Safety, Ethical, and Legal Standards
All of the products offered on the GetYourGuide platform must adhere to these standards. Any concerns about customer safety, unethical behavior, animal welfare, inappropriate and/or illegal content will lead to product or supplier deactivation. All decisions will be at GetYourGuide’s discretion.
Safety and Legal Compliance:
- Products must not endanger travelers, animals, local communities, the environment or any of your own personnel.
- All products must comply with local laws and regulations and Suppliers must possess the necessary permits and licenses.
Ethical Standards:
- Products must align with GetYourGuide's values regarding animal welfare and suitability for a diverse global audience.
- Activities involving captive wild animals or demeaning performances will not be accepted.
- Harming or killing endangered species or engaging in unethical practices is not allowed.
- Suppliers must not engage in forced labor (e.g. slavery) of any sorts.
- Suppliers must not employ individuals below the local legal minimum age for work.
Safety Guidelines:
- Risks and hazards should be clearly communicated to participants, and where applicable acknowledgment and waiver forms must be signed before taking part in an activity or tour.
- Suppliers and their personnel must have proper training, certifications, and equipment.
- Travelers lacking required insurance or impaired by drugs/alcohol may not participate.
- Venues must meet local health and safety standards, including fire codes and crowd control.
- Accessibility for disabled persons should be provided as required by local laws.
Vehicle Safety:
- Vehicles must have valid insurance, maintenance records, and emergency procedures.
- Vehicles must not be driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Vehicle operators must not use mobile phone devices whilst operating the vehicle.
- Safety equipment provided, including helmets and seat belts, must be in good condition.
Watercraft Safety:
- Insurance policies are provided for each water vessel.
- Communication and navigational equipment should be well-maintained.
- Regular vessel inspections and safety briefings of participants are essential.
- Adequate provision of lifejackets, lifeboats, and distress signals must be on board the vessel.
- Radio communication systems and GPS are required.
- Staff must have a valid lifesaving certification.
Aircraft Safety:
- Aircraft must have insurance covering both the operator and traveler.
- Pilots must meet local aviation authority requirements and provide safety briefings.
- Participants must be aware of the risks of air excursions.
- Compliance with local jurisdictional guidelines is essential.
Additional Guidelines for Specific Product Types:
Animal Activities:
- New products that include the following non-permitted activities will be deactivated:
Running with bulls, hunting activities, killing/slaughtering animals for entertainment purposes, dog fights, bullfighting, elephant rides and shows, street horse races, and wild cat petting. - Products that include the following activities will be reviewed: Circuses, exotic pet cafes, animal parks, animal shows/performances, fishing activities, animal rides, swimming with marine mammals, and other wildlife interactions.
- All zoos and aquariums should have accreditation from WAZA, AZA, EAZA, ZAA, their affiliated partners, or similar accreditations.
- Any concerns about animal welfare may lead to deactivation.
Products that involve impoverished or disadvantaged communities, minors below 18, or voluntourism will be reviewed:
- The Supplier must ensure tourist safety and have a beneficial partnership with the local community, for example, local guides from the community should be used in the provision of the activity, and community-based projects highlighted.
- Content of these activities should be neutral and respectful. Exploitative pictures of children, women and other minorities are not to be used for promotion.
- Examples of these activities include: slum/favela tours, visits to indigenous communities, etc.
- Activities that relate to this product type will be reviewed.
- Any concerns about inappropriate content lead to deactivation.
Sexual Content:
Activities with potential exposure to sexual content (e.g. walking tour in a red-light district), directly or indirectly, must be respectful and in compliance with all local laws.
- Activities that relate to this product type will be reviewed.
- Any concerns about inappropriate content may lead to deactivation.
Dark Tourism:
Activities related to ongoing wars, human rights abuses, genocides, environmental or humanitarian catastrophes, or gun ranges should be neutral and educational in content.
- Activities that relate to this product type will be reviewed.
- Any concerns about inappropriate content may lead to deactivation.