A week in Georgia, guided tour

Planet

Carbon reduction

The Address Boutique Hotel in Tbilisi implements energy-saving practices like energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems to minimize their carbon footprint.

We provide vegetarian and vegan options every day of the trip. Georgian cuisine includes a variety of plant-based dishes, and our meals are prepared with local, fresh produce. Dishes like pkhali (a Georgian salad made with spinach and walnuts) and badrijani (eggplant rolls) are popular choices, and we ensure that each traveler’s dietary needs are met, including vegan and vegetarian preferences.

A significant portion of the food on this trip is locally sourced and seasonal. We prioritize fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and herbs grown in Georgia, especially from regions like Kakheti (known for its vineyards) and Telavi (famous for its fertile lands). The local markets and restaurants we work with offer seasonal produce throughout the year.

We encourage guests to embrace the beauty of Georgia by traveling by coach or private transport, which also reduces the carbon footprint of the journey. We are using ground transportation.

Environment and wildlife

The Address Boutique Hotel focuses on waste reduction, water-saving practices, and the reduction of single-use plastics to contribute to sustainability.

The Gino Wellness Rabath focuses on well-being, and they have adopted eco-friendly practices, such as water conservation initiatives, low-impact waste management, and efforts to reduce plastic use. As a wellness hotel, they also focus on promoting organic and locally sourced products. The Gino Wellness Rabath is involved in small scale environmental projects, like planting local flora or promoting green spaces on the property.

This trip indirectly contributes to environmental and cultural preservation efforts. We collaborate with local guides who are knowledgeable about sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in places like Vardzia and Borjomi. Some of the entry fees to protected areas and historical sites, such as the Borjomi Mineral Park, are reinvested into the local conservation projects. Additionally, many of the local guides and community leaders work towards promoting sustainable travel practices and the preservation of Georgia’s natural and cultural heritage.

We support several environmental NGOs in Georgia, such as WWF Georgia and Green Alternative, which focus on preserving Georgia’s biodiversity and endangered species. These organizations work on projects that protect habitats, mitigate climate change, and restore ecosystems. We have considered implementing an opt-out conservation fee for guests to directly contribute to these NGOs, and this will be an option soon for those who wish to participate.

We provide travelers with information on how to reduce their environmental impact during the trip. This includes:

· Encouraging minimal waste and plastic reduction by bringing reusable bottles and avoiding single-use plastics.
· Educating visitors about the importance of supporting local businesses to help conserve the cultural and natural heritage of Georgia.

People

Local economy

The Address Boutique Hotel is part of a local Georgian hospitality group, focusing on providing a high-end experience while supporting the local economy through sourcing from regional suppliers and employing local staff.

Gino Wellness Rabath is part of the Gino Group, a local Georgian hospitality chain. The hotel supports the local economy through job creation and by promoting the region’s rich culture and history to visitors.

The Marco Polo Hotel is part of a local hotel group, and it contributes to the local economy in Gudauri through tourism, employment, and promoting regional culture.

Borjomi Mineral Park – Known for its natural mineral springs. The entry fee is 5 GEL per person.
Vardzia Cave Town – An ancient cave complex that also serves as a site for cultural and natural exploration. The entry fee is 15 GEL per person. This fee contributes to the preservation of these sites and local tourism development.

We prioritize local economic opportunities by employing Georgian guides from Tbilisi, Gori, and other regions we visit. Our tour also includes visits to local markets in towns like Sighnaghi, where travelers can purchase hand-made crafts, and Telavi, which is famous for its wine culture. Additionally, we include experiences like wine tastings and meals with local families, contributing directly to the local economies. These experiences allow travelers to engage with Georgian culture and support local artisans and farmers.

We provide expert local guides for nature and cultural tours. Our guides are all from the local communities we visit, including Tbilisi, Borjomi, and Gudauri. They are knowledgeable about Georgian wildlife, nature conservation, and history. Many of them have formal training in sustainable tourism practices.

Employment, diversity and inclusivity

We support marginalized groups by providing opportunities to work as guides and hosts. In rural areas like Akhaltsikhe and Gudauri, women and indigenous communities have been trained to serve as local guides, offering authentic cultural insights. Furthermore, we collaborate with local families in Sighnaghi and Telavi to provide homestyle meals and wine experiences, benefiting rural families and women entrepreneurs. We aim to empower these communities economically while respecting their culture and traditions. Over 90% of the employees we work with, including guides, drivers, and hotel staff, are Georgian nationals, with a significant portion coming from the local communities we visit, such as Akhaltsikhe and Telavi. We are committed to supporting local employment and providing fair wages in line with local standards. All staff members employed through our program, as well as those working for our ground operators, receive at least the minimum wage for Georgia. We ensure that workers are fairly compensated for their contributions, and we regularly review wage practices to ensure fair and ethical treatment.

This trip is LGBTQ+ friendly. We ensure that all participants, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel comfortable and welcome. The trip's guides and staff are trained to maintain an inclusive environment, and we ensure that our accommodations and services uphold non-discriminatory values. We focus on creating an inclusive environment where individuals are hired and promoted based on their skills and experience, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.

While this trip involves a fair amount of walking, particularly in cities like Tbilisi and Sighnaghi, Telavi, we strive to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. For example, we offer accessible transportation and accommodations, such as those at Address Boutique Hotel. However, due to the hilly nature of certain attractions like Vardzia and Kazbegi, we recommend discussing any specific accessibility needs in advance so we can make suitable arrangements, such as shorter routes or additional support.

Currently, our program does not include a "Trip for a Trip" initiative, but we are working to collaborate with local NGOs in Georgia to develop educational trips for underprivileged children in the future. This would involve creating opportunities for local youth to explore their cultural heritage, learn about conservation, and experience their country’s natural beauty firsthand.