Introduction

Be In Travel Portugal considers ethics as one of the fundamental pillars of its corporate identity. As a travel agency and tour operator based in Portugal, we recognize that our activity has a direct impact on people, territories, and communities, and that the integrity of our practices is essential for the creation of sustainable value. This Code of Ethics reflects our commitment to legality, social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and respect for the principles of responsible tourism.

This document guides the conduct of all those who collaborate with the company, reinforcing the trust of clients, partners, public entities, and society. Its application is aligned with applicable national legislation (namely Decree-Law no. 17/2018), with the principles of Turismo de Portugal, Travelife, and the Code of Conduct of APAVT – Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies.

Scope of Application

This Code applies to all employees of Be In Travel Portugal, including external service providers, strategic suppliers, business partners, and legal representatives, whenever they act on behalf of the company or in close coordination with its activity. It applies to all hierarchical levels and covers all of the company’s operations, in Portugal or abroad.

Objectives

The Code of Ethics aims to reinforce standards of integrity, promote an ethical work environment, and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the principles that guide our conduct. Specifically, it intends to:

  • Promote legality, transparency, and good faith in commercial relationships;
  • Encourage environmental, social, and cultural responsibility in tourism activity;
  • Ensure coherence between the company’s institutional values and daily practices;
  • Safeguard the trust of clients and partners;
  • Establish an organizational culture oriented towards mutual respect, justice, and excellence.

Ethical Principles

The actions of Be In Travel Portugal are governed by a set of universal and guiding principles:

  • Legality – We fully comply with applicable national and European regulations related to our activity, including tax, labor, environmental, and commercial rules.
  • Transparency – We communicate with clarity, honesty, and without intentional omissions.
  • Trust – We prioritize long-lasting, honest relationships based on real commitments.
  • Integrity – We reject practices such as corruption, undue favoritism, conflicts of interest, or fraud.
  • Sustainability – We act with environmental and social awareness, promoting responsible tourism.
  • Social Responsibility – We contribute to collective well-being and local development.

Rules of Professional Conduct

All employees must adopt exemplary behavior, respecting the company’s internal rules and defined ethical principles. They must preserve the assets, reputation, and institutional image of Be In Travel Portugal, avoiding any action that may compromise stakeholder trust. Professional performance should be guided by diligence, respect, discretion, cordiality, and competence.

Relationship with Stakeholders

Our relationships with stakeholders are conducted with respect, transparency, and rigor.

  • Clients – We ensure quality, safety, contractual clarity, and protection of personal data. We value personalized follow-up and the swift resolution of complaints.
  • Suppliers – We mainly work with Portuguese and local companies, valuing ethical and sustainability criteria. We establish relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and transparent communication.
  • Employees – We promote equal opportunities, contractual legality, workplace well-being, diversity, and professional development.
  • Public Entities – We collaborate with rigor and institutional respect with all regulatory, tax, police, and administrative entities. We comply promptly with all legal obligations.
  • Civil Society – We engage in local, social, and cultural initiatives that contribute to more conscious and inclusive tourism.

Prevention of Conflicts of Interest

All company members must avoid situations that compromise their impartiality or result in undue benefits for themselves or third parties. The acceptance of gifts, advantages, or offers that may influence professional decisions is prohibited. Any potential conflict of interest must be reported to Management and handled with transparency and responsibility.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

The handling of personal data and sensitive information is subject to the highest confidentiality and must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Employees are bound by professional secrecy even after the termination of their collaboration with the company. Disclosure, misuse, or unauthorized sharing of internal, commercial, or strategic information is prohibited.

Environmental Protection

We are committed to environmental preservation, reducing consumption, and mitigating the impact of our activity. We invest in process digitization, waste minimization, and raising awareness among clients and partners for sustainable practices. We prioritize operators that demonstrate a commitment to environmental management and encourage responsible choices in our programs and proposals.

Social Responsibility

We actively participate in initiatives that promote social equity, respect for human rights, and inclusion of disadvantaged groups. We collaborate with local institutions, support relevant social causes, and foster a culture of solidarity and community involvement. We promote accessibility in tourism, education for citizenship, and the appreciation of local cultures.

Relationship with the Sector and Institutional Cooperation

Be In Travel Portugal is a member of APAVT and subscribes to its principles of conduct, integrity, and quality in the sector. We participate in training actions, sector forums, certification programs (such as Travelife), and other initiatives that promote ethics, legality, and responsible tourism.

We maintain a cooperative and respectful relationship with other travel agencies and tour operators, sharing best practices and rejecting unfair competition. We act against the illegal practice of tourism activity and report practices that harm consumers or damage the sector. We value associativism as a tool for market qualification, institutional dialogue, and professional defense.

Compliance and Disclosure

This Code is internally disclosed and accessible to the public through the company’s institutional channels. Its compliance is mandatory and serves as a reference for internal evaluation, contractual relationships, and organizational decisions. Situations that contradict the principles defined herein must be reported to Management and will be subject to analysis and proportional response. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary, legal, or contractual measures.

Entry into Force

This Code of Ethics was approved by the Management of Be In Travel Portugal and entered into force on June 1, 2024.