About Us

ABOUT US

Founded in Yerevan in 2015, EtnoArmenia Tours is the first Armenian-Italian tour operator, born from a shared love for Armenia and a passion for meaningful travel. We specialize in creating authentic, tailor-made experiences across Armenia and the Caucasus, combining Italian sensitivity for beauty with in-depth local knowledge and a strong commitment to quality.
Our itineraries are not just programs—they are carefully crafted journeys shaped by years of fieldwork, cultural insight, and attention to every detail. We take travelers beyond the usual routes, revealing not only the region’s famous landmarks but also its lesser-known gems: ancient monasteries hidden in remote valleys, vibrant villages rich in tradition, and warm encounters with the people who make this land so unique.

We work only with trusted local partners whom we know personally—guides, drivers, hoteliers, and artisans—because relationships matter. This allows us to guarantee a consistent level of service and hospitality. Everything we offer has been tried and tested firsthand. We wouldn’t suggest a journey we wouldn’t take ourselves.
What makes us different is how we tailor every journey around you. Tell us your travel dates, interests, and preferences—and together, we’ll shape a travel experience that feels personal, authentic, and unforgettable. Our goal is not just to help you visit a place, but to discover its soul and take home memories that last a lifetime.

OUR WAY OF ORGANIZING TOURS

We believe travel carries a responsibility. It should enrich—not deplete—the places and people it touches. Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful industries, but it can also become a meaningful force for good when approached with care, respect, and vision.
That’s why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We promote community-based tourism, support small family-run guesthouses over large hotel chains, and collaborate with local producers and artisans. We actively invest in rural projects aimed at preserving village life, protecting cultural heritage, and improving local livelihoods.

We choose partners who share our values, and we design our tours to minimize environmental impact while maximizing human connection. No rushed sightseeing, no superficial stops—just immersive, respectful, and enriching experiences.
Traveling with EtnoArmenia means choosing a slower, more conscious way of exploring. It means stepping into a story, listening deeply, and returning home with something more than souvenirs: a sense of connection, transformation, and belonging.
The best guarantee we can offer? We plan your journey with the same care and love as we would if we were planning it for ourselves.

Our Commitment to a Better Tourism

We believe that tourism should be a vehicle for knowledge, respect, and solidarity, and that we can contribute concretely to protecting the most vulnerable and building a world in which every journey is a positive encounter, never a cause of harm or suffering.
We support gender equality in all its forms. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for men and women and to creating an inclusive work environment that respects cultural, religious, and personal diversity.
We respect workers’ rights and commit to collaborating only with suppliers and partners who guarantee dignified, fair, and safe working conditions. We reject any form of labor exploitation, including child labor and practices that deny fair wages or fundamental rights.
We do not promote experiences that involve exploitation, suffering, or stress for wild or domestic animals.

We strongly condemn any form of sexual exploitation, particularly involving children and adolescents. We are aware that this crime can occur in various forms in any country, and not witnessing it does not mean it does not exist. No destination or tourism business is completely immune from risk.
The fight against sexual exploitation is not only the responsibility of authorities or humanitarian organizations; it is a responsibility that involves each of us. For this reason, we adopt a zero-tolerance policy and actively promote prevention, awareness, and the reporting of suspicious behavior. We train our staff and guides to recognize risk signs, understand child protection mechanisms, and intervene appropriately.
Sexual exploitation of minors and forced prostitution are serious crimes: we at EtnoArmenia Tours, together with all our field collaborators, commit to immediately reporting any abuse to the competent authorities.

T H E F O U N D E R S

Arpine
Director and founder

Mauro
Co-founder and Italian Market Sales Manager

oUR SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Introduction
EtnoArmenia Tours was born from a deep love for Armenia and a desire to share its authentic beauty. Since 2015, we have been guiding conscious travelers through the heart of the Caucasus — among mountains, ancient monasteries, and warm, genuine smiles.
But travel is not only about discovery; it is also about responsibility. Every journey leaves a trace, and our commitment is to ensure that this trace is positive — for the traveler, for local communities, for the environment, and for Armenia’s cultural heritage.
This Sustainability Policy is the foundation that guides all our actions, partnerships, and strategic decisions, based on the principles of equity, respect, and active protection.
1. Sustainability Governance and Management
- We have appointed an internal Sustainability Manager, responsible for monitoring company practices, training staff, and publishing regular sustainability reports.
- We adhere to the principles of responsible tourism set by international organizations (such as UNWTO and GSTC) and commit to reviewing this policy annually.
- All team members receive training on environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.
- We publish a biennial sustainability report with clear indicators and transparent results.
2. Human Rights and Social Responsibility
- All employees and collaborators (including guides, drivers, and operational staff) work under fair contracts in accordance with Armenian labor law.
- We promote a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace, free from any form of discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
- We guarantee fair wages, above the national average and local industry standards.
- We have zero tolerance for exploitation, forced labor, child labor, or any human rights violations.
- We provide equal opportunities for training, career development, and access to leadership roles.
3. Environmental Protection
Armenia’s natural heritage is extraordinary. From the Debed Gorge to the forests of Tavush, from the Vayots Dzor steppe to Lake Sevan, we are committed to preserving it.
In our office:
- We reduce energy and water consumption (LED lights, low-consumption appliances).
- We minimize the use of plastic and paper (digital vouchers and documentation).
- We promote remote work to limit commuting emissions.
- We implement waste separation and recycling systems.
In our travel operations:
- We prioritize low-impact experiences (e.g. hiking, nature-based activities).
- We prioritize working with accommodations and restaurants that follow sustainable practices or hold environmental certifications.
4. Supporting Local Communities
We believe in tourism that brings real value to those who live in the places we visit.
- We work with families, artisans, village cooks, small-scale producers, and rural cooperatives.
- We design authentic experiences that prioritize human connection and cultural value.
- We directly support local economies by including community-based services in our itineraries.
5. Ethical and Sustainable Supply Chain
- We carefully select partners and suppliers based on quality, ethics, and sustainability standards.
- We prioritize local, family-run businesses with proven social and environmental responsibility.
- We do not collaborate with companies involved in exploitation, environmental harm, or unethical practices.
- We include ethical clauses and sustainability compliance terms in all our supplier contracts.
6. Responsible Tourism Activities
- We design itineraries that celebrate Armenian culture while respecting traditions, sacred sites, and local customs.
- We do not offer activities that harm the environment or people.
- We exclude all forms of wildlife tourism involving animals in captivity, except for certified ethical sanctuaries.
- We prohibit the purchase and sale of illegal souvenirs, cultural artifacts, or products from endangered species.
- Our guides are trained to promote respectful behavior and environmental awareness among travelers.
7. Client Engagement and Protection
- We ensure transparency at every stage of the travel experience — from booking to feedback.
- We provide clear, accurate information about itineraries, pricing, impact, and sustainability measures.
- We protect clients’ personal data according to GDPR and local privacy regulations.
- We encourage travelers to adopt conscious behaviors during their trip and be part of our sustainability journey.
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
- This policy is reviewed and updated annually based on results, feedback, and evolving standards.
- We collect feedback from travelers, staff, and partners to identify areas for improvement.
- We offer continuous training on sustainability topics to all team members.
Conclusion
EtnoArmenia Tours believes in tourism that builds rather than consumes. That gives back rather than takes. Every trip we offer is designed to leave a light footprint on the land — and a deep one in the hearts of those who visit.