Purpose

Ravina Tours is committed to operating in a socially, culturally, and environmentally responsible manner while providing authentic and meaningful travel experiences in Armenia and Georgia.

The purpose of this policy is to integrate sustainability into all aspects of our operations by minimising negative environmental and social impacts, supporting local communities and businesses, and promoting cultural understanding and respect among travellers.

Sustainability management & legal compliance

Sustainability commitment

Ravina Tours’ leadership is fully committed to the company’s sustainability performance and fully endorses our sustainability mission statement and policy.

We will use the Travelife platform to report on our sustainability progress and to monitor and evaluate our performance. Ravina Tours is committed to publicly communicating our sustainability achievements and progress (through the Travelife report) every two years.

Sustainability management & legal compliance

Ravina Tours commits to the continuous improvement of our sustainability practices, including the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of our sustainability policy. We dedicate both personnel and resources to achieving our sustainability goals.

Ravina Tours adheres to all local, regional, national, and international regulations related to human resources, human rights, children’s rights, land rights, environmental management, wildlife, and land use. We follow a strict Code of Ethics, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, bribery, forced labor, and discrimination.

Internal Management: Social Policy & Human Rights

Employees

At Ravina Tours, we believe that our employees are the heart of our company and the key to creating meaningful and authentic travel experiences in Armenia and the wider region. We are committed to maintaining a clear and fair human resource policy that ensures:

• Full legal compliance with Armenian labor laws and international standards.

• A safe, healthy, and welcoming workplace that encourages respect and collaboration.

• Fair employment conditions, including transparent contracts and fair compensation.

• Training and development opportunities, including education on sustainability, professional growth, and awareness of sexual harassment and exploitation issues within the workplace and the tourism industry.

• Active participation of our staff in sustainability planning and initiatives.

• Inclusion and equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, age, background, or belief, particularly regarding compensation, promotion, benefits, and professional development.

Internal management: environment

Environmental Management of Office Operations

At Ravina Tours, we are committed to minimizing the direct environmental footprint of our operations and integrating sustainable practices into our daily work. Guided by the principles of refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle, we take responsibility for our impact and continuously look for ways to improve.

We have implemented the following measures:

• Compliance: We fully comply with all local and national environmental regulations in Armenia.

• Monitoring: We measure, monitor, and evaluate our consumption of water, energy, and office supplies, as well as the amount of waste we generate.

• Sustainable procurement: We purchase office supplies locally whenever possible, prioritizing seasonal, fair-trade, and sustainably certified products with minimal packaging.

• Responsible printing: We print only when necessary. All printing is done double-sided and in grayscale on FSC-certified or equivalent paper, with preference for post-consumer recycled materials.

• Energy efficiency: We use energy-saving lighting and equipment and ensure all devices are turned off, unplugged, or in sleep mode when not in use.

• Water conservation: Water-saving measures are in place in all common areas and restrooms, and we strive to use water responsibly in all operations.

• Waste management: We separate waste into categories — plastic, paper, glass, metal, and general waste — and ensure proper disposal through municipal or private services.

• Pollution prevention: We take steps to minimize noise, light, and air pollution from our office operations and transportation activities.

Carbon management of office operations

At Ravina Tours, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and reducing our carbon footprint across all areas of our operations. As a company based in Armenia, we recognize the importance of protecting the natural and cultural heritage that makes our country unique. Therefore, we actively strive to operate responsibly and sustainably.

We commit to:

• Reducing travel-related emissions as much as possible by prioritizing digital communication, virtual meetings, and efficient planning of necessary trips.

• Measuring and monitoring our carbon footprint regularly, with the goal of reducing it year by year and offsetting unavoidable emissions.

• Encouraging remote work and flexible arrangements whenever possible to limit unnecessary commuting.

• When in-person work or travel is necessary, we promote eco-friendly modes of transportation, such as carpooling, public transport, or walking.

• Offsetting remaining emissions from travel and energy use through recognized and transparent carbon offset initiatives that benefit local and global sustainability efforts.

• Maintaining company vehicles efficiently to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and considering low-emission or hybrid alternatives where possible.

• Installing and using energy-efficient appliances and lighting in the office to minimize energy consumption.

Land use

Ravina Tours’ virtual office is located in an urban area of Yerevan, Armenia. We fully comply with all local and national land use regulations and operate with respect for the cultural and natural environment that surrounds us.

We aim to ensure that our workplace reflects our sustainability values by:

• Respecting local cultural and historical heritage in all business operations and partnerships.

• Supporting local initiatives that promote green spaces, cultural preservation, and sustainable urban development.

General suppliers policy

Ravina Tours is committed to sourcing its products and services responsibly, avoiding harmful impacts on society, culture, and nature as much as possible. As a tour operator based in Armenia and also operating in Georgia, we recognize the importance of preserving the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and hospitality traditions of both countries. We expect the same level of responsibility and commitment from all our suppliers and partners.

Sustainability and Partnership

Ravina Tours prefers to work with partners that share our values and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

We give preference to suppliers who:

• Are locally owned or managed,

• Employ local people fairly and provide decent working conditions,

• Use local and seasonal products wherever possible (for example, local food, wine, crafts),

• Respect Armenian and Georgian cultural norms and promote authentic community experiences,

• Support the preservation of natural resources, including water and energy conservation.

Whenever possible, we collaborate with accommodations, transport providers, and other partners that are taking steps towards more sustainable operations, even if they are not yet formally certified. We encourage all our partners to improve their sustainability practices through continuous learning, local initiatives, and participation in relevant training programs.

Legal and Ethical Standards

All suppliers are expected to:

• Comply with local, regional, and national laws and regulations in Armenia and Georgia, including those related to labor rights, safety, and environmental protection;

• Respect human rights, including children’s and women’s rights;

• Provide fair employment conditions, avoiding any form of exploitation or discrimination;

• Maintain transparency and avoid corruption, bribery, or unfair business practices;

• Ensure the protection of children from any form of exploitation or inappropriate behavior in tourism;

• Operate in ways that protect the environment and minimize waste and pollution;

• Act in the best interest of local communities, ensuring tourism benefits local people socially and economically;

• Protect the reputation and integrity of Ravina Tours through responsible and ethical operations.

Zero Tolerance and Continuous Improvement

Ravina Tours applies a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of our ethical and sustainability principles. If a supplier is found to engage in corruption, discrimination, human rights abuse, or environmental harm, we reserve the right to immediately terminate cooperation.

At the same time, we believe in collaboration and education. We actively raise awareness among our partners about social and environmental responsibility, encourage them to reduce their carbon footprint, and offer guidance on how to implement more sustainable practices within the context of Armenia and Georgia.

Open Communication

We maintain open communication with our suppliers and partners and welcome feedback on all aspects of our cooperation, particularly regarding sustainability and community engagement. We believe that sustainable tourism can only be achieved through mutual respect, transparency, and partnership.

Inbound partner agencies

Ravina Tours organizes tours mainly in Armenia and sometimes combined tours to Armenia and Georgia. We organize all our tours ourselves and do not rely on other inbound partner agencies. Since our tours are designed for smaller groups (usually 2–6 participants), involving an additional DMC would make the packages unnecessarily expensive.

Transport

Ravina Tours works exclusively with local transport providers and drivers who comply with our Code of Conduct and share our commitment to responsible and safe travel practices.

We understand that transportation plays an important role in both the environmental footprint and the quality of our tours. Therefore, we are committed to choosing the most environmentally responsible and practical transport options available within the realities of Armenia and Georgia — taking into account distance, road conditions, comfort, safety, and price.

Our Practices and Commitments

• We avoid unnecessary travel distances and plan routes as efficiently as possible to minimize fuel use and time on the road.

• We use appropriate vehicle sizes for each group to reduce emissions (for example, small cars for 2–3 people and minibuses for larger groups).

• We cooperate mainly with individual drivers or small, local transport companies who maintain their vehicles regularly and operate safely.

• We train and remind our drivers to follow eco-driving principles, such as maintaining steady speed, avoiding idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.

• We encourage our drivers to avoid single-use plastics and to collect waste responsibly during tours.

• We plan our itineraries to limit long detours and avoid domestic flights within Armenia or Georgia, which are rare and unnecessary given the short distances.

• When possible, we include short walking tours and hikes instead of using vehicles for every visit, to allow clients to experience nature more directly and reduce transport impact.

• All vehicles used for tours are insured and licensed in accordance with Armenian and Georgian law.

Accommodations

At Ravina Tours, we are committed to partnering with accommodations that contribute positively to local communities and minimize environmental impact. We believe that the places where our guests stay should reflect the same values of authenticity, respect, and care that guide all our travel experiences.

Policy principles:

• We prioritize small-scale, family-run, and locally owned accommodations that provide genuine hospitality and direct benefits to the local economy.

• We give preference to accommodations that actively implement environmental and social sustainability practices, such as waste reduction, energy and water efficiency, and fair employment conditions.

• Whenever possible, we collaborate with accommodations that hold or are working towards internationally recognized sustainability certifications, such as Travelife, or equivalent local standards.

• We encourage our accommodation partners to source locally produced goods and services, thereby strengthening regional supply chains.

• Accommodations that negatively affect the local environment, community welfare, or access to essential resources (such as food, water, and energy) will not be contracted or may face termination of partnership agreements.

Activities & Excursions

• Ravina Tours has made an inventory of all excursions offered in Armenia to identify environmentally and culturally sensitive activities. In our tours, the majority of excursions are cultural visits and a smaller number are nature-based activities such as hikes in protected areas.

  • Hikes in protected natural areas: These take place under the guidance of certified local hiking guides who are familiar with the area’s biodiversity and conservation rules. We ensure that visitors are informed about respecting local regulations, avoiding littering, and following marked trails only.

  • Visits to cultural heritage sites: Approximately 60% of our tours include visits to historical and cultural heritage sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Haghpat, Sanahin, and Geghard Monastery. These excursions are conducted with respect for local traditions and preservation guidelines.

  Armenia is primarily a cultural destination, and therefore most of our excursions are connected to cultural heritage rather than sensitive environmental or wildlife-related sites. Ravina Tours regularly evaluates its excursion base to ensure that all offered activities are operated responsibly and in line with local conservation and cultural preservation standards.

Tour leaders, local representatives, and guides

Ravina Tours is committed to hiring qualified local guides, drivers, and other staff, ensuring that they receive fair pay and work under safe and respectful conditions. We also expect the same standards from all our suppliers who employ local staff on our behalf.

We recognize that guides play a key role as the link between our guests and the local socio-cultural and environmental context of each destination. They are responsible for setting an example and communicating appropriate behaviour to travellers. Therefore, Ravina Tours ensures that all guides hired or representing the company receive regular training and possess up-to-date knowledge about sustainability-related topics relevant to the destinations.

All our guides are also trained on the prevention of sexual exploitation of children in tourism.

In addition, Ravina Tours provides its guides with learning opportunities on sustainability topics, including free access to the Travelife online learning platform.

Additional measures:

• We encourage guides to promote local culture, traditions, and responsible interactions with communities.

• We support continuous professional development through workshops and refresher sessions.

• We prioritize working with guides who are passionate about sustainability and contribute actively to improving our responsible travel practices.

Destinations

Sustainable destinations

When selecting new destinations and activities, Ravina Tours takes sustainability aspects into consideration to ensure that our tours have a positive impact on both the environment and the local communities. We prefer destinations that demonstrate good practices in waste management, preservation of cultural and natural heritage, responsible tourism planning, and community involvement.

We avoid overcrowded or heavily commercialized areas whenever possible and instead focus on authentic, less-visited destinations that still meet our safety and quality standards. This approach allows us to support smaller local economies and reduce pressure on over-touristed sites.

Implementation in Practice

• Environmental considerations: We choose destinations and routes that promote walking or limited vehicle use where possible (for example, walking tours in Yerevan or Dilijan).

• Community participation: We collaborate with local families, guesthouses, and craftsmen to provide authentic experiences that directly benefit the local population.

• Cultural respect: When adding new sites to our programs, we ensure they align with our goal of preserving Armenian and Georgian cultural heritage and that visits are conducted respectfully.

• Examples:

  • In Armenia, we include smaller villages such as Areni and Haghpat, where visitors can interact with locals and support community-based tourism.

  • In Georgia, we promote visits to Ateni, a quiet and less-visited wine region that offers sustainable rural experiences instead of the heavily touristic areas.

Ravina Tours supports and promotes cooperation between accommodations, local producers, and artisans in Armenia and Georgia. We believe that sustainable tourism should directly benefit local communities by strengthening their economic opportunities.

Examples of Initiatives

• We encourage accommodations to source food products such as local honey, homemade jams, cheeses, and wines from nearby farmers and family businesses.

• During our tours, we include meals in family-run guesthouses and local farms, helping to create a direct connection between travelers and local producers.

• We organize visits to local artisans, such as carpet weavers, cross-stone makers, and winemakers, where guests can learn about traditional crafts and purchase products directly from the makers.

• In cooperation with small accommodations, we exchange feedback about the quality and presentation of local food and crafts, helping them improve their offerings and logistics for future guests.

Environmental stewardship in destinations

Ravina Tours strictly prohibits the promotion, sale, or purchase of souvenirs made from threatened flora or fauna species, as listed under the CITES treaty and the IUCN Red List. We also do not promote or support the trade in historic or archaeological artefacts, except when it is clearly permitted by Armenian or Georgian law.

All our local partners, guides, and suppliers are informed about this policy verbally and are expected to comply with it. We also advise our travelers, through our pre-departure information materials, not to buy or trade such items and to choose locally handmade, sustainable souvenirs instead (e.g., carpets, ceramics, wooden crafts, or local food products).

Customer communication and protection

Privacy

At Ravina Tours, we are fully committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our customers. All personal information shared with us is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.

Before confirming a booking, clients receive a booking form and contract that clearly states our privacy commitment. Personal information is collected only for the purpose of organizing the booked tour (e.g., accommodation, transportation, and travel insurance arrangements) and is shared only with partners directly involved in the travel services.

We ensure that all collected data is stored securely and is not shared with third parties for marketing or commercial use. Access to client data is strictly limited to authorized personnel within Ravina Tours.

Upon request, clients can review, update, or delete their personal information from our records.

Marketing and communication

At Ravina Tours, we are committed to ensuring that all our promotional materials and marketing communication are transparent, accurate, and ethical. We strictly comply with all relevant standards and voluntary codes of conduct in the travel industry.

Our promotional materials — including website content, brochures, social media posts, and partner communications — are carefully reviewed to ensure that they truthfully represent the experiences, accommodations, and services we provide. We never promise more than what can realistically be delivered, and we avoid any misleading descriptions or exaggerated claims.

All photos and descriptions are authentic and reflect the real conditions of destinations, accommodations, and activities at the time of publication. Any changes to programs or services are communicated clearly and promptly to our clients.

Sustainability communication

Ravina Tours informs its customers about the social and environmental impact of their journey and encourages them to make conscious and responsible choices during their trip. We aim to increase awareness among our travellers about sustainability and responsible travel in Armenia and Georgia.

Our communication includes information about:

• Accommodations with responsible practices: Although there are currently no officially certified accommodations in Armenia, we carefully select hotels and guesthouses that demonstrate sustainable efforts such as local ownership, employment of local staff, energy and water-saving measures, and waste reduction.

• CO₂ compensation: We inform our guests about possibilities to offset the carbon emissions of their flights and local transport.

• Community-based activities: We promote and include excursions that support local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and respect the environment — for example, visits to family-run wineries, local craftspeople, and small rural producers.

• Responsible shopping: We provide advice on buying local handmade products and avoiding items made from endangered species or historic/religious artefacts that should not be traded.

Additional measures:

• Before the trip, travellers receive practical information and tips on responsible behaviour, such as respecting local customs, reducing waste, and using water and electricity responsibly.

• Our guides remind guests during the tour about environmentally and culturally sensitive behaviour.

• We also use our communication channels to share stories about local initiatives and responsible travel experiences in Armenia and Georgia.

Customer experience

Ravina Tours strives to ensure that every customer experience is positive, safe, and meaningful. We follow clear policies regarding health and safety, marketing, and excursions to guarantee the well-being and satisfaction of our guests.

Our policies cover the following areas:

• Health and safety: We select accommodations, restaurants, and transport partners that meet local health and safety standards. We ensure that our guides are trained to handle unexpected situations and that all travellers are informed about local safety conditions and medical facilities.

• Emergency procedures: In case of emergency, our guests can reach us 24/7. We provide clear information on how to act in case of health, security, or transport-related incidents during the trip.

• Privacy: We respect the privacy of our guests and handle all personal data responsibly and confidentially.

• Group size: Our groups are intentionally small (usually 2–6 people) to ensure personal attention, flexibility, and minimal environmental impact.

• Greenhouse gas emissions and offsetting: Although the main form of transport is private car or minivan, we encourage efficient route planning and provide information about options for CO₂ compensation.

• Transport: We cooperate only with experienced local drivers who follow safe driving practices and whose vehicles are regularly maintained.

• Shopping: Guests are advised to buy local, authentic products and to avoid items made from endangered species, old religious artefacts, or antiques of cultural value.

• Sexual exploitation and children in tourism: Ravina Tours has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of exploitation or harassment, especially of children.

• Satisfaction and complaints: We actively seek feedback from travellers through direct contact and online channels. In case of complaints, we respond promptly and take corrective measures when needed.

Ravina Tours maintains open and transparent communication with its customers and encourages feedback on all aspects of the journey, including sustainability, to continuously improve our services.

Contact / Responsible person

At Ravina Tours, all staff share responsibility for the promotion and implementation of this Sustainability Policy in their daily work and decision-making.

The implementation of this policy is led by the Sustainability Coordinator, Naira van Geenhuizen, who oversees sustainability planning, monitoring, and communication with partners and clients.

For any questions or feedback regarding our sustainability practices, please contact:
Naira van Geenhuizen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Effective date

This policy is effective from October 14, 2025.