders products at regular intervals throughout the year.
For the renovation of its office premises, the company selects lead-free, water-based paints to maintain a healthy working environment.
Handcrafted items representing local cultures are purchased directly from local artisans or community-led initiatives.
The company uses natural and eco-friendly cleaning products.
SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER
Domenico Speciale (destefano.sustainability@gmail.com) has been appointed Sustainability Manager, who in this role is in charge of:
- aligning the strategic direction of Destefano Speciale & C. with its orientation towards greater sustainability,
- promoting the vision of sustainability among interested parties,
- supervising sustainability reporting,
- leading the implementation of the sustainability policy and the development and execution of the company’s sustainability action plan,
- improving the sustainability of the services offered and the supply chain,
- regularly updating staff, partners and suppliers on the challenges and progress of corporate sustainability practices.
DESTEFANO, SPECIALE & C srl
