Sustainability

Sustainability Policy

Welcome to City Inn Hotel – Where Sustainability is Our Commitment! We are delighted to announce that City Inn Hotel has been awarded the prestigious Travelife Certification in April 2023. This significant achievement reflects our unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and responsible tourism. At City Inn Hotel, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences for our guests while also preserving the beauty of our planet and supporting local communities. With our Travelife Certification, you can rest assured that your stay with us contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly world. Join us in our journey toward a greener future as we continue to uphold our commitment to environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

At City Inn, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. We believe that our business practices should be sustainable and aim to meet the needs of our guests without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Environmental Sustainability

• We aim to reduce our energy consumption and minimize waste by implementing sustainable practices.
• We will promote water conservation through the use of low-flow fixtures, reducing laundry loads, and encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens.
• We will reduce waste by recycling, composting, and reducing packaging.
• We will prioritize the use of eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products, and we will educate our staff on safe and responsible chemical use.
• We will encourage sustainable transportation by promoting public transportation options, and offering electric vehicle transportation.

Social Responsibility

• We are committed to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in our hiring practices, and we will provide a safe and welcoming workplace for all employees.
• We will support and engage with our local community through partnerships with local organizations and by sourcing goods and services from local businesses.
• We will prioritize ethical and responsible sourcing by working with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability.
• We will promote and support initiatives that benefit the environment and local community

Continuous Improvement

• We will continuously evaluate our sustainability practices and seek opportunities to improve and innovate.
• We will set measurable sustainability targets and regularly report on our progress.
• We will educate our guests and staff on our sustainability initiatives and encourage their participation in achieving our sustainability goals.

At City Inn we are committed to being a responsible and sustainable business. By working together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and community for generations to come.

Health and Safety Policy

At City Inn, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all our guests and employees. We recognize our responsibility to protect the health and safety of everyone on our premises, and we have implemented the following policies to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all:

Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations

We comply with all local, regional, and national health and safety regulations, including those relating to fire safety, food safety, and emergency management.

Risk Assessment

We regularly assess the risks associated with our operations and take necessary measures to minimize or eliminate these risks.

Training and Education

We provide our employees with regular health and safety training to ensure they are aware of potential hazards and understand the proper procedures to follow in case of an emergency.

Hygiene and Sanitation

We maintain high standards of hygiene and sanitation throughout the hotel, including regular cleaning of guest rooms, public areas, and food preparation areas.

Safety Equipment

We provide appropriate safety equipment to our employees to protect them from potential hazards, and we regularly inspect and maintain this equipment to ensure it is in good condition.

Guest Safety

We take the safety and security of our guests seriously and have implemented measures such as security cameras, secure locks, and emergency lighting to ensure their safety.

We encourage all our guests to follow our health and safety policies and report any concerns to our staff immediately. By working together, we can maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

City INN Environmental Policy 

Our Commitment 

The senior management at City INN understands the importance of protecting the environment  and we are committed to managing our business in a way that minimizes and reduces our impact  on the environment. 

Our Goals 

1) To reduce our carbon emissions, water use and waste production through implementing the following steps: 

• Regularly recording and monitoring the amount of energy and water we use
• Putting information in guest rooms about how to conserve energy and water 
• Sourcing more sustainable products to replace single-use plastic items 
• Irrigating our plants at night 
• Take all reasonable measures to save water and take action to reuse water wherever possible.

2) To minimize all forms of pollution from our business operations by implementing the following  steps: 

• Continuously reviewing and replacing the cleaning chemicals we use with certified eco-friendly alternatives  
• Use electronic mail where possible to reduce the use of paper
• Towel and Linen Policy
• Continually seeking new knowledge and technology that ensures increased environmental protection
• Always research on best and most efficient appliances before purchasing
• Continually inform employees how to care for the environment.
• Use only electric vehicles for guest transportation
• Online check-in
• Recycle glass products

What we do to achieve our goals 

• We have installed a sizable number of solar panels on our roof to increase sustainability and renewable energy solutions.
• We use low energy LED lights throughout the Hotel and all common areas are fitted with sensors to reduce energy usage.
• We will always comply with the law in all our actions and will continuously review our policy to improve our environmental impact.
• We will promote and facilitate continual improvements.
• Our hotel is connected to district heating, therefore we have omitted electricity needs for heating purposes
• We have changed the toilet amenities to certified eco friendly products with refilling containers in order to avoid single used plastic and decrease waste generation. 
• We have entered into a cooperation agreement with Kosovo Glass Recycling, pursuant to which we undertake to separate glass items and arrange for their collection by the company for recycling purposes.

This policy statement will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains applicable to the activities of the Hotel and any agreements made between the Hotel and its stakeholders.

Recycling at City Inn 

Dear Guests,

At our hotel, we strive to be environmentally conscious in all aspects of our operations, including waste management. We believe that recycling is an important way to reduce waste and preserve natural resources. However, in Kosovo, there is currently no regulation on separating waste and no authority guidance on the matter.

We recognize that this may be confusing for guests who are accustomed to recycling in their home countries. However, we have made a conscious decision not to provide recycling bins at our hotel for several reasons.

Firstly, without proper regulation and guidance, there is no guarantee that the waste we collect in recycling bins would actually be recycled. In fact, there is a risk that the waste may end up in landfills, which would be counterproductive to our goal of reducing waste.

Secondly, Kosovo’s waste management infrastructure is still developing, and we believe that the most effective way to promote sustainable waste management practices is to work with local authorities and organizations to establish a comprehensive and effective recycling system.

Finally, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously and strive to minimize our impact on the environment. One of the ways we do this is by recycling as much waste as possible. We send glass bottles for recycling and we kindly ask for your cooperation in this matter by leaving any glass bottles on the desk. Our staff will collect them and ensure they are sent for recycling as part of our sustainability initiatives. We have also implemented a number of other initiatives to reduce our environmental impact, such as reducing energy and water consumption, and using environmentally friendly cleaning products.

We hope you understand our decision not to provide recycling bins at this time, and we encourage you to join us in our efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

City Inn Hotel Labour and Human Rights Policy 

Our Commitment 

The senior management at City Inn Hotel is committed to managing its business in a way that complies with nationally and internationally recognized labor standards and human rights. 

We recognize our responsibility to respect and protect these rights in our relationships with our employees, guests, suppliers, local community and all other business stakeholders. 

The City Inn hotel does not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination, including discrimination based on gender, age, nationality, skin color, sexual orientation or union activity. 

We ensure that fair labor practices and human rights in general are upheld, promoted and supported by 

• Incorporating the ten principles of the UN Global Compact into our policies and procedures

Human Rights

Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and

Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour

Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;

Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor;

Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and

Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment

Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;

Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and

Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-Corruption

Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

• Giving preference to regional and local suppliers and partners who share our values
• Having a fair and transparent recruitment process which is based on diversity, equality and inclusion  
• Wherever possible offering our employees promotion opportunities and salary reviews 
• Communicating our grievance and disciplinary procedures to all our employees at the beginning of their employment 
• Allowing employees to join a trade union and to participate in union activities during working hours 
• Offering training opportunities to all our employees for personal and professional development 
• Collecting employee feedback to improve their well-being in the workplace

City Inn Hotel Child Safeguarding Policy 

Our Commitment 

City inn is committed to promoting the safety and well-being of all children who stay at or near our hotel. We recognize that as a hotel, we have a unique responsibility to help identify, prevent and report instances of child exploitation and abuse which take place within or near the hotel premises. This policy sets out our commitment to safeguarding children and outlines the steps we take to create a safe and secure environment for all children.

Children of all ages are welcomed at City Inn. Children aged 12 and under, stay for free when sharing a room with one or more paying adult(s), using existing bedding. As the parents, guardians, or chaperones of children, they are personally and legally responsible for and must supervise them at all times. For safety reasons, we encourage not to leave children unattended in guest rooms or allow them to roam the hotel property unsupervised.

Policy Statement

City Inn is committed to promoting the safety and well-being of all children who stay at or near our hotel. We believe that every child has the right to be protected from harm and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that children are safeguarded from abuse or exploitation whilst in our care.

Our Commitments

To achieve this policy, we will:

• Provide a safe and secure environment for all children staying at or near our hotel.
• Provide our staff with material to recognize signs of child exploitation and abuse, and provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond appropriately.(The Code materials) 
• Cooperate fully with any relevant authorities in the investigation of child safeguarding concerns, and provide support to any affected children and families.
• Review and update our child safeguarding policy regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

Roles and Responsibilities

All employees of City Inn have a responsibility to safeguard children and prevent abuse or exploitation. This includes:

• Reporting any concerns about child safeguarding to the Manager
• Cooperating fully with any investigation into child safeguarding concerns.
• Treating all children with respect and dignity, and avoiding any behavior or language that could be perceived as abusive or exploitative.

Every guest in our hotel has to go through a check-in procedure which requires the ID or Passport. This always includes the children coming into our hotel. The list of the guests on board are sent to the police office every night, including all the details.

City INN Community Engagement Policy

Our Commitment 

The senior management at City INN is committed to supporting and working with the local community in which we are based.  

We are committed to operating our business in a way that helps to preserve and promote the culture and heritage of the destination as well as the local economy. 

We believe that maintaining a constant dialogue with our local community is crucial in order to ensure that we are contributing to the well-being of local people and their living environment. 

Our goals  

• Supporting initiatives that improve the community 
• Supporting the local economy 
• Respecting and protecting local culture, traditions and way of life 
• Supporting and protecting access to essential resources and services 
• Supporting cultural and charity events 

What we do to achieve our goals:

• We encourage our guests to explore the history, culture and traditions of the destination and our local  community as well as the local products and services.
• Developed an Audio Guide for Prishtina where all the main sights of the city are included. The app is in seven different languages. 
• Where possible, we give preference to local and regional products and services  
• We give preference to local staff in the recruitment process 
• Every year we offer internship to local people especially youngsters
• We make yearly financial contributions to various cultural and charity events. So far we have supported;  Prishtina Jazz week, Dam fest, Elina Duni, Erdh lezeti Festival, Autostrada Bienale, RIT Kosovo Alumni Charity event (acknowledgement letter), Summit festival.  (acknowledgment letter)
• Where possible we invest in the surrounding environment. We have planted 25 pine trees in the garden of a medical center and we regularly maintain them.
• We participate and take initiatives in a neighborhood cleanup
• We act in a socially responsible manner in the conduct of our business and take a position of leadership in the local community in a range of activities, including environmental best practice, supporting local charities and support groups, also getting involved in local community projects and initiatives. Recently we have applied in the municipality to have the permission to install a charger for electric cars for community use in front of our hotel. 

This policy statement will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains applicable and update the activities in this regard.

Responsible Tourism Information for Guests

At our hotel, we are committed to promoting responsible tourism practices. As you explore our beautiful city or country, we encourage you to respect the local environment, communities, and cultures during your stay.

Respect for Animals and Their Habitat

Please be mindful of the animals and their habitats when exploring the destination. Avoid touching or feeding animals, and do not disturb their natural environment. We also encourage guests to support responsible wildlife experiences that prioritize animal welfare and conservation.

Please note that there are many street dogs in Prishtina. While most of them are friendly, we advise guests to not approach them, especially if you are traveling with children. If you encounter a street dog and feel threatened, please remain calm and slowly walk away.

Protected Areas in Prishtina

There are some special protected areas in Pristina that require special attention and care. Most protected areas have rules in place to protect the natural environment and wildlife. These may include restrictions on where you can go, what you can do, and how you can behave. Be sure to follow these rules and regulations.

Some of protected areas in and near Prishtina;

1. Germia Park – a popular recreational area with a forested landscape, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The park is protected as a natural monument and includes a diverse range of plant and animal species.
2. Gadime Cave – a natural cave formation located near the town of Gadime. The cave is protected as a natural monument and features unique geological formations and a variety of cave-dwelling species.
3. Brezovica Ski Resort – a ski resort located in the Šar Mountains near Pristina. The area is protected as a nature park and includes a range of flora and fauna, including brown bears, wolves, and lynx.
4. Batllava Lake – a man-made lake located just outside Pristina. The lake is protected as a natural monument and features a range of aquatic and bird species.

Behaving Outside the Hotel and When Visiting Natural Areas, Local Communities, and Culturally or Historically Sensitive Sites

We strongly encourage guests to exhibit responsible behavior when exploring natural areas, visiting local communities, and culturally or historically significant sites. It is essential to show respect for local customs and traditions and dress appropriately in certain locations. For example, guests visiting a mosque or church should dress modestly and cover their shoulders and legs. 

Thank you for choosing our hotel and for your commitment to responsible tourism practices. We hope you enjoy your stay while respecting the local environment, communities, and cultures. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask our staff for assistance.

Guest Volunteering Program Policy

At our hotel, we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and making a positive impact on the communities and environments we operate in. We recognize the value of guest participation in our sustainability efforts and offer a guest volunteering program to support our local communities and environment.

The following policy outlines the guidelines for our guest volunteering program:

Eligibility: All guests who are interested in participating in the guest volunteering program must be at least 18 years old and in good physical health. Guests must also sign a liability waiver before participating in any volunteering activities.

Activities: The volunteering activities will vary depending on the needs of the local community and environment. The activities may include neighborhood cleanups, community outreach, conservation efforts, and other related activities. The activities will be led by our trained staff or partner organizations.

Time Commitment: The guest volunteering program is completely optional and will not interfere with guests’ regular hotel activities. The volunteering activities will be scheduled during appropriate times and will not exceed 4 hours per day.

Safety: The safety of our guests is our top priority. All guest volunteers will be provided with safety equipment and will be required to follow safety guidelines during the volunteering activities.

Sign-up: Guests who are interested in participating in the guest volunteering program must sign up at the front desk at least 24 hours in advance. Participation is subject to availability and guest capacity limitations.

Code of Conduct: All guests participating in the guest volunteering program must adhere to our code of conduct. Any inappropriate behavior or failure to follow guidelines may result in the cancellation of the volunteering activity and/or removal from the program.

We believe that through our guest volunteering program, we can create a positive impact on our local communities and environment while also providing a meaningful and rewarding experience for our guests.