Our Story
Planeterra is the world’s leading non-governmental organization turning travel into impact in communities.
Planeterra helps local organizations and communities use tourism as a catalyst to improve people’s lives, protect their natural environments, and celebrate their culture. Put simply, it is a better kind of tourism – improving the lives of community members as they provide travellers with better experiences. Planeterra is more than just an agent of change and driver of communal well-being, they are tested and trusted builders of self-esteem and pride. Pride that we can all share as well as take pleasure in – from uplifting communities through tourism.
The Planeterra Foundation is registered under Canada’s Not-for- Profit Organization Act and 501(c)3 in the United States.
About Us
Planeterra is the world’s leading NGO turning travel into impact in communities. We’re experienced agents of change, with confidence boosted by our 100% success rate. Our market-driven, traveller-centric model and its ripple effects ensure more money stays in the hands of local people. Put simply, it is a better kind of tourism – improving the lives of community members as they provide the traveller with better experiences. When travellers win and communities win so do travel companies and destination governments.
Our Model
Between 2015 and 2019, Planeterra helped funnel over US$10 million into local communities through integrating 85 community tourism enterprises into the itineraries of three tour company partners. We learned that the biggest hurdles to the success of community tourism enterprises is a lack of tools, resources, experience and market access. We launched the Global Community Tourism Network in 2021 to break down those barriers and give our partners practical training at their fingertips, market access, and assistance to all communities who want it.
As a result, hundreds of community tourism enterprises receive support from Planeterra’s global team, but more importantly, they receive help from each other as they share good practices, stories, and hope.
Our first 85 partners proved that our model works and benefits communities. Now, we are impacting thousands more by creating a movement that puts communities at the centre of tourism’s efforts to build back better after the pandemic.
The Ripple Effects
By supporting an ever-growing network of community tourism enterprises around the world, Planeterra ensures tourism dollars are increasingly remaining in the hands of local people. As a result, economic opportunities are created, places are protected, and cultures are celebrated through travel.
Women Leading Communities
Empowering women to participate in social enterprise development helps to build their self-esteem, and give them a chance to take on leadership roles in the community.
Reduced Urban Migration
Youth in remote communities often leave their families to find jobs in larger cities, but tourism can provide opportunities that lets them build their futures in their home communities.
Education
Providing financial stability to parents allows them to invest in their childern’s education, and allows youth in some communities to be the first generation to attend higher education.
Environmental Preservation
Travellers want to see the best of a region’s landscape. Capacity training helps provide tools for communities to practice improved land stewardship and protection of natural resources.
Cultural Celebration
Tourism experiences that include opportunities to learn about indigenous traditions can be influential in keeping cultural practices alive through knowledge sharing among community members.
Health & Sanitation
Bringing a steady stream of travellers into a community requires development of a clean water supply and infrastructure for sanitation and hygiene, which also provides benefits to local residents.