Applying for the Pug Audit
PUG Rating applications and corresponding requirements are currently only available for Accommodation Providers. The entire PUG process is normally completed within 90 - 120 days depending on the complexity of the application and the extent of the background information provided. Applications that are incomplete, fail to clearly define the product for which accreditation is sought, or are internally inconsistent will require further clarification by TOFT-GTP and will therefore take longer to process. If necessary, the applicant will be contacted for clarification.
Information supplied to TOFT will be treated as confidential in accordance with TOFT-GTP’s Confidentiality Agreement. However, PUG Audit data and information demonstrating best practices may be disseminated to the travel industry as a means of education and raising standards in an aggregated or disguised form that does not betray confidential business information.
|
ELIGIBILITY FOR TOFT PUG RATING CERTIFICATION,
BASED UPON CONFORMANCE WITH THE PUG STEPS OF THE TOFT HANDBOOK & PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARIZED BELOW
|
|
TOFT - PRACTICES UNDER GUIDELINES (PUG) STEPS
|
ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS' RELEVANT CRITERIA
|
|
|
All PUG Factor (Economic, Socio – Cultural and Ecological) should performance their objectives to:
- Mitigating the negative economic impacts associated within their operations and as appropriate, increase its positive economic impacts;
- Regularly assessing and establishing achievable targets to lessen negative economic impacts.
PUG provides access to standards recognised as best practices within the travel industry, helping businesses to meet higher standards through continuous improvement.
|
|
|
Accommodation Providers’ on-going commitment to Economic PUG Factor:
Accommodation providers focus on:
Direct and indirect economic benefits to host communities and conservation organizations; ethical business practices; employee and service provider training.
|
|
|
On-going commitment to Socio-Cultural PUG Responsibility.
Accommodation providers focus on:
Customer service; group management; cultural sensitivity and community benefit. |
|
|
On-going commitment to Ecological PUG Responsibility.
Accommodation providers focus on:
Facilities and program management; solid waste and waste-water management; parks, protected areas and unique ecosystem conservation; flora and fauna protection; water and non-renewable energy consumption.
|
PUG AUDIT PROCESS
The PUG Audit process is designed to assist tourism providers in measuring their environmental, economic, and social-cultural PUG Indicators while enhancing positive impacts and mitigating negative impacts.
|
PUG AUDIT PROCESS
|
|
|
PUG Audit Process: All TOFT Accommodation Provider members have to be PUG Certified and are required to conform to the PUG Requirements.
Self-Audit: To provide applicants with an opportunity to improve upon their performance prior to pursuing an on-site audit. Practices Under Guideline requirements are detailed in question format within the Self-Audit questionnaire.
This educational-based tool encompasses a set of standards and related questions with weighted point values designed to help determine the extent to which a business meets the principles of sustainable development and responsible tourism. For more information, review the Rating Process section.
A PUG User's Guide is also available on-line to assist tourism providers in improving their Self-Audit ratings. Interested companies will also be referred onto qualified consultants.
The overall Self – Audit process is conducted by:
- Download / obtain information of the PUG Audit.
- Conduct your own Self – Audit.
- Assess the need for improvements in the property.
- Discuss it with the TOFT Team as requirements before the on-site visit.
- Conduct necessary improvements
- Get your Application (from the handbook or online) of the PUG Self-Audit.
- Processing of PUG Audit to ensure the form is complete and evidence appropriate.
- Invite an on-site auditor.
|
|
|
On-site Audit: Tourism providers who complete STEP 1 must then notify TOFT. TOFT will appoint them to a PUG Auditor to undertake an on-site audit. On-site audits are compulsory for the PUG Requirements as they ensure the credibility of PUG and prevent green washing (false eco-labelling). Also, it is important for a person from an objective and credible source to experience the target services first hand.
A PUG Auditor undertakes on-site audits to verify applicant's performance and document and compare their findings with the information provided by the applicant in their self - assessment. The length of time required to complete an audit varies according the size and scope of the applicant's operations. However, applicants will be contacted at least fifteen days prior to their audit.
Visitor – Clients Audit: This process constitutes towards complementary benefiting tourism providers. TOFT clients, who contribute by joining a tour in the United Kingdom and India, ensure to act as a monitoring tool about their experience and practices undertaken during their stay.
Please Note: The Visitor – Clients are not the final assessment for the PUG Rating but add up to the final rating.
|
|
|
Evaluation: A separate, voluntary Evaluation Committee will then review the Auditor's report and determine whether to certify an applicant and at what level. The Evaluation Committee's decision is based on the auditor's report, the applicant's Self – Assessment questionnaire, and the visitor – client’s feedback form.
Tourism providers who are successful will receive a 1st / 2nd / 3rd Stage Practices Under Guidelines (PUG) Rating (for further information see PUG Rating systems) and the appropriate logo, detailing the extent to which their operations are contributing to responsible tourism. For more information, review the PUG Rating section.
|
|
|
PUG Rated: Tourism providers who qualify through the evaluation process and point system are given a PUG Rating for their operations.
1st Stage & 2nd Stage PUG Rating provides an opportunity for applicants to measure their impacts so that they can assess and improve upon their performance.
Tourism providers who submit successful applications receive a TOFT "PUG Certificate" and logo (For further details see PUG Logo terms and conditions)
|
As an operation moves from 1st stage to the 2nd stage, points are added together for the PUG rating criteria and when reaching the final stage up to 20 bonus points are awarded for best practices. Best practices refer to specific measurable indicators that demonstrate how the provider is achieving exemplary performance. Applicants must provide documentation, such as photographs and reports, in a separate attachment for any proposed best practices that they would like to submit.
One, two, or three points are assigned to each question in the Self-Audit questionnaire / On-site audit along with the evidence provided.
One point is assigned to questions that focus on PUG Audit focusing low level practices on economical, socio-cultural and ecological responsibilities.
Two points are assigned to questions that focus on PUG Audit focusing medium level practices on economical, socio-cultural and ecological responsibilities.
Three points are assigned to questions that focus on PUG Audit focusing high level practices on economical, socio-cultural and ecological responsibilities.
As mentioned this audit process assigns a final rating to applicants based on a 5 (stages) rating system.