When a company has submitted an application, paid the application fee and sent a verification of payment to Vakinn, the name of the company is published on the list of companies under evaluation. Operators must hold all required licences to be eligible for participation in Vakinn.
The company must submit a copy of the company‘s safety plans along with a list of tour guides working on its behalf (if applicable), stating relevant education and experience. Members of the Vakinn team are ready to assist and consult regarding safety plans and other issues during the application process. When a Vakinn representative has approved safety plans and other documents, that must be submitted prior to the initial audit, it is time to set a date for the audit. Vakinn reserves the right to allow up to three months until the audit is scheduled.
During the audit, the Vakinn representative assesses the company according to the general criteria, applicable specific criteria and the environmental criteria. The company representatives explain how the criteria is met. The Vakinn representative reviews the documents that must be available during the audit as well as assessing the company facilities and equipment. The audit offers a perfect opportunity to get advice and guidance.
Before the audit the Vakinn representative has, among other things, reviewed the company website and checked phone answering.
During the audit, the Vakinn representative must review the following documents. It is important that these are available (as appropriate).
* Required for companies that offer certain activities.
1. Completed checklist (“On the way to sustainable tourism”).
2. Action plan for sustainable tourism.
3. The company‘s environmental policy must be published on the company website.
4. Monitoring reports (for silver and gold classification).
Please note that the applicant is responsible for the compilation and the content of the documents presented, including safety plans, and their implementation in the company operations.