As a local tour company in Armenia and the Caucasus region, we know first-hand what the impact of tourism can be in remote places and on small isolated communities. It is our aim to provide journeys that minimize the negative impacts of tourism on fragile natural and cultural environments. This is done by providing cultural and environmental guidance to our travelers helping them experience the culture of the country they visit and appreciate it for what it is. However, we believe that this is not enough - giving something back is what makes the real difference. And that comes through employing people from local communities, purchasing food and souvenirs produced by them, using small family-run hotels or staying as guests with local families.
As part of our efforts aimed at enhancing responsible travel in Armenia, we endeavour to work with organizations that have a commitment to environmental responsibility and operate effective local initiatives.
Armenia Tree Project, Travelife and Responsibletravel.com
Armenia Tree Project is a non-profit program based in Watertown and Yerevan, it conducts vitally important environmental projects in Armenia's deforested zones and seeks support in advancing its reforestation mission. Since 1994, ATP has made enormous strides in combating desertification in the biologically diverse but threatened Caucasus region. Find out more about Armenia Tree Project here
AdvenTour Travel has appointed a responsible travel team that is working on joining Travelife, an invaluable resource to train our staff, develop and implement our responsible tourism policies and help us oversee the development of all our projects and practices in accordance with Responsible Travel guidelines.
We are also taking steps to become a member of www.responsibletravel.com, a ground-breaking website which brings together responsible, eco and adventure holidays and hotels to help travellers find 'holidays that give the world a break'.
Guidelines for our travelers
Using local transport - We suggest that our travelers consider using public transport to travel to the airport. They may also want to consider offsetting their flight carbon. Where it is practical we also try to use local transport on the ground
Saving paper - We try to publish all our information online and print trip information sparingly.
Being clever when packing - We suggest measures that can reduce waste and damage to cultural and natural environment.
Purchasing locally - We inform travelers that where possible we purchase locally produced goods and services - souvenirs, crafts, meals and guides and how this enhances the quality of their experience and the quality of life for local community
Visits and involvement in local projects - We create and offer opportunities to visit local culture and nature conservations projects and have contributions to them
Behavior and interaction with locals - We provide guidelines on behavior, clothing and general interaction when visiting small ethnic communities in remote places
Accurate information - our travelers receive accurate and up-to-date pre-departure information on the social, economic and political situation in the countries they visit.
Our tour leaders are in constant contact with clients and their training includes awareness of the company responsible travel policy. Tour leaders are responsible for advising clients about company policy and encouraging them to support our efforts.
The company actively encourages traveler to act in a responsible manner by including guidelines in the pre-departure information pack. These guidelines aim to help minimise the impact on the destinations and provide simple tips on behaviour, dress and conduct.
Traveler Involvement
Only with the input of our clients are we able to achieve our aims for Responsible Travel and we thank all our travelers past, present and future for their support. We appreciate the time they spend considering our guidelines and are grateful for all the generous donations and willing participation towards the projects we partner with.
How to Donate
Soon on our booking form, you will be able to specify if you would like to support any of our Responsible Travel projects by ticking the appropriate box and stating how much you would like to contribute. And donations towards Responsible Travel or any of our projects will be matched by us, Dram for Dram!
We are in the process of developing our Responsible Travel policies and would welcome any comments that would help us become more established in this sense. So, if you have any questions, comments or need further information about any aspect of our Responsible Travel projects, please contact info@armeniaexplorer.com.
