Selene Orellana

Meet Romana Tomić from Association Deša Dubrovnik

Deša is a non-governmental organization that has been active since the beginning of the Homeland War in 1991. It was created as a space where women could support one another through the challenges they were facing, and over time, they began developing a small handicraft business together.

What started as a grassroots initiative has grown into a women’s centre where skills, knowledge, and cultural traditions continue to be shared and sustained.

When visiting Deša, travellers are invited to learn about the local history while experiencing weaving, embroidery, traditional delicacies, and patchwork.

But for Romana, these visits go far beyond demonstrations.

Romana has been part of Deša since the very beginning. She often says the women there helped raise and inspire her. When she speaks with visitors, she shares not only the history of the organization but her own journey, from its early days to what it represents today.

When she talks about their wartime and post-war experiences, many travellers are deeply moved. There are moments of silence, of tears, and also of connection.

“We share stories, emotions, and sometimes even hugs,” she says. “Those moments stay with me, and I believe they stay with the visitors too.”

Romana Tomić Association Deša Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Although it can be difficult to revisit these experiences, Romana is grateful that people are willing to listen. For her, these conversations are also a way of processing and healing, a reminder that sharing can create understanding.

Today, she takes particular pride in speaking about what Deša has built over the years, especially the ongoing work to strengthen support networks for women.

Through conversations with visitors, she is often reminded that many challenges and efforts toward dignity and safety are shared across different parts of the world.

And then there’s what she calls her “secret mission”: helping younger generations connect with and appreciate their cultural heritage.

In truth, she enjoys sharing every part of the work Deša continues to do.

Romana is proud of what Deša represents, a space shaped by the women who built it, and one that continues to evolve with them.

Stories like Romana’s show how community tourism can create space for connection, understanding, and shared experiences.

When Wild Horses Became an Opportunity: A Story of Coexistence in Italy

In the Aveto Valley in northern Italy, a small population of wild horses once sparked heated debate. For some residents and authorities, they were seen as a problem. Animals that did not belong in the landscape and posed risks to people and agriculture.

For Evelina Isola, the story looked different.

As a naturalist, she was curious about a simple question: what if the horses were not the problem?

Together with her colleague Paola Marinari, Evelina began exploring whether these animals could live in balance with the ecosystem that surrounded them, a protected natural park governed by the European Habitats Directive. What started as a question soon became a long journey that would reshape how people in the region understood wildlife, conservation, and the role tourism could play in supporting both.

Today, Evelina is the co-founder and scientific manager of ReWild Liguria, an organization dedicated to promoting coexistence between people and wildlife in the region. But the story began years earlier, at a time when the horses’ future was far from certain.

Evelina Isola
Co-founder and scientific manager, ReWild Liguria (Italy) — Evelina Isola Co-founder and scientific manager, ReWild Liguria (Italy)

From “problem” to possibility

The first turning point came in 2011. At the time, Paola was involved in a regional program aimed at removing the horses from the area. Authorities considered them dangerous, and capture operations had already begun. After a poaching incident and a series of problematic capture attempts, the Italian Ministry of Health intervened and halted the program.

Paola Marinari
Co-founder, ReWild Liguria (Italy) — Paola Marinari Co-founder, ReWild Liguria (Italy)

For Paola, the moment sparked a shift in perspective.

She began to question whether adoption programs and removals were really the solution. Instead, she wondered if the presence of the horses, widely seen as a problem, could actually become an opportunity for the territory.

When Evelina joined the conversation, the two decided to approach the situation from a scientific perspective. They began collaborating with universities and researchers to study the horses and their relationship with the surrounding environment.

The results were striking. The animals had fully adapted to the landscape and were living in balance with other wildlife species without causing ecological damage. Rather than threatening the ecosystem, they had become part of it.

That discovery laid the foundation for a different approach to conservation, one rooted not in removal, but in coexistence.

Building a project from the ground up

The idea that the horses could be part of the landscape did not immediately win widespread support.

For years, Evelina and Paola worked almost entirely on their own. The project had no institutional backing and very limited resources. In rural areas, some residents still viewed the horses as a problem, and at times the two women even received threats.

Yet something else was happening at the same time.

Visitors, researchers, and students began arriving in the valley, curious about the horses and the research taking place around them. Universities from across Italy showed growing interest in studying the population.

In 2014, Evelina and Paola formally registered the brand “I Cavalli Selvaggi dell’Aveto – Wild Horsewatching®”, creating a recognizable framework for their work and laying the groundwork for a new kind of nature-based tourism experience.

What began as scientific research gradually evolved into a project that connected conservation, education, and tourism.

When visitors become part of the story

Over time, the initiative started attracting students from a wide range of disciplines.

Researchers studying the horses were not limited to ecology or biology. Some focused on ethology, anthropology, environmental law, and even territorial marketing, exploring the broader relationship between wildlife, communities, and landscapes.

For Evelina, one moment in particular stands out.

During one of the early excursions in the valley, she guided two Natural Sciences students from the University of Genoa. At the time, she had no idea how meaningful the experience would become.

One of those students, Sara, was on the verge of leaving university. She had nearly decided not to finish her degree. But through the project — and her encounters with the horses — she found a renewed sense of purpose.

Sara eventually completed her studies and became one of the most dedicated students working with the project.

For Evelina, experiences like this reveal something deeper about the initiative.

“It’s not only about wildlife conservation,” she says. “It’s also about inspiring people and helping them rediscover their place in nature.”

Learning that coexistence is a social process

Through years of research and dialogue, Evelina has come to understand that coexistence between people and wildlife does not happen automatically.

Scientific studies are important. Communication and awareness matter as well.

But they are not enough on their own.

Coexistence requires listening to communities, creating space for different perspectives, and building dialogue around shared landscapes. It is, at its core, a social process.

This realization has shaped the work of Rewild Liguria and the development of Wild Horsewatching, which allows visitors to observe the horses in a respectful way while learning about the delicate balance between wildlife, ecosystems, and local communities.

Visitors who join these excursions are often surprised by what they discover.

Many arrive expecting to simply observe wild animals. Instead, they leave with a different perspective on their own relationship with nature.

A growing network of people and ideas

Today, Rewild Liguria is still a relatively small organization, but it is no longer just two people.

Students who conducted thesis research with the project have continued supporting the initiative after graduating. Some now work in fields such as natural sciences, biology, anthropology, and equine science, contributing their expertise and helping expand the project’s reach.

These collaborations have created a growing network of people connected to the Aveto Valley and its wild horses.

Looking ahead, Evelina hopes to strengthen partnerships with universities, organizations, and institutions at both the national and international level. Greater collaboration could allow the project to exchange knowledge, build new research initiatives, and access resources needed to expand its impact.

Creating opportunities through nature

While conservation remains central to the project, Evelina also sees potential for something more.

Rural communities across Europe are facing economic and demographic challenges, and many traditional livelihoods are disappearing. Initiatives like Wild Horsewatching could offer a different kind of opportunity, one rooted in respect for nature and local landscapes.

“My hope is that this work can create real opportunities for people who live in this area,” Evelina explains.

Not simply tourism for its own sake, but meaningful work connected to the natural environment.

Today, much of the project still relies on voluntary effort and personal dedication. Evelina hopes that in the coming years it can evolve into a stable professional pathway for people interested in promoting coexistence with wildlife through nature-based experiences.

Beyond economic opportunities, she believes the project can also help shift how people see wildlife.

In many rural areas, the return of wild animals is often perceived as a threat. Projects like this one show that coexistence is possible, and that wildlife can also become a cultural, educational, and economic resource for communities.

A message for visitors

For Evelina, the deeper purpose of the project goes beyond conservation or tourism.

When visitors return home, she hopes they remember one simple idea.

“We do not go into nature as something separate from it,” she says. “We are nature.”

The horses of the Aveto Valley offer a reminder that humans are only one part of a much larger system. Observing wildlife can help people reconnect with that understanding in a very direct way.

The project also carries another message.

Fifteen years ago, the idea of rewilding tourism in the valley was almost unheard of. Two women began asking questions about the horses with no resources and little institutional support.

Yet their curiosity and determination created something that continues to grow.

Meaningful change, Evelina believes, often begins with small steps, and with the courage to imagine a different relationship between people, communities, and the natural world.

Anyone, anywhere, can start that conversation.

How Tunisian Artisans are bringing tradition into the future

For generations, artisans across Tunisia have passed down skills through careful hands, patient work, and deep cultural knowledge. But in today’s world of mass production and global markets, these traditions can struggle to find space.

That challenge is exactly what inspired Noura Bent Taieb Rouis to help create the Rachaek Patrimoine Association.

The association was founded with a clear goal: to preserve artisanal heritage while helping artisans adapt to a changing world.

“Our goal was to modernize artisanal products and keep up with the times,” Noura explains. “At the same time, we wanted to introduce our cultural heritage and encourage investment in the creative skills of artisans.”

Noura Bent Taieb Rouis Rachaek Patrimoine Association (Tunisia)

For many artisans in the region, the challenge was not a lack of talent, but limited opportunities to share their work.

“Artisans had a limited audience and restricted sales,” she says. “This created a desire to expand and reach a broader market.”

The solution was collaboration. Artisans came together to create an association that could strengthen their collective voice and create new opportunities.

Bringing heritage to new audiences

For Noura, joining the association was about more than simply selling products.

“What attracted me was the aspiration to reach a distinguished level and expand the reach of our products,” she says.

Traditionally, artisans relied on small exhibitions or occasional markets. But through the association, they began exploring new ways to connect with audiences and showcase their work.

Visitors now have the opportunity to learn not only about the products themselves but about the stories behind them.

Noura takes particular pride in sharing the origins of the materials and techniques used in the crafts.

“I like explaining the sources of our raw materials and the heritage behind each piece,” she says.

For many visitors, these conversations transform a simple object into something far more meaningful: a connection to a living cultural tradition.

Passing knowledge to the next generation

While visitors are important, some of Noura’s favourite moments come from working with children in the community.

One memory stands out especially.

“Our events with children are always spontaneous and full of energy,” she says. “Their playful spirit inspires us to work even more with the rising generation.”

For artisans, passing knowledge to younger generations is essential to keeping traditions alive.

Workshops and events give children the chance to experience craft not just as something to observe, but something to participate in.

Strengthening craft through collaboration

Partnerships and external support have also played an important role in helping the association grow.

Through trainings and collaborations supported by partners such as Planeterra and Iberostar, the association has been able to strengthen both skills and confidence.

“These relationships helped us improve our knowledge and continue raising the quality of our work,” Noura says.

They also helped artisans rethink the role of their craft.

Instead of focusing only on selling products, the association began emphasizing the artistry, mastery, and cultural value behind each piece.

Quality over quantity

In a world full of mass-produced goods, Noura believes the true value of artisanal work lies in its uniqueness.

“Our focus is always on quality, not quantity,” she says.

While markets are filled with industrial products, the work created by artisans tells a different story.

“We use high-quality raw materials and craft each piece carefully,” she explains. “Every creation is unique.”

For visitors, this dedication often leaves a lasting impression.

Noura hopes they leave with a deeper appreciation for the skill, patience, and creativity behind each piece of craftsmanship.

Looking to the future

For Noura, the future of the association is filled with possibility.

She hopes the organization will continue to grow, expanding opportunities for artisans while strengthening the presence of Tunisian craftsmanship locally and internationally.

“I hope the association will thrive and expand,” she says. “I wish to see branches in many areas, increased sales and income for artisans, and a strong presence both regionally and internationally.”

At its heart, the work remains rooted in a simple but powerful idea:

preserving heritage while creating new opportunities for the future.

About the Rachaek Patrimoine Association

Founded in 2021, the Rachaek Patrimoine Association brings together artisans and young professionals dedicated to preserving Tunisia’s rich craft traditions while creating new opportunities for local makers.

Members produce a wide range of handmade goods, including weaving, embroidery, textiles, and artisanal food products, using locally sourced materials such as camel wool, pure silk, and honey. Each piece reflects generations of knowledge, creativity, and cultural heritage.

Like many artisan groups, the association initially faced challenges. Competing with mass-produced products and operating without a permanent space made it difficult to reach wider audiences. At one point, members even considered closing the association.

Instead, they continued organizing exhibitions, refining their craft, and building connections to help their work reach more people.

Through Planeterra’s partnership with Iberostar, the Rachaek Patrimoine now has a dedicated space within Iberostar Kantaoui Bay where artisans can present and sell their work to visitors. This space has opened up new opportunities for income while allowing artisans to share the stories, materials, and traditions behind each creation.

For the members of the association, it is more than a place to sell products. It is a space where Tunisian craftsmanship can be celebrated, shared, and passed on to future generations.

Reclaiming the Story of Isla Maciel Through Community Tourism

When Carla Fodor was principal of the only secondary school in Isla Maciel, she noticed something that deeply concerned her.

Many students were reluctant to say where they lived.

“Many young people had a very diminished view of the place where they lived,” Carla explains. “There was little knowledge about the history, roots, and heritage of the territory, and in many cases, students even felt ashamed to say where they came from.”

Located just across the river from Buenos Aires, Isla Maciel has long carried a strong external stigma, often associated only with violence or crime. Those narratives shaped how young people saw themselves and their community.

That question became the beginning of a project that would eventually grow far beyond the classroom.

Carla Fodor Museo Comunitario Isla Maciel (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

A project born from education

The initiative first started as a pedagogical experience.

Students began exploring their own neighbourhood: interviewing residents, documenting stories, and learning about the history and culture of the place they called home.

“It was a way to look at the territory again,” Carla says, “to recover local stories, knowledge, and memories, and to create space for young people to recognize themselves as part of a place with value.”

Two years later, neighbours began to join the initiative. What started as a school project soon evolved into a community effort.

Eventually, the initiative became the Isla Maciel Community Museum, a civil association built and sustained by local residents.

Community Tourism as a new chapter

As the project grew, the community began exploring how visitors could learn about Isla Maciel directly from the people who know it best.

Through community tourism initiatives supported by partners like Planeterra and its travel partners such as G Adventures, travellers are now welcomed to experience the neighbourhood through guided visits and cultural exchanges.

But for Carla, the most meaningful impact goes beyond tourism itself.

“One of the things that makes me most proud is witnessing the transformation of the people involved in the project,” she says.

“Seeing their processes of growth, how they gain confidence, and how they move from participating shyly to becoming active and decisive members continues to teach me every day. The project does not only receive visitors; it also transforms those who sustain it.”

Stories that break stereotypes

Visitors often come to Isla Maciel with curiosity, but they leave with something more.

“Travellers often highlight the closeness, the ease of a hug, and the simplicity of our storytelling,” Carla says.

“They value meeting people who can always add a ‘bonus track’ to the narrative, because what is shared is not memorized, it is lived.”

One of her favourite memories comes from a cultural exchange with a group of secondary school students from Denmark.

Nearly eighty young people arrived with many preconceived ideas about the community and about Argentina.

But those perceptions quickly changed.

“They ended up sharing dulce de leche cake, laughing out loud in an improvised football match, even though they played quite badly,” Carla remembers with a smile.

“By the end, they left hugging us. For me, that says more than any explanation ever could.”

View of the main street of the neighborhood

Building something together

Over the years, partnerships, trainings, and collaborations have helped strengthen the organization.

But Carla emphasizes that the project has always been built collectively.

“Our organization was never built alone,” she says.

“When we were just ten people meeting in a cold, dark space, many organizations trusted us when there were no visible results yet. They believed in what we were proposing.”

That trust allowed the community to slowly transform the space, repairing the roof, creating workshops, building an auditorium, and establishing cultural programs.

“Without that network of support, trust, and shared work, we would not be who we are today.”

Looking ahead

For Carla, the future of the initiative is rooted in the same values that guided its creation more than a decade ago.

“I hope this work continues to generate stability and real opportunities, especially for young people,” she says. “I hope families can imagine their future here without feeling that leaving is the only option.”

For her personally, the connection to the community has become deeply meaningful.

“Being called ‘Carla de Maciel’ means more to me than any academic degree,” she says.

“It is a form of belonging that carries enormous meaning.”

And for those who visit Isla Maciel, Carla hopes they leave with one simple realization.

“I would like them to remember that they did not just visit a place, but shared a moment with real people.”

Women with Wheels is driving change one journey at a time in India

In cities across India, mobility has long been a barrier for women, a reflection of deeply rooted gender norms that limit opportunity, independence, and safety. Sakha Consulting set out to change that through many initiatives, one of them being its Women with Wheels program.

What began as a bold idea to put women behind the wheel professionally has grown into a movement transforming lives, families, and public spaces.

Through intensive training, self-defence, leadership development, and driver certification, women from low-income and marginalized backgrounds gain more than a job. They gain autonomy, mobility, and a voice.

Their training partner, the Azad Foundation, supports women not only in driving skills, but also in building confidence, leadership, and community networks. With Sakha Consulting providing employment pathways, from cab services to tourism and logistics, Women with Wheels is rewriting what’s possible for women in India’s transport sector.

More than 5500 women have become professional drivers since the program began, making streets safer, shifting public perceptions, and becoming role models in their communities.

In cities where women once needed permission just to visit the health clinic, they are now navigating highways, leading community change, and inspiring future generations.

Meet Rajni Mala

“Earlier, I was afraid to step outside; today, I confidently drive on the roads of different cities.” – Rajni, Sakha Driver, Indore

For most of her life, Rajni’s world was confined to the walls of her home and the small chocolate factory where she worked. She earned ₹3,000 a month and rarely travelled alone, a reality shared by many women in India who face barriers to mobility and public work.

When her husband passed away, everything changed. With two children to support, Rajni needed not just an income, but dignity, safety, and a future she could steer herself.

Joining the Women with Wheels program became her turning point.

With training, mentorship, and the confidence to navigate public spaces on her own terms, Rajni took the wheel (literally and figuratively!). Today, she drives across multiple Indian cities, including Indore, Bhopal, Pune, Nashik, and Mumbai. She has become the primary earner in her family, ensuring her children receive quality education and new opportunities.

“Driving has given me not just a livelihood but an identity. I am an empowered woman, moving forward strongly both on the road and in life.”

Rajni Mala Sakha Cab Driver from Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Rajni didn’t just learn to drive, she learned to take control of her journey. And she brings her community along with her, proving what mobility can truly mean: freedom, pride, choice, and leadership.

The impact community tourism is helping support

This is the ripple effect of opting to support Women with Wheels during your travels and beyond:

Over 5500+ drivers women, like Rajni, trained as professional drivers.
First-ever women driving public buses in Delhi after policy change
Women become breadwinners, leaders, and decision-makers
Daughters and sons getting better education, creating intergenerational impact.
Women shifting from “I cannot” to “I can, and I will.”

Planeterra collaborated with the Azad Foundation to offer financial support for Women with Wheels, enabling the expansion of their vehicle fleet and funding their training program. Furthermore, G Adventures became the first tour operator to team up with Women with Wheels as their India airport pick-up service, creating a sustainable and growing customer base for this impactful social enterprise.

The impact of our partnership is not only reflected in the increase of women drivers throughout the years, but also, as this model gains success, Sakha will continue to spread the program across India to empower more women and provide safe transfers for families and travellers.

For more information about Women with Wheels, you can visit www.sakhaconsultingwings.com and follow them on social media.

Community Tourism in Guatemala: Chokojol Juyu

In San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Guatemala, the Chok’ojol Juyú Training Center is keeping Kaqchikel Maya traditions alive. Focused on empowering local women and children, the center ensures that ancestral textile techniques are passed down while also providing sustainable income opportunities through community tourism.

Chok’ojol Juyú San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Guatemala

When the center was founded, 90% of local girls wanted to learn to weave but had no teachers. Today, 43 students, 35 girls and 8 boys, graduate from Chok’ojol Juyú able to create complete textile pieces, preserving a craft that was at risk of disappearing. Boys are also learning, challenging traditional gender roles, while the community gains pride and cultural continuity.

Through tourism, the center shares this heritage directly with visitors. Travellers participate in interactive backstrap loom weaving workshops, learning double-brocade techniques unique to Guatemala, enjoy traditional Mayan lunches cooked over wood fires, and even wear locally made clothing.

Visits are carefully managed to support the local economy and fund free weaving classes for children, ensuring that tourism benefits the community rather than simply observing it.

Planeterra supports Chok’ojol Juyú by helping integrate their workshops into travel partner offerings, providing grants to improve facilities, and offering access to training through the Planeterra online learning hub. These resources strengthen the community’s capacity to manage tourism sustainably while maintaining full control over how their culture is shared.

The result is a direct, respectful exchange: visitors connect with the women leading their cultural revival, and the community gains economic support, educational opportunities, and pride in their heritage.

Chok’ojol Juyú is demonstrating how communities can lead cultural heritage celebration and economic empowerment while sharing their heritage with the world.

Community Tourism in Kenya: Amani ya Juu

Amani ya Juu, meaning “Peace from Above” in Swahili, is a social enterprise in Nairobi, Kenya that empowers refugee women and women from marginalized communities by creating sustainable economic opportunities through skills training in sewing, design, and business management. Rooted in fair trade principles, the organization supports artisans to earn fair wages while producing high-quality, handmade textiles.

Beyond income generation, Amani ya Juu is a community-led space for creativity, cross-cultural exchange, and reconciliation, where women build skills, confidence, and long-term livelihoods for themselves and their families.

About the Experience

Travellers are welcomed by an Amani ya Juu artisan, who leads a guided visit through the production centre and shares the process behind the enterprise’s handcrafted textiles. The experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at each stage of production, from fabric cutting and sewing to tie-dyeing and finishing, highlighting the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship involved.

Throughout the visit, artisans share stories about their work, the cooperative model, and what Amani ya Juu means to them. The experience concludes with a meal at the on-site café and time to explore the shop, where travellers can purchase handmade products directly from the artisans.

Impact

When travellers visit Amani ya Juu’s café and workshops, they support a women-led social enterprise that creates income through design, craftsmanship, and community tourism. The women at Amani ya Juu build skills, earn a living, and shape their own pathways to economic independence.

Many of the women come from informal settlements and regions with limited job opportunities, and the work they do at Amani ya Juu helps strengthen both household income and long-term stability for their families.

Through Amani ya Juu’s Watoto Sponsorship initiative, families can also access education support for their children, from primary school through high school and beyond. Hundreds of children have taken part in the program, helping expand opportunities across generations.

Why Supporting Them Matters

Kenya has long been a place of refuge for women seeking safety and stability. Amani ya Juu provides a supportive community where these women can rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship and fair trade.

By offering training in textiles and sewing, the organization equips women with valuable craftsmanship skills, allowing them to create unique handicrafts that celebrate their diverse cultural heritage. This not only serves as a form of self-expression but also provides a sustainable source of income to support their families.

Our Involvement

Planeterra partnered with the women of Amani ya Juu to support the growth of their handicraft and training initiative.

Together, we worked with our travel partner, G Adventures, to bring Amani ya Juu’s handcrafted textile experience into their itineraries. This has helped the enterprise reach a global audience, enabling artisans to share their work and strengthen the long-term viability of the business.

Through this partnership, women continue building livelihoods, community, and opportunity on their own terms.

Barauli and Beyond: How Community Tourism Empowers Women and Transforms Destinations

Written by Aayusha Prasain – CEO, Community Homestay Network

When travel is done with care, keeping people, places, and purpose at its center, it becomes more meaningful. Over the past few years, I have had the chance to see this meaning come alive through my work with the Community Homestay Network (CHN) in Nepal.

This experience has strengthened my belief that when community tourism is practiced as it is truly meant to be, it must be rooted in the leadership and everyday experiences of local people. At CHN, we have seen how community tourism can create real change: opening doors for women to run their own businesses, encouraging learning across generations, and providing new opportunities for young people.

After almost ten years in this space with some tangible impacts on ground, we are looking more closely at how community tourism can shape whole destinations.

Travelers interacting with the hosts at Barauli Community Stay Photo Courtesy: Community Homestay Network

What started as a small homestay initiative under Royal Mountain Travel’s CSR project gradually expanded and, in 2017, was established as a separate entity, the Community Homestay Network. Now our work brings together 50 different communities across Nepal.

Throughout this process, families are being inspired to take part, new demand for immersive experiences is developing, and an ecosystem is forming where culture, economy, and environment are growing together. Of course, tourism is complex, and sustaining it takes strong support systems.

From the early days, Planeterra was one of CHN’s key partners and supporters. They supported our communities with training, initial funding, and connections that gradually brought travelers to diverse parts of Nepal, from the semi-urban town of Panauti to the flat plains of Barauli.

This support not only helped bring travelers to these areas but also laid the foundation for communities to develop their own tourism initiatives and showcase their unique culture. One of the best examples of this impact can be seen in Barauli, a Tharu village located near the popular Chitwan National Park in Nepal. What started as one of our earliest community homestays has now grown into a full community stay.

Over the past ten years, Barauli has shown how community tourism can support the empowerment journey of women, spark new enterprises, and gradually change the tourism landscape of an entire area.

And yet, Barauli is more than just a single success story; it represents a broader journey of how one carefully nurtured initiative can ripple out to shape an entire destination.

Through Barauli’s story, I hope to reflect on a bigger question: how can one simple initiative grow into something that shapes a whole destination? And what lessons does it offer about building inclusive, resilient places through community tourism?

Putting Communities First

Barauli, a Tharu village in Nepal’s Nawalpur district, started small. Families were eager to host travelers, but at first, running a homestay wasn’t easy. Learning the ropes took time, and confidence was low. However, the situation started to gradually change when we (CHN) and local communities discussed and moved forward with the solution of having a local community manager.

Under this newly established leadership, the process felt different, someone from their own village was guiding the way. Families began taking charge, improving their services, welcoming more guests, and slowly realizing that true ownership brought real empowerment. Consistent visits from travelers helped too, giving families the chance to showcase their best and maintain momentum.

Partners like Planeterra supported the journey, turning ideas into tangible change.

Travelers enjoying the hospitality at Barauli Community Stay Photo Courtesy: Community Homestay Network

From the beginning, Barauli focused on responsible tourism through local leadership and sustainable practices. Back in 2015, with a Planeterra grant, the village installed solar panels for water heating and street lighting. The original 12 guest rooms now had hot water and lights, improving life for visitors and villagers.

As tourism grew, they added eight more rooms, prompting the community to upgrade panels, add a shared bathroom, and even provide electricity to nearby homes during power cuts.

By 2023, further support from Planeterra via the Global Community Tourism Fund (GCTF) allowed the community to strengthen its tourism infrastructure and improve services for both travelers and residents.

One of the most significant outcomes was the installation of upgraded solar panels, ushering in a new era for the community, especially in providing hot water.

“With this project, we now supply hot water to a common bathroom accessible to the entire community, making day-to-day life much easier. Previously, the solar capacity was insufficient even to meet the hot water needs of travelers,” says Bhramhadev Chaudhary, Community Manager, Barauli Community Stay.

The enhanced system now provides hot water to 20 traveler rooms and one public bathroom. Daily chores in the community kitchen and centre, such as cooking, washing dishes, and maintaining cleanliness, have become far more convenient.

Additionally, the strengthened backup power ensures that essential appliances, like refrigerators, operate reliably even during load shedding, adding stability to the community’s infrastructure.

Bhramhadev Chaudhary, from Barauli Community Homestay Nepal

Building Together, Growing Together

With support from Planeterra and G Adventures, Barauli began welcoming travelers in a more structured and sustainable way. Since then, over 5,500 travelers have visited Barauli Community Stay, immersing themselves in a way of life that is rich in culture and rooted in nature.

As the hosts themselves describe it, “When travelers stay with our families, they’re not just guests, they become participants in a deeper cultural exchange, whether through cooking together, painting our walls, or joining us on a jungle safari. What matters most is not just the financial benefit, but the genuine connections we create with travelers.”

In 2019, Barauli hosted 1,163 travelers before the pandemic.
Post-pandemic, between April and December 2022, they welcomed 679 travelers.

By mid-2025, that number had already reached over 5500, showing strong recovery and continued growth.

Women at the Heart of Change

The transformative power of community tourism is vividly illustrated in the story of Jeevan Kumari Mahato, Operations In-Charge at the Tharu Community Lodge.

Jeevan’s journey shows how locally led tourism can shape both individual lives and entire communities. Beginning as a member of the Barauli Community Stay, she embraced opportunities often seen as non-traditional for women, including bartending training and working in resorts around Chitwan National Park, all while raising her daughter.

Today, she leads a team of 18 at the eco-friendly, community-owned Tharu Community Lodge, offering travelers an authentic experience rooted in Tharu culture and the natural beauty of the region. Reflecting on the changes she has witnessed, Jeevan shares, “I’ve seen incredible changes among the women in our community, they’ve moved from being confined to household chores to gaining financial independence, safeguarding our cultural heritage, and embracing environmental sustainability.”

During my recent visit to Barauli, I had the privilege of learning about Jeevan’s story and the journeys of many other local entrepreneurs. This was during Paryatan Sambad, an event our organization hosted in collaboration with the local government, tourism stakeholders, and the Nepal Tourism Board. The event aimed to amplify local voices, creating spaces where women could connect, share their experiences, and build networks, opportunities often limited by structural barriers.

CHN team with Barauli’s women entrepreneurs after a group interaction ahead of Paryatan Sambad. Photo Courtesy: Community Homestay Network

Reflecting on these stories, I recognized how Barauli’s experiences mirror other examples of women-led and community-driven tourism across the globe.

A notable parallel exists between Barauli in Nepal and the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op in Peru’s Andean region. Despite its proximity to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the Quechua-speaking community of 140 families in Peru had limited access to the economic benefits of tourism.

Similarly, Barauli, located near Chitwan National Park, one of the most visited places in Nepal but inhabited by Indigenous Tharu people, was receiving limited tourism benefits before community-led initiatives took root. In both contexts, carefully guided support helped communities unlock the potential of tourism.

Likewise, with the backing of Planeterra, the community at Jukil Lodge in Bolivia received training in hospitality, organizational management, and business formalization, and was connected to G Adventures tours in 2017, ensuring a steady flow of responsible travelers and new economic opportunities.

In the same vein, Barauli Community Stay received support from 2015 to strengthen its local tourism capacity, develop authentic experiences, and connect with responsible travel networks, creating consistent visitor arrivals and reliable income streams.

The consistent arrival of travelers in both communities did more than generate income; it encouraged residents to see tourism as a viable and sustainable source of livelihood.

Supported by steady demand, locally led initiatives, and targeted capacity-building, both Barauli and Ccaccaccollo were able to design culturally grounded experiences, invest in local development, and plan tourism in ways that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable from the very beginning.

Inspiring an Entire Destination and Beyond

Barauli Community Stay’s journey since 2015 has created ripple effects across Barauli as a destination, demonstrating how community-led, culturally grounded tourism can transform a small rural destination.

During the same event in Barauli, I had the opportunity to explore how tourism is being institutionalized in the community. I spoke with various stakeholders from accommodation owners to nature guides to understand the evolving dynamics of local tourism, many of whom started their journey through Barauli Community Stay.

Among them was Buddhisen Chaudhary, one of the pioneers behind Barauli’s community tourism movement. He wears multiple hats: a founding member of Barauli Community Stay, Chief Experience Officer (CEO) at G Adventures, and co-founder of Tharu Community Lodge.

While reflecting on Barauli’s journey, Buddhisen shared his strong belief in tourism that truly benefits local people. Having been involved from the very beginning, he takes great pride in witnessing its transformation.

“Today, we have around 20 new accommodation businesses in Barauli, ranging from eco-lodges to community-run homestays, about 80% of them owned by local residents,” he said. “This includes Tharu Community Lodge, Green Village Hotel, Peacock Lodge, Mitjyu Cottage, and Lamichaur Agro Resort. It’s a positive outcome that shows how one community enterprise can inspire others to invest responsibly and take ownership of their own tourism development.”

At the same time, at least 12 local entrepreneurs have launched nature-based experiences such as jeep safaris, boating, and other activities that allow travelers to connect with the region’s natural beauty.

Over 66 individuals now benefit directly from employment in these community stays and lodges, and since 2020, more than 21,500 travelers have visited Barauli beyond Barauli Community Stay, a remarkable figure for a small rural area.

Women have also played a key role, launching eight tourism activities that engage around 15 local women entrepreneurs, including cooking with locals, cycling and sunset experiences at the Narayani River, exploring vernacular art and architecture, agri-based planting and harvesting, fishing, and traditional Tharu attire and henna tattooing.

When compared with global examples of women-led and community-driven tourism, Barauli demonstrates a replicable model for sustainable destination development, showing how consistent visitor engagement, locally led initiatives, and capacity-building can generate both economic and social value while safeguarding cultural and environmental integrity.

Even the previously neglected community forest is now carefully managed, with entrance fees and growing tourism motivating locals to protect and restore the area. Visitors coming to see rhinos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species not only enjoy meaningful wildlife experiences but also support the community, reinforcing local incentives to conserve and sustainably manage their natural environment.

Beyond Barauli itself, this transformation has opened new horizons for local youth. Inspired by early pioneers like Buddhisen, now a CEO at G Adventures for a decade, many young people from Barauli have pursued careers in renowned hotels, resorts, and travel companies across Nepal.

What began as a grassroots community initiative has grown into a movement that not only strengthens the local economy but also broadens opportunities and aspirations for future generations, proving how one community’s journey can inspire change far beyond its borders.

Why Local Ownership Matters

Barauli stands as a living example of tourism that works. Rooted in dignity, equity, and collaboration, this once lesser-known village has grown its tourism footfall while consciously increasing local investment in property and enriching community-driven experiences.

This success is no accident; it stems from a steady flow of travelers, repeated capacity-building sessions, and sustained investment in responsible tourism from the outset.

These foundations have created a positive cycle, setting the stage for continued local investment and growth. It offers valuable insights into how local ownership ensures that financial, social, and cultural benefits remain within the community. It prompts us to ask important questions: When does thriving tourism truly benefit local communities? What makes a community resilient and able to prevent economic leakage?

Each home in Barauli Community Stay is owned and named after its women hosts, the house in the background belongs to Sita. Photo Courtesy: Community Homestay Network

At the same time, we must not ignore the reality that tourism is not always beneficial for locals in the long term, if not done right from the beginning. In destinations like Bali, for instance, tourism development often follows a very different pattern.

Many hotels and resorts are foreign-owned, and while some adopt environmentally sustainable practices, local communities frequently see limited economic benefits.

Barauli’s example reminds us that locally led, responsible tourism can chart a different and more equitable path. Studies show that high-end, foreign-owned hotels in Bali experience significant economic leakage, with up to 51–55% of revenues leaving the local economy. In comparison, smaller, locally owned accommodations retain a larger share of income, support local employment, and help preserve cultural authenticity.

In conclusion, Barauli shows that when communities own and lead tourism initiatives, the impact goes far beyond economic gains. It strengthens social cohesion, supports the empowerment journey of women entrepreneurship, safeguards cultural heritage, and fosters sustainable practices that benefit both people and the environment.

The lessons from Barauli remind us that tourism can be a force for inclusive and lasting transformation but only when the community is at the heart of every decision.

Aayusha Prasain, CEO- Community Homestay Network

About the author:

As the CEO of Community Homestay Network (CHN), Aayusha Prasain is working towards strengthening the organization while streamlining and scaling the impact of tourism across communities. Along with her team at CHN, she also works towards bringing local actors into the tourism value chain and promoting responsible and inclusive tourism.

Visit www.communityhomestay.com to learn more about CHN’s work.

Jordan community partners with Planeterra team members, participating in training sessions ahead of GX.

Community Tourism in Jordan

GX is more than an event — it’s a celebration of Community Tourism.

This year in Jordan, attendees will connect, learn, and experience how tourism supports local communities.

Planeterra is proud to highlight the work of the community-led organizations we support across Jordan, showcasing the impact of their initiatives and the opportunities they create.

GX Jordan brings together communities, tourism professionals, media, content creators, and travellers to experience the country in a unique way.

Community Partner Spotlight

For Planeterra, GX is an opportunity to highlight the communities we support and show how tourism can create meaningful impact. From traditional handicrafts to homestays and cultural tours, local communities are leveraging tourism to generate opportunities while protecting and restoring nature.

At GX Jordan, we worked with 20 community-led initiatives driving positive change in their regions:

Aqabawi (Aqaba)
Beit Al Baraka (Umm Qais)
Beit Al Jameed Al Karaki (Kerak)
Beit Al Ward (Aqaba)
Beit Khayrat Souf (Souf)
Dar Ne’Meh (various independent organizations across different locations in Jordan)
Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative (Iraq Al Amir)
Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (various locations across Jordan)
Safi Crafts (Ghor Al Safi)
Safi Kitchen (Ghor Al Safi)
Saltus (As-Salt)
The Holy Land Institute of the Deaf (As-Salt)
Um Hamzeh’s Guest House (Ajloun)

Want to explore more of the communities we support worldwide? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay inspired by their stories and initiatives.

The Positive Impact of Community Tourism

Community Tourism is more than an income stream — it strengthens traditions, skills, and opportunities. Read what our partners across Jordan say it means for them and their communities.

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Because of Community Tourism

Wesal from Dar Ne’Meh - Ajloun is pursuing her master’s degree in engineering.

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Because of Community Tourism

Um Hazem from Beit Khayrat Souf now hosts an independent farm tour of her farm, showing travellers how to harvest olives and figs.

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Because of Community Tourism

Amina from Iraq Al Amir is able to support her extended family financially.

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Because of Community Tourism

Naifa from Safi Crafts has travelled all over the world showing communities how to grow, process and produce Indigo products.

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Because of Community Tourism

Hanaa from Safi Kitchen has learned a second language, English, and can now host travellers without a translator.

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Because of Community Tourism

Yousef from Beit Al Baraka can now focus solely on protecting and celebrating bees, just as his grandfather did.

Now, hear directly from women who are shaping the future of Community Tourism in Jordan. In these videos, they share how their work has strengthened their skills, independence, and opportunities.

Planeterra's support

See how Planeterra supported our community partners for GX Jordan and continues to support them beyond the event.

Training & Learning

Workshops on storytelling, tourism experiences, and a session with a well-known chef. Partners also have access to the Planeterra Online Learning Hub for additional modules and resources.

Coaching & Mentorship

Guidance to develop GX-specific tourism experiences and products.

Equipment Support

New tools and equipment for GX activities, which partners can continue using in their businesses afterward.

Peer Connections

Opportunities to connect with local peers in a safe, collaborative learning environment.

Ongoing Support

Regular calls, messages, and meetings to provide guidance and assistance.

Communications Assets

Photos and videos collected for partners to use in their own marketing and storytelling.

All of this support not only prepared our Community Partners for GX Jordan but also continues to benefit them through the Planeterra Global Community Tourism Network, giving them access to learning, funding, and market opportunities worldwide.

How you can support community tourism

Join the movement! Together, we can transform how tourism experiences communities and how communities experience tourism. Find out how you can create impact:

As a Traveller

Make a difference with every trip. Book your adventures with our trusted partners:

Choose to support a local organization on your travels and make a genuine difference. Explore the community tourism enterprises and organizations we support.

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As a Travel Agent

Book your next adventure with a travel agent who supports communities, such as :

Alternatively, encourage your clients to donate to Planeterra, or commit a percentage of your commissions to support our work. Contact us to learn how you can promote community tourism through your business.

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As a Travel Company

Partner with us and champion our cause. Get in touch to collaborate by emailing info@planeterra.org.

Together, let’s turn travel into impact and inspire a tourism industry that benefits everyone.

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As a Community

Join a global network of 550+ community tourism enterprises making a real impact. Explore more here.

Or, consider donating to Planeterra to help us continue supporting more communities around the world.

The Maine Model: A Case Study in Building Community Tourism in North America

Written by Julia Pitcher, Global Impact Specialist at *Planeterra***

Across North America, countless small towns and main streets possess a wealth of unique assets: rich histories, vibrant cultures, and stunning natural landscapes. Yet, many struggle to tap into the tourism economy in a way that is authentic, sustainable, and directly benefits the local community.

Conventional tourism models often overlook them, and when they do get attention, it’s rarely on their own terms.

That’s what we set out to change through a recent pilot project in Maine. Funded by the Maine Development Foundation through the Maine Office of Tourism and in partnership with Main Street Maine organizations, Planeterra collaborated with five towns—Biddeford, Saco, Westbrook, Gardiner, and Rockland—to build market-ready Community Tourism experiences from scratch.

This project was more than an exercise in tour creation; it was a real-world test of what a Community Tourism development model could look like in a North American context.

The Foundation: A Co-Creation Methodology

The success of any Community Tourism initiative hinges on its foundation. Our model intentionally rejected a top-down approach where an outside expert prescribes a solution. Instead, it is built on a framework of intensive co-creation.

The process began with a series of workshops in each town, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders—not just business owners, but also local historians, artists, environmental advocates, and community leaders.

The first step was collaborative asset mapping, where community members themselves identified the stories, places, and people that make their town unique. This wasn’t about what an outsider might find interesting, but what the community itself held dear.

From this foundation, we worked with a core group in each town to design a specific tourism experience that leveraged a key asset to meet a specific community goal.

This process was iterative, involving everything from narrative development and route planning to pricing strategy and operational logistics. The goal was to build local capacity at every stage, ensuring the community had the skills and confidence to own and operate the experience long after our direct involvement ended.

The Results: Five Towns, Five Unique Solutions

This flexible, community-driven framework did not produce a one-size-fits-all product. Instead, it yielded five distinct experiences, each tailored to the unique character and goals of the town. Here’s how community tourism came to life across Maine:

Saco: Saco leveraged its identity as a historic mill town to create an experience focused on the river that built both it and neighbouring Biddeford.

The “Below the Falls” walk guides visitors through the estuary’s rich history and ecology, with all revenue funding science camps for local kids—a direct investment in the next generation of environmental stewards.

Biddeford: Known for its industrial past, Biddeford’s decade-long economic and cultural revival presented a new challenge: how to broaden the story of its renewal to fully honour the city’s diverse immigrant history and continuation.

The community answered with the “Homecomings” tour, an experience centred on the journeys of the BIPOC and immigrant entrepreneurs shaping the city today.

The result is a tour that gives visitors a richer, more complete understanding of Biddeford, while directly supporting the vital cultural anchors—like Maria’s Grocery—that are central to its ongoing story.

Gardiner: In Gardiner, community tourism became a tool to showcase a town built on welcome and inclusion. On the “Voices of Gardiner” audio tour, artists with disabilities from the Spindleworks studio are the guides.

They introduce visitors to their town by sharing conversations they’ve had with other creatives and entrepreneurs along Main Street.

The result is a rich tapestry of stories about art and belonging, with every donation supporting the Spindleworks studio and celebrating its artists as central voices in Gardiner’s story.

Westbrook: In Westbrook, a unique collaboration of community groups created an experience to celebrate the rewilding of the Presumpscot River. Honouring the wisdom of Chief Polin who stated “we belong to the river,” the “Dusk to Dark” paddle is more than a tour; it’s a mindful practice of connection.

Expert guides share stories of the river’s cultural history and ecological renewal, inviting quiet reflection as visitors paddle from twilight into night. The experience cultivates environmental stewardship, while ticket revenue funds free paddle and grills that make the river accessible to all, strengthening the entire community’s sense of belonging to this vital waterway.

Rockland: On the town’s working waterfront, The Apprenticeshop uses community tourism to celebrate not just a traditional craft, but a vital philosophy. On the “Journey Through Wooden Boats,” visitors experience this philosophy in action, learning how engaging the head, hands, and heart in the art of boatbuilding fosters the self-reliance needed to create a stronger community.

Nearly half of all ticket revenue goes towards directly funding the hands-on programs that pass these essential skills and values on to future generations.

Real-World Hurdles: Navigating the Challenges

This work is not without its difficulties. A grounded model must acknowledge the challenges. We encountered several that are likely common in similar communities:

✅ Varying Tourism Readiness: Each town began at a different stage, with some having more established tourism infrastructure than others.

✅ Capacity and Resource Limitations: The local Main Street organizations and non-profits are often staffed by small, passionate teams wearing many hats. Dedicating time to a new enterprise is a significant challenge.

✅ Stakeholder Coordination: Bringing together diverse voices is a strength, but it also requires significant effort to align priorities, build consensus, and break down the barriers to engagement of key stakeholders.

Key Learnings for a Replicable Model

Navigating these challenges provided critical lessons that are central to the model’s success:

The Importance of Local Champions: In every town, the project was driven forward by a few dedicated individuals. Identifying and supporting these local champions with the time, resources and tools they need is perhaps the single most important factor.
Flexibility is Non-Negotiable: Rigid timelines and one-size-fits-all deliverables do not work. The model must be flexible enough to adapt to each community’s pace and specific circumstances. Alternatively, the selection of participating communities should first assess their “readiness” to dive into Community Tourism development.
Partnerships are Power: The most innovative experiences, like the one in Rockland, came from new collaborations between different community entities (a non-profit and a for-profit sailing company). Fostering these types of cross-sector partnerships is key for efficient delivery and giving the diverse participants the chance to focus on the skills and value they are best aligned to provide.
Mentorship is a Must: The initial setup is just the beginning. Ongoing mentorship and support are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of these new community enterprises, particularly when focusing on the FIT market.

A Framework for the Future

The Maine project demonstrates that it is possible for small North American towns to create authentic, market-ready tourism experiences that reflect their values and meet their goals.

The model, founded on co-creation, powered by local champions, and focused on leveraging unique assets, is not a rigid prescription, but a flexible framework. It offers a pathway for communities to build a more resilient, diversified economy and a deeper sense of local pride, all on their own terms.

Learn more about each of the 5 experiences created here.

In the Media

Discover what the media is saying about this project:

From “problem” to possibility

Building a project from the ground up

When visitors become part of the story

Learning that coexistence is a social process

A growing network of people and ideas

Creating opportunities through nature

A message for visitors

Bringing heritage to new audiences

Passing knowledge to the next generation

Strengthening craft through collaboration

Quality over quantity

Looking to the future

About the Rachaek Patrimoine Association

A project born from education

Community Tourism as a new chapter

Stories that break stereotypes

Building something together

Looking ahead

Meet Rajni Mala

The impact community tourism is helping support

About the Experience

Impact

Why Supporting Them Matters

Our Involvement

Written by Aayusha Prasain – CEO, Community Homestay Network

Putting Communities First

Building Together, Growing Together

Women at the Heart of Change

Inspiring an Entire Destination and Beyond

Why Local Ownership Matters

Community Partner Spotlight

The Positive Impact of Community Tourism

Planeterra's support

Training & Learning

Coaching & Mentorship

Equipment Support

Peer Connections

Ongoing Support

Communications Assets

How you can support community tourism

As a Traveller

As a Travel Agent

As a Travel Company

As a Community

Written by Julia Pitcher, Global Impact Specialist at Planeterra

The Foundation: A Co-Creation Methodology

The Results: Five Towns, Five Unique Solutions

Real-World Hurdles: Navigating the Challenges

Key Learnings for a Replicable Model

A Framework for the Future

In the Media

Contact

Social media

Newsletter sign up

Written by Julia Pitcher, Global Impact Specialist at *Planeterra***