Our Evaluation Methodology
A recommendation from Flores Nusa Tenggara is a promise of quality, safety, and authenticity. To make this promise, we rely on a comprehensive and transparent methodology for selecting and continuously auditing every partner and experience we offer. This is not a simple checklist; it is a deep, ongoing assessment process conducted by our expert team. Our goal is to ensure that any hotel, liveaboard, guide, or vehicle featured in our curated journeys meets a standard of excellence that we would demand for ourselves and our families.
The Four Pillars of Our Evaluation
Every potential partner is assessed against four core pillars, each with a specific scoring rubric. A partner must achieve a minimum score of 85/100 to be included in our portfolio and must maintain this score during annual audits.
1. Safety & Compliance (35 points)
This is our non-negotiable foundation. We conduct rigorous checks on all operational safety aspects.
- Licensing & Certification (10 pts): Verifying valid SIUP-PARIWISATA, vessel certifications from the Indonesian classification society (BKI), and driver permits (SIM B1/B2).
- Equipment & Maintenance (10 pts): Physical inspection of safety equipment (life rafts, fire extinguishers, first aid kits), vehicle maintenance logs, and navigation systems (GPS, AIS for vessels).
- Staff Training & Welfare (10 pts): Confirmation of staff certifications (e.g., Wilderness First Aid, PADI Divemaster), regular safety drill records, and proof of BPJS insurance for all crew.
- Emergency Protocols (5 pts): Review of documented emergency action plans, including medical evacuation procedures and 24/7 communication capabilities.
2. Service Quality & Expertise (30 points)
We assess the human element that transforms a good trip into an unforgettable one.
- Guide Knowledge & Communication (15 pts): Evaluation of guide expertise in local culture (e.g., the meaning of motifs in Manggarai ikat), ecology (Komodo dragon behavior, Kelimutu’s geology), and fluency in English. This is assessed via interviews and in-person observation by our senior team.
- Hospitality & Professionalism (10 pts): Assessment of staff attentiveness, problem-solving skills, and overall professionalism, from the boat captain in Labuan Bajo to the hotel staff in Maumere.
- Logistical Excellence (5 pts): Punctuality, cleanliness of vehicles and vessels, and seamless coordination between different elements of the journey.
3. Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility (20 points)
We seek partners who are active stewards of Flores’ natural heritage.
- Waste Management (10 pts): Strict policies on single-use plastics, proper waste separation and disposal, and wastewater management systems on vessels.
- Resource Consumption (5 pts): Efforts to conserve water and energy, and use of renewable energy sources where possible.
- Conservation Contribution (5 pts): Active support for or partnership with recognized conservation organizations like the Komodo Survival Program or Manta Watch.
4. Community Engagement & Local Sourcing (15 points)
We believe tourism must deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
- Local Employment (10 pts): Percentage of staff hired from local communities in Flores, particularly for key roles.
- Local Sourcing (5 pts): Sourcing of food and materials from local markets and producers, and providing fair-trade platforms for local crafts, such as at traditional villages like Bena.
Site Visits & Ongoing Audits
No partner is accepted based on reputation alone. A member of our senior leadership team, often Maria da Costa or our Director of Safety, personally conducts an on-site inspection before any partnership is formed. This includes sailing on a potential liveaboard, driving a section of the Trans-Flores route with a potential driver, and staying at a potential partner hotel. These audits are repeated annually to ensure our high standards are consistently met, guaranteeing the trustworthiness of our recommendations as we plan for the 2026 season and beyond.
Continue exploring Flores Nusa Tenggara:
Our Flores Nusa Tenggara Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance