CODE OF CONDUCT FOR OUR GUESTS

“A Responsible Tourist”

Dear Guest,

CASA CYTIA hotel is committed to providing its services with sustainability criteria. To achieve this, we engage in activities aimed at environmental conservation and the promotion of the cultural and economic heritage of the region, encouraging the participation of our guests, suppliers, employees, and the general community. All of this is done in compliance with current regulations and rejecting any activity related to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, child labor, and all forms of discrimination.

You have arrived in the city of Cartagena de Indias, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we invite you to join our sustainability policy by following these recommendations:

  1. Enjoy and respect the destination you are visiting, remembering that this is a unique and special place.
  2. Be tolerant and respect diversity; observe local traditions and social and cultural practices with respect.
  3. Respect human rights. Any form of exploitation undermines the fundamental goals of tourism. The crime of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents (ESCNNA) in this area is punishable by up to 33 years in prison. Our laws enforce penalties both inside and outside the country. Reject and report child labor exploitation as well.
  4. Respect cultural resources. Tourism activities should be conducted with respect to artistic, archaeological, and cultural heritage. Do not be tempted to take pieces of archaeological remains, plants, flowers, or similar. Any acts of theft, damage, or misuse of cultural property will be penalized economically and criminally according to the country’s legislation: Law 397 of 1997.
  5. Ensure that your behavior does not harm the destination or result in environmental crime. CASA CYTIA hotel protects the flora and fauna of Cartagena, and we encourage our employees, suppliers, and guests to refrain from purchasing products made from endangered plants or animals, participating in illegal trafficking, or engaging in activities that harm flora and fauna in Colombia. Any such activities are subject to economic and criminal penalties according to national legislation: Agreement 38 of 1973, Law 17 of 1981, Law 299 of 1996, and Law 1333 of 2009.
  6. Do not discard food waste in visited areas. Be especially careful in our protected natural areas, as fruit remnants may contain seeds that can germinate and later become invasive species harmful to native plants.
  7. Engage in tourism activities in harmony with the environment. Observe the local flora and fauna without disturbing their habitat. Allow yourself to listen to their sounds and appreciate the natural surroundings.
  8. Refrain from purchasing souvenirs or products made from endangered plants or animals to help prevent their extinction. Do not collect plants, eggs, stones, seeds, shells, etc., from the area.
  9. Cartagena de Indias has protected areas; when visiting, make sure the only trace you leave behind is your footprint. Your visit to sensitive ecosystems, such as PNNCRSB, requires following the conditions of use and management of the natural area and guidance from your tour guide to minimize environmental impact.
  10. Be careful with fire.
  11. Adapt your travel behavior to climate change:
  • Save and use water, electricity, and materials efficiently.
  • Turn off unnecessary faucets, and only request towel and sheet washing when needed.
  • Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in use, and avoid using air conditioning if not required. Take advantage of natural light; the hotel’s infrastructure allows you to enjoy natural light and ventilation.
  • Reduce product consumption and minimize waste.
  • Request and consume eco-friendly products and those that can be easily recycled or reused.
  • Do not dispose of waste; keep it with you until your return or until you find a proper disposal container.
  1. Support sustainable mobility alternatives that help reduce air and noise pollution and soil erosion. Walk, bike, ride a horse, or use public transportation according to the availability in the area you are visiting.
  2. Consume tourism products and services from local businesses and communities that have adopted sustainability practices. Support productive alternatives that contribute to the sustainability of the destination you are visiting.
  3. Consume local products and services. Enjoy the local cuisine and cultural heritage. Your trip contributes to local social and economic development through the purchase of handicrafts and fair-trade products and supports productive alternatives with land uses compatible with environmental conservation. When bargaining, keep in mind the concept of fair wages. Handicrafts are the most important reflection of local culture and identity, and their benefits go directly to the local communities. They are also produced with minimal environmental impact and help increase appreciation for local culture.
  4. Learn about current legislation to avoid committing any acts considered criminal in the country you are visiting. Do not traffic drugs, weapons, antiquities, protected species, or products or substances that are dangerous or prohibited by national regulations.
  5. Allow your trip to be a meaningful experience for you and your family, and contribute to strengthening a sustainable, supportive, and safe destination.
  6. Promote a travel experience and education based on respect for the land, the environment, and its social groups.

Enjoy your stay!

We are a hotel committed to the destination’s sustainability.