This Code forms part of the HTN Membership Agreement and extends Sections 5 and 11 of the Terms & Conditions.

1. Purpose and Scope

This Code of Conduct defines the professional, ethical, and community standards expected of all HTN Members, partners, and participants in any HTN activity, whether online or in person.

It ensures that the Halal Travel Network remains a respectful, trustworthy, and collaborative environment grounded in inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and shared responsibility.

Compliance with this Code is a condition of membership. Breaches may lead to warnings, suspension, or termination as outlined in the HTN Terms & Conditions (Sections 14 & 15).

2. Our Shared Principles

HTN members uphold the following principles in all professional conduct, marketing, and engagement:

1. Integrity and Honesty – Communicate truthfully and conduct business transparently.
2. Mutual Respect – Treat all colleagues, clients, and communities with dignity, courtesy, and fairness.
3. Inclusivity – Create environments where people of all backgrounds, faiths, genders, and abilities are welcomed and respected.
4. Cultural Sensitivity – Honour the faith, customs, and values of Muslim travellers while promoting understanding across cultures.
5. Professionalism – Maintain high standards of service, accountability, and representation at all times.
6. Sustainability and Social Responsibility – Support environmentally and socially responsible practices that benefit local communities.
7. Collaboration – Contribute positively to the growth of the Network through cooperation, not competition.
8. Learning and Improvement – Engage in continuous professional development through the HTN Academy and events.

3. Professional Conduct and Behaviour

3.1 Respectful Engagement

• Members must communicate respectfully in all HTN spaces — including emails, webinars, WhatsApp groups, and events.
• Discrimination, harassment, or offensive behaviour based on race, religion, gender, nationality, or ability will not be tolerated.
• Disagreements should be handled with professionalism and discretion, without hostility or public disparagement of other members or the Network.

3.2 Representation of HTN

• Members must represent their affiliation with HTN accurately.
• Acceptable phrasing: “HTN Member” or “Listed on the HTN Marketplace.”
• Phrases such as “HTN Partner” or use of the HTN logo require written permission.
• Members shall not imply endorsement or certification by HTN.
• When speaking or posting publicly about HTN, maintain alignment with HTN’s inclusive and professional tone.

3.3 Ethical Marketing

• All advertising, listings, and promotional content must be accurate, up to date, and respectful of halal values.
• Images should depict people and places truthfully; avoid content that sexualises, stereotypes, or misrepresents Muslim travellers or destinations.
• Claims of “halal” or “Muslim-friendly” must be factual and evidence-based. Misleading or exaggerated claims may result in removal from the platform.

3.4 Confidentiality and Data Protection

• Member data and event contacts are shared strictly for professional collaboration.
• Members must not add HTN contacts to mailing lists, WhatsApp groups, or marketing databases without consent.
• All handling of personal or business data must comply with GDPR and local privacy laws.

3.5 Fair Competition

• Members shall not undercut, misrepresent, or disparage other members’ services.
• Collaborative ventures and shared contracts should be handled with transparency and mutual agreement.
• Poaching of clients, staff, or contracted partners met through HTN is strictly prohibited.

3.6 Conflict of Interest

• Members must disclose any potential conflict that could influence representation or partnership decisions (e.g., ownership in competing ventures).
• Conflicts must be managed openly and in good faith to maintain trust across the Network.

4. Cultural, Religious, and Social Responsibility

4.1 Halal-Conscious Standards

Members agree to operate with sensitivity to Muslim travellers’ needs, including but not limited to:

• Availability of halal or permissible food options;
• Consideration of prayer times, privacy, and modesty needs;
• Avoidance of alcohol-centric marketing for halal-positioned offerings;
• Respectful conduct toward Islamic culture and heritage.
• Formal halal certification is not mandatory, but integrity and clarity in communication are.

4.2 Inclusivity and Diversity

HTN is a Muslim-friendly network, not a Muslim-only one.

Members must ensure their services and behaviour are inclusive of non-Muslim colleagues and clients, reflecting the diversity of the global tourism industry.

4.3 Environmental and Community Impact

• Minimise environmental footprint in operations, events, and marketing.
• Prioritise locally owned suppliers and fair labour conditions.
• Respect wildlife, heritage, and local customs.
• Promote tourism that uplifts rather than exploits host communities.

5. Digital and Event Conduct

5.1 Online Platforms

• HTN’s online spaces (Marketplace, Academy, WhatsApp, webinars, etc.) exist for collaboration, learning, and connection.
• Members must avoid spamming, aggressive sales, or political and religious arguments.
• Maintain constructive dialogue and uphold HTN’s inclusive ethos.

5.2 Events and Networking

• Arrive punctually, represent your business professionally, and treat fellow delegates and hosts courteously.
• Respect event schedules, photography rules, and participation guidelines.
• Follow host country customs when travelling on HTN roadshows or FAM trips.
• Alcohol consumption at HTN events is prohibited unless outside the Network’s purview and clearly non-HTN branded.

5.3 Health and Safety

Members attending in-person events must follow venue safety policies, local laws, and HTN’s safeguarding measures.

HTN reserves the right to remove any attendee whose conduct poses risk or disruption.

6. Digital Conduct and Data Responsibility

HTN’s digital platforms — including the Marketplace, Academy, member dashboards, event portals, shared folders, and communication channels — exist to foster learning, collaboration, and trade between trusted professionals. This section summarises core principles; Members should also refer to the full HTN Digital Conduct & Data Responsibility Policy for procedural details.

To protect the integrity of our Network and the rights of every member, digital participation must follow strict principles of respect, transparency, and lawful use.

6.1 Data Ownership and Intellectual Property

• All content uploaded or shared by a member (including photos, itineraries, PDFs, videos, or text) remains the property of that member or their business.
• Members grant HTN a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display and promote that content solely within the scope of HTN’s services.
• Members must not download, copy, reuse, or redistribute another member’s materials (e.g. itineraries, images, training slides, or toolkits) without express written consent from the owner or HTN.
• Any use of HTN-generated content (e.g. training materials, templates, certificates, or visuals) is restricted to personal business development and must not be rebranded, resold, or republished externally.

6.2 Accuracy and Integrity of Uploaded Content

• All listings, documents, and media uploaded to the HTN Marketplace or shared through HTN platforms must accurately represent the product or service offered.
• Stock images or AI-generated visuals must reflect the actual property, experience, or destination truthfully.
• Misrepresentation of location, ownership, quality, or halal compliance is prohibited.
• Members are responsible for ensuring all text, prices, inclusions, and terms in their listings or materials are correct and updated promptly.
• Plagiarised or copied listings will be removed without notice, and repeat offenders may face suspension.

6.3 Use of Shared Information

• Contacts, trade leads, and documents obtained through HTN platforms (including events, WhatsApp groups, or newsletters) may only be used for legitimate business follow-up relevant to the Network.
• Members must not add other members’ or event attendees’ details to mailing lists, cold outreach campaigns, or social media marketing without consent.
• Data scraping, bulk exporting, or copying of Marketplace content, contact details, or event participant lists is strictly prohibited.
• Confidentiality extends to all materials shared during training sessions, mentoring, or advisory consultations.

6.4 Digital Security and Privacy

Members must protect their login credentials and report any unauthorised access or suspected data breach immediately to HTN. Devices used to access HTN systems should have appropriate security software installed. Members must not share internal HTN documents, recordings, or links with external parties unless specifically permitted.

All communications within HTN digital spaces (email, chat, webinars, WhatsApp, or forums) must remain respectful, relevant, and professional.

6.5 Ownership of Reviews, Feedback, and Submissions

Any testimonials, survey responses, or case studies voluntarily submitted to HTN may be edited and published by HTN with appropriate credit.

HTN retains editorial rights to remove or modify user-generated content that is inaccurate, defamatory, or inconsistent with Network values.

Members agree not to fabricate reviews, falsify data, or post deceptive endorsements about themselves or others.

7. Accountability and Compliance

7.1 Responsibility to the Network

By joining HTN, each member becomes a representative of a collective brand and community. Members are responsible for:

• Upholding this Code across all professional activities;
• Ensuring their teams or subcontractors comply when acting under their business name;
• Cooperating with HTN in any investigation or review of conduct.

7.2 Reporting Concerns

Concerns about misconduct or unethical practice may be reported confidentially to info@halaltravel.network

HTN commits to handling all reports fairly, discreetly, and without retaliation.

7.3 Breach Procedure

Breaches may result in:

• Informal Warning – Discussion and opportunity to correct.
• Written Warning or Suspension – Temporary removal from Marketplace or events.
• Termination – Revocation of membership and removal of listings.

Decisions will follow a fair review process under Sections 14 and 15 of the Terms & Conditions.

All disciplinary actions will be handled confidentially and in accordance with HTN’s Dispute Resolution process.

7.4 Reinstatement

Reinstatement after suspension may require demonstration of corrective action (e.g. updated listings, training completion, or formal apology).

8. Continuous Improvement

HTN encourages all members to:

• Participate actively in the HTN Academy to strengthen understanding of halal-conscious tourism.
• Share knowledge, mentorship, and positive examples within the community.
• Suggest improvements to the Code via the HTN Secretariat — reviewed annually in consultation with the Advisory Board.

9. Member Pledge

As a Member of the Halal Travel Network, I pledge to:

• Conduct my business with honesty, respect, and professionalism;
• Promote inclusivity, cultural understanding, and ethical travel practices;
• Protect the reputation of HTN and the wider halal-conscious travel community;
• Treat colleagues, clients, and travellers with dignity and fairness;
• Uphold this Code of Conduct and the values of responsible tourism.

Signature _________________________ Date _________________________