Syria Christmas tour, 7 days

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

To reduce carbon footprint per person, we encourage the use of shared local transport options, such as buses or trains, during our tours.

Whenever possible, we promote human-powered transport options like walking and cycling to minimize our impact on the environment.

We offer vegetarian and vegan food options during our tours to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We carefully select and screen accommodations with strong environmental standards. For instance, we use boutique hotels, which are basically Damascene houses. These unique accommodations are environmentally friendly due to their traditional design, utilizing natural materials and architectural techniques that promote energy efficiency and natural cooling and ventilation. These houses often have thick walls, small windows, and courtyards that help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without the need for excessive air conditioning or heating.

We actively engage in restoration efforts in and around our properties to preserve and enhance natural ecosystems. For example, we engage tourists in cleaning up plastic bags from touristic places, such as Arwad Island, and encourage local participation. Additionally, we organize tree planting activities with the help of Ministry of Agriculture to contribute to nature restoration efforts.

We provide our customers with information on how they can reduce their impact on nature during our tours, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our commitment to responsible travel extends to uplifting local economies. We prioritize locally-owned accommodations, such as Al-Mamluka boutique hotel, and restaurants, such as Naranj, ensuring that your travel dollars directly benefit the communities you visit. By choosing to work with local businesses, we aim to create sustainable economic growth and empower local entrepreneurs. We also promote local economic opportunities by hiring local guides who possess invaluable knowledge of their regions, enhancing your travel experience.

We actively support the 'Handicraft Artisans Empowerment Program' in the host communities we visit. As part of this program, we take tourists to the 'Handicraft Market,' a vibrant marketplace where they can visit small shops and witness skilled crafters handmaking various objects, including exquisite mosaic pieces, intricate brocade textiles, finely crafted copper items, and traditional sword craft. Our commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond tourism. We actively engage with the 'Handicraft Artisans Empowerment Program,' which not only promotes the rich cultural heritage of the region but also invests in community-driven initiatives that address specific needs. These projects aim to uplift local artisans, support their livelihoods, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the host communities we have the privilege to visit.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We believe in the transformative power of tourism to empower marginalized groups. Our tours strive to provide income-generating and employment opportunities for local people, women, and individuals with disabilities. For example, we usually have lunch or dinner with a local family with difficult conditions and we encourage tourists to donate some amount of money. We also dedicate a specific amount of money to buy handmade souvenirs from the local small shops and sellers. By actively involving these communities in our travel experiences, we aim to promote social equity and inclusivity.

Our commitment to socially responsible tourism goes beyond words. We adhere to the principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines on decent work, ensuring fair and dignified employment conditions for our staff and the local communities we engage with. By prioritizing ethical labor practices, we aim to set an example for the travel industry.

We believe that respectful interaction with local cultures is essential to responsible travel. To foster cultural awareness, we provide travelers with pre-trip information about the social and political situations in each destination. We encourage open-mindedness, tolerance, and respect in all interactions, ensuring that your journey enriches both your life and the lives of the communities you encounter.