Odysseia-In was a visionary project for its time, founded 34 years ago by Lubomir Popiordanov and half a dozen climbers and mountaineers. Since then, the company is the leading adventure and special-interest tour operator in Bulgaria for culture, active & adventure tours. We specialize in off-the-beaten track experiences with unique itineraries throughout the country and the whole Balkan Peninsula.
We are known for the high quality, authenticity and diversity of the tours we have developed for most of the leading European adventure tour operators who have become long-term partners, and most important dear friends. Small group travel is what we do best and with special care for the fragile local environment. In fact, it was Odysseia-In who pioneered sustainable travel in Bulgaria. It is important for us to work with local businesses, to support them and to preserve our unique natural & cultural heritage for the next generations.
The key to understanding Odysseia-in is the team of motivated people who share a vision and who never stop dreaming!
This policy is a work in progress for everyone in our company. We therefore commit to the following objectives:
Internal management
- We ensure our employees understand our goals and are accountable for the implementation of our sustainable policies.
- We provide flexible working environment and all the team members can adapt their work plan on their needs.
- We respect our employees, their diversity and advance their wellbeing wherever we can.
- We support staff members in pursuing personal goals.
- All the staff members travel by public transport, cycling or walking to work.
- In the office: we purchase local products (tea, honey, jam, milk) or sustainable products, when possible and limit the use of small packaging (hygienic articles, printing paper, etc.).
- We monitor, reduce and manage waste in a responsible way. In the office we аvoid harmful or hazardous products or products which need careful storage and handling, we use food materials with environmentally friendly packaging (e.g., re-useable) such as refillable bottles, paper/cardboard packaging, etc.;ñ we avoid drinks in paper cups, bottles, and cans, and give preference to (refillable) bottles, mugs etc..
Supplier chain
- We share best practices and raise awareness on sustainability among our team and partners.
- We prefer to work with locally owned businesses reflecting local cultures (hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, handicraft shops, arts and culture centers)
- We share experience and advice our local providers to implement sustainable practices in their business and lower their impact.
- In our communication with accommodation hosts, restaurant staff and other service providers we insist on reduce or no use of any single use plastic (water bottles, cups, and cutlery, cosmetic and food containers).
- Our guides are our ambassadors and during the trips, they monitor and ensure the services we provide are sustainable and alert when bad practices arise.
Cooperation with destination
- Run and support conservation projects and support charities and initiatives in the communities visited
- Promote tours that benefit the cultural heritage of communities visited and encourage them to maintain and protect their culture.
- We ensure that travels we organize do not have adverse effects on the environment or society, especially sensitive activities that may bring travellers into contact with animals, children or marginalized
- Keep the money local through (as much as possible) buying locally, staying at family-run accommodations and hiring local services (guides, transfers, workshops, outdoor activities, etc.).
- Encourage our guests to buy local souvenirs, gifts and services
- We ensure that our activities in the nature preserve it and leave no trace.
- Raise awareness of the local communities about the importance of protecting the natural assets of Bulgaria.
- Support and initiate conservation projects
Customer relations
- We encourage positive interaction with local people through pre-trip briefings of our guests and guides.
- We communicate our sustainable aims before and during the tours and try to involve customers when possible.
- We encourage contribution from our guests towards protecting the natural assets of Bulgaria.
- All customers are invited to give their feedback and recommendations after the trip by completing our customer questionnaires.
Implemented documents of Odysseia-In Ltd. regarding sustainability:
- Ethical code
- Codes of conduct
- Sustainable excursion policy