Selene Orellana

Why Slow Travel Is Key to Meaningful Cultural Exchange

November 13, 2024 Selene Orellana Global Community Tourism Network, Guest Post, News + Blog

Written by Katie Brenneman

If you work in the U.S., you probably only have a maximum of 10 paid vacation days every year to scratch your travel itch — so you travel fast. You rush to tick off as many destinations as possible, spending only a day or two in each place and hardly having enough time to take pictures of the important landmarks to post on social media.

Then, when you come back home, you barely feel any different.

If you dream of a different experience that allows you to engage with new places and people in meaningful ways, you might consider slowing down your travels with slow travel. Slow travel encourages spending extended time in one place, stepping away from tourism hotspots, and discovering the true essence of different destinations.

Here are a few reasons slow travel could cure your travel bug and lead to more profound experiences that shape your cultural understanding and identity.

Quality Over Quantity

When you spend more time in one place, you are no longer bound by the constraints of itineraries. You can explore off-the-beaten-path locations, learn local customs, and engage with residents beyond the transactional nature of tourism. Whether attending a traditional cooking class in Vietnam or learning about Maasai culture in Tanzania, slow travel facilitates authentic interactions, creating space for travelers to learn from their hosts and for locals to share their stories.

Slow travel encourages you to break bread with locals, explore their kitchens, and savor the stories accompanying each dish. By experiencing life as the locals do, you gain insights into the values, traditions, and history that shape the communities you visit. In contrast, rushed tourism often reduces culture to a mere spectacle, leaving little room for genuine understanding or connection.

Sustainable Tourism

With a steady influx of travelers engaging in these experiences, our efforts have significantly empowered local communities, providing financial autonomy to women and strengthening cultural ties between travelers and communities.

The benefits of slow travel extend beyond the traveler’s personal experience; it also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism. When tourists move quickly from one destination to the next, they often leave behind a trail of environmental degradation, overcrowded landmarks, and communities that have been commodified to cater to fleeting visitors. Slow travel, on the other hand, advocates for a lighter footprint.

One of the core principles of sustainable tourism is reducing the adverse environmental effects of travel. By staying in one place for an extended period, travelers significantly lower their carbon emissions, as they rely less on frequent flights or long drives between locations. Slow travelers are more likely to engage in eco-friendly activities like biking, walking, or using public transportation. This approach reduces pollution and helps protect natural resources. Additionally, slow travel often encourages participation in conservation efforts and educational experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Fostering Genuine Connections Through Ethical Spending

Learning to spend money according to one’s values is essential for making a meaningful impact, especially when traveling. When you take the time to align your purchasing decisions with your values, you contribute to the well-being of the communities you visit. Slow travelers often find that by supporting local artisans, dining at locally owned restaurants, and staying in eco-conscious accommodations, they can foster a deeper connection with the culture and people of the destination.

Ethical spending allows you to engage with a destination in a way that respects its cultural heritage and environment. Rather than fueling mass tourism’s fast-paced, exploitative nature, you can make choices that uplift local businesses and communities. By doing so, you not only leave a positive impact on the places you visit but also create lasting memories and relationships.

The Power of Slow Travel

Slow travel offers more than just a respite from the rush of modern life. It provides an avenue for meaningful cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, and ethical spending. By immersing yourself in the rhythms of local life, you can connect with people in ways that rushed tourism simply cannot achieve. Slow travel fosters a deeper understanding of the world, allowing you to appreciate the richness of diverse cultures, the beauty of different landscapes, and the resilience of local communities.

So, the next time you plan a trip, consider slowing down and truly engaging with the places and people you visit. Stay for longer than one day and night; make one destination your home for your entire trip. While you’re there, talk to members of the community around you, eat their food, learn their language, and see the place as the locals do. Then, when you go back home, you will feel something new.

About the author:

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and sustainability-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

Shifting Narratives: The Transformative Power of Community Tourism

October 24, 2024 Selene Orellana Global Community Tourism Network, Guest Post, News + Blog

Written by Aayusha Prasain – CEO, Community Homestay Network

During the Fireside Chat at GX India 2024, Tony Wheeler, the visionary co-founder of Lonely Planet, made a powerful point: no country is inherently dangerous. It’s not about avoiding places but connecting with the destinations you visit.

The event, brilliantly organized by G Adventures and powered by Planeterra, served as a testament to this idea. Wheeler shone a spotlight on lesser-known destinations like Chad and Sudan, recommending them for the remarkable, often untold experiences they offer.

His insights reminded many of us present there that the stories we typically hear about these countries, especially in the Global South, framed by danger, poverty, or instability, only present part of the picture. Community tourism aims to change that narrative, revealing the true pulse of a destination through its culture and people. It emphasizes the richness, resilience, and humanity that define these regions. Wheeler’s reflections encouraged us all to rethink our perceptions of the world.

My Journey Through Travel and Community

Reflecting on my own journey, I realize that my childhood travel experiences significantly shaped my perspective on culture and community. Growing up, we moved frequently across Asia, following my father’s work in community initiatives. Living in places like Mongolia and the rural Chin State in Myanmar, along with my travels across Nepal exposed me to the beauty of cultural diversity.

While my father’s commitment to development inspired me, it was my mother’s passion for local languages, food, and social fabrics that left a lasting impression. Her ability to turn every new place into a home; speaking local dialects with market vendors or blending local ingredients with our family recipes instilled in me the understanding that home is not tied to a single location. It’s a feeling you carry within you, found in shared smiles, warm conversations, and bonds that go beyond borders.

As I grew older, my love for travel deepened into a calling. My academic background in Development Studies took me to various parts of Nepal, where I gained insights into the country’s rich cultural complexities and diverse geography. I learned that development isn’t just about top-down projects; it’s about building local ownership and fostering entrepreneurship.

Given Nepal’s rich natural and cultural diversity, along with the vital role tourism plays in the economy, it is essential to discuss the kind of tourism we want to promote for a sustainable future. As the CEO of the Community Homestay Network (CHN), I believe we are well-positioned to leverage our partnerships with local communities, impact partners, and tourism stakeholders to advocate for community tourism as the norm in the travel industry, rather than merely a niche segment.

Warm Welcome to Travelers at Narchyang Community Homestay on the way to Annapurna Community Trek Community Homestay Network

We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with communities and strategic partners like Planeterra to build, strengthen, and promote tourism products that benefit both travelers and locals. By developing locally owned tourism initiatives, providing training, and creating market linkages, we work closely with communities to establish resilient ecosystems.

The Impact of Community Tourism

At CHN, we firmly believe that community tourism can be a transformative tool for sustainable development, not just in niche markets but across the entire industry. Our partnership with Planeterra has been crucial in helping us move beyond viewing communities as mere beneficiaries. Instead, we examine the socio-economic and environmental costs they bear.

Last year alone, Planeterra significantly contributed to co-organizing initiatives such as the Community Haat Bazaar and supported the creation of community-led experiences in Nepal, including a women-led Momo cooking class in Kirtipur and Breakfast at Sharing Seeds in Pokhara.

All the GCTN Nepal Partners came together to showcase their local products in Community Haat Bazaar Community Homestay Network

With a steady influx of travelers engaging in these experiences, our efforts have significantly empowered local communities, providing financial autonomy to women and strengthening cultural ties between travelers and communities.

Travelers engaging with our hosts at Kirtipur Community Homestay for Momo Making Experience Community Homestay Network

Similarly, during the Planeterra Marketplace at GX India, I was able to witness the power of community tourism beyond my direct experience of working with communities in Nepal.

Nine communities from across India came together to offer immersive experiences, showcasing how travelers can engage in meaningful, hands-on activities that reveal deeper impacts on the communities involved.

A standout experience was block printing with Anoothi India, an organization that trains women in traditional Indian textile skills.

Historically, block printing has been a male-dominated craft in India, but Anoothi is challenging this norm by empowering women to master the trade. The textiles they produce emphasize ethical practices and environmental consciousness.

Hearing the stories of these women, who defy societal expectations to excel in a craft traditionally reserved for men, was incredibly inspiring.

It highlighted how community tourism transcends financial benefits; it strengthens empowerment, challenges gender roles, and transforms lives in profound ways, creating intergenerational ripple effects.

Rethinking Tourism Narratives

It is crucial for us to rethink how tourism is presented and the narratives we promote. As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie powerfully articulated, “Stories have been used to dispossess and malign, but they can also be used to empower and humanize.” Reflecting on Adichie’s TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story” I recognize how narratives shape perceptions.

In the travel industry, we must be cautious about the stories we create about communities. Tourism often serves as one of the largest sources of information people have about a country, offering a unique window into its soul, which comes with great responsibility.

Too often, Nepal is portrayed as a country in need of saving or a poor but kind nation where travelers arrive with a savior mentality. Many visitors participate in Tharu cultural experiences yet engage superficially, settling for just the performances that don’t convey the full story of this vibrant culture. These oversimplified versions of community life can do more harm than good. We must ensure that tourism reflects the full complexity of the places and people it engages with.

Community tourism can challenge the single story by going beyond traditional tourism models and deeply engaging travelers with local cultures. It requires a meaningful approach that emphasizes local participation in tourism development and management, ensuring that economic benefits directly support sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation efforts. Community tourism is not confined to remote areas; it can thrive in urban settings like Kathmandu and Pokhara, where travelers can engage with diverse cultural experiences. Providers have the opportunity to share their heritage and cultural identity in ways that extend beyond mere entertainment or lodging.

Travelers enjoying the local breakfast: women led-experience at Sharing Seeds Pokhara Community Homestay Network

Building community tourism requires patience, respect, coordination, and collaboration at all levels

The Role of Tourism in Fostering Understanding: As we recently celebrated World Tourism Day with the theme of “Tourism and Peace,” attending GX India on the same day highlighted the significant role tourism plays in fostering understanding, breaking down barriers, and building bridges between cultures.

My travels across Nepal and Asia have reinforced the idea that cultural contexts are nuanced, and no single story defines any place.

While developed nations like the United States grapple with issues like gun violence, they also have the privilege of sharing multiple narratives. In contrast, countries like Nepal or India often find themselves limited by oversimplified or romanticized stories in global media. Yet community tourism provides an opportunity to reshape these narratives.

Moreover, community tourism is about more than just boosting numbers; it’s about building confidence and driving meaningful change. Some key takeaways from GX India that we, as travel industry professionals and travelers, must reflect on include the crucial role community tourism plays in empowering women, addressing climate biodiversity, and unlocking the tourism industry’s untapped potential.

The discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships and resources in ensuring that communities remain at the heart of these destinations, where travelers may visit briefly but leave a lasting impact.

Working alongside remarkable communities and organizations has strengthened our belief that this community-centered narrative in tourism offers a path to break free from outdated perceptions, creating a richer, more diverse story. This is how we break the mold by shifting narratives and showcasing the strength, resilience, and beauty of communities, one story at a time.

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.

Restoring the Sacred Forests of Umswai Valley

October 15, 2024 Selene Orellana Climate and Biodiversity, Guest Post, News + Blog

Written by Madhurjya Sarma, Senior Manager at GHE

As part of our tree-growing initiative, Planeterra has teamed up with GHE, an Indian social enterprise focused on delivering clean energy and promoting sustainable tourism in remote, off-grid communities. Together, we are collaborating on a project to restore the Sacred Forests of Umswai Valley. In this article, Madhurjya Sarma, Senior Manager at GHE, provides insights into the Umswai Valley and the inspiring reforestation efforts taking place there.

Umswai Valley, surrounded by its serene hills and landscape, is a place of many ancient traditions and stories of human cohesion to preserve their natural habitat in the advent of modernism.

The valley residents, the Tiwa Community, follow a set of their ancient animistic beliefs and traditions which pays respect respects the elements of nature and natural beings while following an age-old cultural system of worshipping. At the core of their belief system, is the sacred forest, a few thousand-year-old sanctuaries on the edge of their valley, where their deities reside protecting the many beings of the forest.

The Sacred Forest: A Sanctuary of Tradition

The Tiwa community of Umswai Valley holds a profound reverence for Balakhongor, the supreme deity of the forest and the creator and preserver of all beings. According to their ancient animistic beliefs, Balakhongor and the forest deities reside in the Sacred Forest, manifesting as hillocks that oversee and protect the surroundings.

To honour these deities and commemorate significant events, the Tiwa people perform various rituals and sacrifices within the forest throughout the year. A notable tradition is the annual erection of monoliths to pay homage to their ancestors, with an impressive 1,030 pairs of monoliths standing tall, symbolizing over a millennium of history. This unwavering dedication to their spiritual heritage underscores the community’s deep-seated reverence for the Sacred Forest, which serves as the cornerstone of their animistic religious practices.

The Sacred Forest is also a sanctuary for endangered flora and fauna. Within this vast forest, no hunting, killing, or harm to any living beings whether animals, birds, insects, plants, or trees is permitted. The Tiwas’ reverence for life extends beyond the Sacred Forest, as they also focus on revitalizing degraded lands in the surrounding areas. Their efforts aim to restore biodiversity and reestablish ecological balance, ensuring the health of the environment for future generations.

However, challenges loom over this revered forest. Encroaching human activities, the impacts of climate change, and traditional slash-and-burn agriculture have led to its gradual degradation.

Tiwa Community: Culture and Livelihoods

The Tiwa people maintain a unique cultural identity characterized by a mix of traditional animistic beliefs and modern influences. They practice bilineal descent and matrilocality, with a chief priest (Loro) overseeing religious and judicial matters. Though many continue to follow animistic traditions, some have embraced Christianity, while still respecting the community’s cultural heritage.

Farming remains the backbone of their economy, with rice, ginger, and vegetables being staple crops. Additionally, handloom weaving, bamboo crafts, and broom-making are important livelihoods, reflecting the community’s skill in creating sustainable, handmade products. Despite economic challenges, the Tiwa people prioritize cultural preservation over material wealth, placing a strong emphasis on rituals and traditions.

The Umswai Valley Reforestation Initiative

In response to the environmental threats facing Umswai Valley, GHE in collaboration with the community and local stakeholders, has launched the Umswai Valley Reforestation Initiative. This ambitious project aims to restore the valley’s ecological balance through community-driven afforestation and sustainable land management. By leveraging the Tiwa community’s deep respect for nature, the initiative seeks to revive sacred forests and establish community food forests, creating individual fruit-bearing plots.

The initiative also addresses the impact of slash-and-burn agriculture and monocropping practices by introducing multi-cropping systems to improve soil quality and water retention.

In its first phase, the project will plant 30,000 trees of native species across the valley. This initiative holds immense potential for climate mitigation by enhancing carbon sequestration and promoting biodiversity. It also sets the stage for eco-tourism, as restored forest landscapes can attract visitors, generating income for the community.

Empowering the Next Generation

The Umswai Valley Reforestation Initiative goes beyond environmental restoration; it aims to instil a sense of responsibility in the younger generation. Educational programs will teach local youth about the cultural and ecological importance of forests, engaging them in nursery management and tree propagation. This not only fosters a sense of ownership over their natural resources but also provides sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The Initiative is a beacon of hope, blending traditional wisdom with modern conservation practices. By honouring their heritage while embracing sustainable development, the Tiwa community is leading the way towards a more resilient and harmonious future.

World Community Tourism Summit 2024 at GX India

October 7, 2024 Selene Orellana News + Blog

This year, GX made a grand return, taking us to vibrant India. Hosted by G Adventures and Planeterra, the event brought together nearly 500 travel industry representatives from around the globe, including travel agents, media, content creators, partners, suppliers, and travellers.

But GX India wasn’t just about welcoming event attendees—it also brought together nine inspiring community tourism enterprises and organizations supported by Planeterra from across the country. These included Women with Wheels, Sheroes, Anoothi, Sunder Rang, Together We Earn (TWE), Tenacious Bee Collective, Odisha Ecotourism Foundation, Pink City Rickshaw, and Salaam Baalak Trust. (Check this page to learn more about our community partners).

These organizations had the opportunity to share their incredible work by hosting GX attendees and participating in the first-ever Planeterra Marketplace, where they showcased unique products and offered insights into their inspiring initiatives.

Our community partners celebrating their successful journey at the Planeterra Marketplace during GX India

On September 27th, 2024, everyone gathered for the World Community Tourism Summit. This pivotal event sparked important conversations about travel, community tourism, and the environment through insightful panel discussions and keynote presentations. Keep reading to learn more!

Celebrating Tourism at the World Community Tourism Summit

The summit opened with remarks from G Adventures and Planeterra Founder Bruce Poon Tip and Planeterra President Jamie Sweeting, who highlighted how community tourism has the power to foster deep connections.

Jamie shared exciting updates on Planeterra and G Adventures’ Project 300, noting that since last year’s GX in Peru, 13 new community tourism enterprises have been supported, bringing the total to 130 worldwide.

He also announced a new five-year partnership between Planeterra and G Touring to further expand community tourism across the globe.

Fireside Chats and Empowering Panels

One of the summit’s most anticipated moments was the fireside chat between Bruce Poon Tip and Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet. They reflected on the evolution of responsible tourism and how community tourism is shaping the future of travel.

Tony emphasized that “travel is not just about seeing beautiful places but about getting to know the people and cultures behind them.”

Panels throughout the day addressed pressing issues in community tourism. Here are some key highlights:

Community Tourism in India

During the discussion on “Community Tourism in India,” moderator Julie FitzGerald (G Adventures) led a conversation with Shivya Nath (The Shooting Star), Tanya Alag (Salaam Baalak Trust), and Priyanka Singh (Planeterra) about the importance of adapting tourism to meet local community needs. Tanya emphasized that tourism should go beyond seeing iconic landmarks—it’s about hearing people’s stories and understanding their lives.

Shivya Nath called for a major shift in the tourism industry, advocating for a future where “all tourism by default supports local communities.” Her sentiment resonated with many attendees, sparking a call to action to make responsible travel the standard, not the exception.

Tackling Global Challenges Through Tourism

The summit also addressed global challenges. In a panel titled “Climate & Biodiversity,” participants discussed how community tourism can help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Moderated by Jamie Sweeting, the panel featured Michelle Degenhardt (Flight Centre Travel Group), Jaideep Bansal (GHE), Thomas Armitt (Planeterra), and Michelle Hudema (G Adventures). They emphasized how empowering people within their communities can lead to lasting environmental solutions.

The urgency of the moment was captured with the statement, “We are one of the first generations to witness the effects of climate change, but also one of the last that can do something about it.”

Fundraising for Good

Brian Young, G Adventures Managing Director for UK & Europe, shared the success of “G Trek for Good”, an initiative that has raised over $160,000 USD through treks up Kilimanjaro, Mount Toubkal, and Colombia’s Lost City.

The funds support both Planeterra and ABTA Lifeline, with next year’s trek set for Peru.

Helping Women to empower themselves through Community Tourism

A powerful panel on “Women & Community Tourism” highlighted initiatives like Women With Wheels, which are challenging the status quo in India. By training women to become professional drivers, these programs are not only providing job opportunities but also reshaping societal perceptions of women in public spaces.

Moderator Kelly Galaski (Planeterra) and speakers Tabitha Lipkin, Meenu Vadera (Azad Foundation), and Aayusha Prasain (Community Homestay Network) emphasized that empowerment is not just about employment—it’s about giving women the space to make decisions, create enterprises, and break down cultural barriers.

Other key moments and messages

Journalist and writer Elizabeth Becker reminded attendees of the importance of engaging governments as key stakeholders to ensure tourism benefits everyone. Paras Loomba, founder of GHE and Mountain Homestays, shared insights into how tourism not only enhances destinations but also empowers travellers to become champions of positive change.

Ernest White II, storyteller, explorer, and host of the television docu-series Fly Brother, highlighted the power of personal connection in travel. He reminded attendees about the importance of “looking each other in the eyes and giving compliments.” Songwriter, rapper, and poet Aranya Johar also delighted the audience with her art.

A Powerful Closing Moment

One of the summit’s most touching moments came during a surprise presentation by Bruce Poon Tip, who invited Sanju Solanki and his daughter Anshul Singh from Janak Art Studio to the stage.

Anshul captivated the audience with a powerful statement: “Women don’t need empowerment; we are already empowered. We need space. We need men to step back and give us space.”

Looking Ahead: GX 2025 in Jordan

The day concluded with an exciting announcement from Bruce Poon Tip: the next GX World Community Tourism Summit will be held in Jordan in September 2025. Partnering with the Jordan Tourism Board North America and Royal Jordanian Airlines, this event will continue the legacy of connecting local people and travellers through community tourism.

The GX World Community Tourism Summit 2024 in Jaipur was a day filled with deep reflection, empowering conversations, and meaningful connections. It demonstrated how tourism, when focused on community impact, can be a powerful force for change. Whether through economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, or cultural exchange, community tourism is shaping the future of travel.

Community Tourism: Bridging Cultures and Fostering Unity

September 17, 2024 Selene Orellana Global Community Tourism Network, News + Blog, Partners

In a world that often feels divided, community tourism acts as a powerful bridge, connecting people across cultures and fostering peace and understanding.

This month, in honour of World Tourism Day, we’re excited to showcase how community tourism initiatives not only boost local economies but also promote unity and cooperation across diverse regions.

Here’s a look at some of our inspiring community partners who exemplify this perfectly:

Berracas de la 13 – Medellín, Colombia

Once plagued by violence and drug trafficking, Medellín’s Comuna 13 has transformed into a vibrant destination, thanks in part to the efforts of initiatives like Berracas de la 13.

Founded by dedicated women in the community, Berracas de la 13 began by selling handicrafts and has since expanded to include Berracas Restaurant, further boosting local opportunities.

Follow their inspiring journey and be sure to visit them on your next trip to Medellín!

Favela Experience – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Favelas are informal settlements or shanty towns commonly found in Brazil, especially in major cities. Despite challenges like government corruption, gang violence, and widespread discrimination, the unique culture of favelas has gained traction in tourism, offering socio-economic opportunities for local residents.

While there are challenges and controversies, community-driven businesses like Favela Experience ensure that local residents play a key role in creating impactful tours and activities, generating real social benefits.

Planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro? Consider booking a tour with them.

Migrantour – Europe

With millions seeking refuge in Europe, migrants encounter numerous challenges, including the need for economic opportunities and social support. Initiatives like Migrantour help ease this transition.

Migrantour fosters intercultural tourism through walking tours led by migrants and refugees, offering unique insights into the histories and cultures of European cities. Planeterra supports Migrantour in cities like Rome and Naples, with plans to expand further.

Planning a trip to Europe soon? Explore the cities in the Migrantour network for a meaningful and enriching experience.

Community tourism is more than just travel—it’s a meaningful way to connect people, foster understanding, and build unity across diverse cultures. By supporting initiatives like Berracas de la 13, Favela Experience, and Migrantour, we contribute to a more inclusive and cohesive world.

Do you know of other inspiring community tourism projects? We’d love to hear about them! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your network and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on how community tourism is making a difference.

And don’t forget, you can also book your journey with one of our Travel Partners—G Adventures, Evaneos, Iberostar, Travelsphere, or Just You —to ensure your travels benefit the communities you visit.

Introducing the recipients of the Global Community Tourism Fund 2024

August 12, 2024 Selene Orellana Global Community Tourism Network, News + Blog

Planeterra is thrilled to announce the recipients of the Global Community Tourism Fund 2024.

The Global Community Tourism Fund (GCTF) is a key Planeterra initiative that supports entrepreneurship and innovation in community tourism enterprises within our network.

Through this program, Planeterra provides small grants of up to $3,500 USD, along with tailored training and mentorship, to help local entrepreneurs and communities worldwide enhance and grow their tourism offerings.

We were thrilled to receive so many exceptional applications this year from organizations showcasing impactful projects that use community tourism to uplift local communities. Selecting the recipients was both challenging and rewarding, as it highlighted the significant impact and potential of these initiatives.

After careful consideration, Planeterra has chosen 15 organizations to receive grants this year. Keep reading to discover more about their inspiring work!

This marks the third edition of the GCTF. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, we have distributed 25 grants in 2022 and 2023, benefiting 25 community-led enterprises and organizations across 16 countries. You can learn more about previous editions here and here.

Africa

Ruboni Community Development and Conservation (Uganda)

Ruboni Community Development and Conservation (RCCD) is a community-driven initiative and a proud member of the Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA). The organization consists of 35 women and 15 men, working together to promote sustainable tourism and conservation.

Founded in 1998, RCCD leverages tourism to generate resources for conservation and social development. They operate the Ruboni Community Camp, a tourist lodge, and offer up to ten unique community experiences for both staying and non-staying guests visiting the Rwenzori Mountains.

Project: “Empowering Small-Scale Women Vegetable Farmers: Integrating Local Agriculture into the Tourism Value Chain of Rwenzori Mountains National Park”

This project aims to empower 20 women in the Ibanda-Kyanya Town Council by enhancing their skills in organic vegetable farming within household kitchen gardens. The initiative provides training in production and post-harvest practices, supplies storage equipment, and establishes partnerships with local hotels for vegetable supply. Additionally, the project will create a unique vegetable farming experience tour for hotel guests, blending culinary and cultural elements to integrate women into the tourism value chain.

Learn more about their work here.

Gabon EcoSafaris (Gabon)

Gabon EcoSafaris is a community-based tourism enterprise that connects travellers with local host families through the Gabon Community Homestay online platform. This initiative offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in authentic Gabonese culture and biodiversity while directly supporting local communities. Committed to responsible travel, Gabon EcoSafaris collaborates with local groups to develop new community experiences and products, fostering cultural exchange and sustainable economic benefits.

Project: “Raffia Handcrafting Tour and Culinary Experience at Okolassi Village”

Despite its rich cultural heritage, Okolassi village faces challenges as local artisans earn minimal revenue due to a lack of attractive tourism products. The village’s heritage is at risk, with artisans leaving in search of better opportunities and limited access to technology hindering the international marketing of their crafts. The “Raffia Handcrafting Tour and Culinary Experience” project aims to revitalize the village’s cultural economy by offering travellers immersive cultural activities. This initiative will lay the foundation for a community homestay by 2026, enhancing tourism and benefiting the entire community.

Learn more about their work here.

Tours And Arts Solutions (Ghana)

Tours and Arts Solutions offers artistic, community-based travel experiences with a focus on culture, adventure, art, cuisine, love, and spirituality. The organization is led by professionals in Ghana’s arts and tourism sectors.

Project: “Enhancing Culinary and Gastronomy Tour Experiences in Ghana”

This project aims to showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine by creating high-quality culinary experiences. By highlighting the unique flavours and traditions of the region, the initiative will enhance the appeal of culinary tours, attract more tourists, and support the local communities that bring these experiences to life.

Learn more about their work here.

Upcycle Impact Tours (Uganda)

Founded in July 2022, Upcycle Impact Tours is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, climate action advocacy, cultural and heritage site protection, and community empowerment. They collaborate with 15 women’s groups and 7 youth groups, encompassing over 660 members.

Their mission is to protect and preserve Earth’s most fragile destinations by transforming tourism’s impact on nature and local communities.

Project: “Mpanga Eco-Tourism and Cultural Heritage Initiative”

This project aims to develop market-driven activities, enhance infrastructure, and provide professional development for staff to promote sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. The initiative will partner with local artisans, particularly in drum making and artifact creation, to support sustainable development, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation in the Mpigi community.

Learn more about their work here.

Muhabura cultural experience and craft Centre (Uganda)

Muhabura Cultural Experience and Craft Centre (MCECC) is a responsible tourism social enterprise dedicated to empowering local artisans, coffee farmers, and site guides in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park regions. By involving them in community tourism activities and eco-friendly product creation, MCECC supports sustainable livelihoods through fair trade tourism.

Project: “Enhancing Marketing, Production, and Capacity Building for Socioeconomic Empowerment”

This project focuses on alleviating poverty, reducing unemployment, and preserving traditional craftsmanship while promoting sustainable tourism practices. By addressing key challenges such as limited market access and the need for capacity building, the initiative aims to create new opportunities for the community, driving socioeconomic empowerment and fostering a more sustainable future.

Learn more about their work here.

Middle East

Funtasia for Training (Egypt)

Funtasia for Training is a B Corporation specializing in multidisciplinary educational content and curriculum, with a focus on socio-emotional learning for both youth and adults in physical and online communities. They are committed to creating safe and welcoming environments where children and young adults can build meaningful relationships with themselves and their communities.

Project: “The Riders: Empowering Youth Bike Riders to Enhance Community Tourism and Address Climate Change”

This project aims to educate and empower youth in Luxor Governorate through workshops on climate change and sustainable tourism. Targeting 45 participants aged 14 and older, it will enhance cycling tour services at Funtasia Center by purchasing 10 new bicycles and upgrading existing ones. The goals are to boost environmental awareness, promote sustainability, and equip youth with essential life skills for future employment in tourism, thereby fostering a sustainable and engaged local community.

Learn more about their work here.

Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem (Israel)

Founded in 1999, the Domari Society of Gypsies provides essential support to the Dom community in Jerusalem, with a particular focus on women. The center serves as a cultural hub where Dom women can connect with their heritage, participate in preservation programs, and engage with tourists interested in learning about Dom culture and challenges, often through the insights of director Amoun Sleem.

Project: “Flowers Event Planner: Empowering Dom Women through Floral Design”

This project aims to support financially vulnerable Dom women in Jerusalem, particularly those who have previously participated in Domari Society courses. These women face heightened financial difficulties. The initiative will offer training in floral and balloon arrangement, including skills such as colour coordination and design stability. Participants will learn to create decorations for various events such as gender reveal parties, bridal showers, birthdays, and school or nursery events.

Learn more about their work here.

Europe

çöp(m)adam (Türkiye)

çöp(m)adam is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women who have never previously worked for a salary. They create innovative and practical items from discarded materials, transforming waste into valuable products.

Project: “Technological Support for Grassroots Craftsmanship”

The project aims to enhance the skills and market reach of their team of 12 women by investing in two key areas: developing a new professional website and acquiring a versatile sewing machine that can perform both sewing and overlocking. These upgrades are essential for showcasing products online and boosting production efficiency.

Learn more about their work here.

Viaggi Solidali (Italy)

Since 2004, Viaggi Solidali has been organizing trips based on the principles of the Italian Association for Responsible Tourism (AITR), of which they are a founding member. In collaboration with ACRA and Oxfam Italia, they launched the “Migrantour” project in 2009. This initiative offers intercultural tours led by migrant citizens to highlight their cultural contributions and foster social cohesion. By 2014, Migrantour had expanded into a European network.

Project: “Migrantour in Florence, Rome, and Turin”

The project aims to train new intercultural guides in Florence and provide advanced training for current guides to become trainers themselves. It will also boost Migrantour’s visibility in Florence, Rome, and Turin through targeted communication strategies and participation in tourism exhibitions and events. New itineraries will be introduced, including the Special Jubilee 2025 in Rome and team-building activities for businesses in Turin. The goal is to increase participation in Migrantour tours across these cities, engaging school groups, local and international tourists, and local residents.

Learn more about their work here.

Americas

Amupakin (Ecuador)

Casa Amupakin, founded in 1998, is a Kichwa midwives’ organization dedicated to preserving and passing on ancestral health practices to the younger generation. The organization creates learning spaces and fosters cultural exchange through tourism activities, offering visitors a chance to engage with Kichwa traditions. Amupakin also focuses on social welfare by providing free prenatal and birthing care, and by collecting baby and maternity clothes for families in need. Their mission includes promoting cultural preservation through sustainable tourism initiatives.

Project: “Sustainable Renovation of Ambina Wasy ‘Healing House’: Preserving and Promoting Cultural Heritage through Responsible Tourism”

The Ambina Wasy, or “Healing House,” is a crucial center for ancestral healing, traditional ceremonies, and cultural education in Archidona, Napo, Ecuador. This project aims to renovate and upgrade the Cultural House to support sustainable cultural tourism. Improvements will include eco-friendly renovations and the development of amenities that attract tourists interested in ancestral heritage. The upgraded facility will serve as an educational center, promoting both sustainability and cultural conservation.

Learn more about their work here.

Asociación Stibrawpa (Costa Rica)

Founded over 24 years ago, Stibrawpa is an association of Indigenous families in Yorkin, dedicated to promoting family well-being while preserving culture, forests, and biodiversity. Comprising 42 families from the Bribri and Naso ethnic groups, Stibrawpa manages approximately 360 hectares of forest. Since its inception in 1993, the organization has spearheaded cultural exchanges and rural tourism, significantly boosting Yorkin’s economy and creating opportunities for both residents and neighbouring communities.

Project: “Water Collection Using a Hydraulic Ram Pump and Pipeline Networks to Supply Tourist Facilities”

In early 2024, the Yorkin community faced a decline in water flow, threatening the stay of groups of visitors. This project aims to address this issue by installing a hydraulic ram pump to provide a reliable source of potable water for the community of Telire in Talamanca. The project will ensure a continuous water supply for Stibrawpa’s tourist facilities, benefiting the 42 families within the association and indirectly supporting the other 100 residents. This enhancement will bolster the local tourism-driven economy and sustain the community’s growth.

Learn more about their work here.

Asociación Circuito Ecoturístico Lomas de Paraíso (Peru)

Established in 2013, this grassroots nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the hill ecosystem in Villa María del Triunfo through ecotourism, conservation efforts, environmental education, and fostering a respect for nature. The organization focuses on volunteer management, sustainable resource use, and the protection of species and natural landscapes. It also offers guided tours along the Lomas de Paraíso circuit, with proceeds supporting local conservation projects and community initiatives.

Project: “Natural Paradise: EcoCamp in the Hills”

This project aims to create a sustainable camping experience in the Lomas de Paraíso, a natural oasis near Lima. Local communities, including families from the Quebrada Alta de Paraíso settlement who provide camping space and services, and members of the Circuito Ecoturístico Lomas de Paraíso Association who offer guiding services, will benefit directly. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will support conservation projects and the maintenance of the natural area, further reinforcing their commitment to environmental preservation.

Learn more about their work here.

Cabañas el Llano de las Papas (Mexico)

Cabañas el Llano de las Papas is an initiative driven by members of the ejido Remedios in the municipality of Angangueo, Michoacán. They offer hiking and Monarch butterfly-watching activities within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Committed to conserving the hibernation forests and protecting the Monarch butterfly’s migratory phenomenon, they also provide camping and food services at their facilities.

Project: “Rescuing the History and Heritage of Llano de las Papas: A Rehabilitation Strategy for Research, Environmental Education, and Community Tourism in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve”

This project aims to restore the El Llano de las Papas cabins in Angangueo, Michoacán, Mexico, which historically served as early headquarters for the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (RBMM). The goal is to preserve the historical significance of the site, enhance visitor experiences, support research, and promote sustainable tourism within RBMM.

Learn more about their work here.

Asia

Muhaan (India)

This social enterprise is dedicated to conserving the bio-cultural diversity of fringe communities in the eastern Himalayas. Their initiatives are designed to provide visitors with an immersive cultural experience, deeply rooted in the local land and its people.

Project: “Marketing and Promotions of Living with the Forests: Conserving biocultural diversity of Forest communities through tourism”

The “Living with the Forests” project leverages community tourism to preserve the ecological knowledge, cultural practices, oral narratives, and livelihoods of forest communities living near critical biodiverse areas. Muhaan aims to enhance the visibility and impact of the “Living with the Forests” program.

Learn more about their work here.

Panauti Bike Station (Nepal)

Established by two professional trekking guides, their mission is to promote eco-friendly tourism that showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region. They offer high-quality bike rentals, expertly guided tours, and custom tours. By training local youth as cycle guides, they create economic opportunities and foster community development. Their initiatives not only support local employment but also contribute to reducing vehicle traffic and promoting health awareness among residents and visitors.

Project: “Enhancing Cycling Tourism in Panauti: Signage Installation and Guide Training for Sustainable”

This project aims to enhance the standard and appeal of cycling tourism in Panauti by improving infrastructure and training local guides. This will provide a richer, safer, and more informative experience for tourists while creating economic opportunities for the community. Beneficiaries include youth, women, the local economy, and the environment.

Learn more about their work here.

Tourism is essential for these organizations as they strive to preserve their cultural heritage, celebrate their traditions, and protect their communities. With the support of the Global Community Tourism Fund, Planeterra aims to enhance their impact and support their ongoing efforts.

Support Planeterra in uplifting more communities through the Global Community Tourism Fund. Click here to donate.

Culinary Tourism for Sustainability: Exploring Local Food Cultures and Farm-to-Table Experiences

August 10, 2024 Selene Orellana Guest Post, News + Blog

Written by Ainsley Lawrence

Culinary tourism offers an authentic glimpse into the culture and customs of communities around the world. You’re almost certain to experience new flavours when dining at a farm-to-table restaurant and should expect to have your expectations tested when breaking bread with folks from a different culinary tradition.

AFER Women’s Association HomLunch M’Haya, Morocco

Engaging in authentic culinary tourism is particularly important today, as the globalization of the food industry has made it harder for small restaurants and traditional dishes to survive. There are now over 40,000 McDonald’s and nearly 45,000 Starbucks worldwide, as many folks now automatically opt for the familiarity of burgers and mass-produced coffee when travelling abroad.

Fighting back against globalized dining can support local food cultures and increase economic independence for at-risk communities. This is crucial, as smaller farm-to-table restaurants are innately sustainable and have a dramatically lower carbon footprint than global brands.

Combatting Globalization

Globalization is a multi-faceted issue that divides opinions. On the one hand, globalization can usher in a new era of equity and end global hunger. This sentiment is echoed by the World Economic Forum, which posits that global trade can improve resilience and make trade more secure. The WEF points towards a reduction in poverty rates following periods of globalized growth and maintains that the rate of “undernourished” people fell by nearly 170 million from 2009 to 2017 thanks to global trade networks.

However, globalization shouldn’t be seen as an innately fair or sustainable system. While globalized food markets may protect nations against invasion or famine, an overreliance on globalization may result in the end of authentic world cuisines, as globalization has a homogenizing impact on all aspects of the cultures it affects.

Similarly, globalization isn’t necessarily sustainable. Foods sourced from overseas typically have a higher carbon cost and may dilute the authenticity of the dishes you experience during your travels. Overfarming in search of higher profits may reduce biodiversity and lead to the loss of natural resources. This is a serious issue in areas with low economic agency, where entire communities are at risk of being dominated by a few major corporations. This creates a mechanism of debt and exploitation that is explored succinctly in documentaries like Life and Debt.

Ultimately, self-supporting communities are becoming increasingly important because they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. They allow individuals to be economically independent, meaning they won’t fall prey to the exploitation that plagues large-scale agriculture.

Supporting Local Cuisines

Supporting local cuisines can bolster the resilience of the community and increase food sovereignty.

As a tourist, you can do your part to combat globalization and support community groups by exploring local food cultures in the area.

As well as being more sustainable, any of these community-led organizations also serve an important social purpose, as farm-to-table restaurants like Beit Khayrat Souf are run entirely by women and aim to combat gender discrimination in the area.

Visiting areas like the Huchuy Qosco community and the Parwa Community Restaurant can support sustainable development and provide young people in the area with a pathway to success.

Community-oriented restaurants like Parwa reinvest their profits, too, meaning local people benefit from every dish served and sale made.

Similarly, Safi Kitchen in Jordan provides an authentic dining experience for travellers while relying on community agriculture to create an experience that is profitable, environmentally sustainable, and helps rebuild economic independence in the area.

Conclusion

Culinary tourism is crucial for the future of sustainable dining and farm-to-table experiences. As a tourist, you can support efforts to preserve traditional dishes and increase food sovereignty by switching Big Macs for local cuisines that use produce from nearby farms and fields. This rebuffs the advance of globalization and ensures that everyone has equitable access to great food and gainful employment.

About the author:

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer who lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to travel, sustainability, tech, and accessibility. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings.

Empowering Nepal: Meet the woman behind the Panauti Community Homestay

July 25, 2024 Selene Orellana Communities, Global Community Tourism Network, Guest Post, News + Blog

Written by Nicole Melancon

In the hills of Kathmandu Valley lies the ancient village of Panauti, renowned for its culture, traditions, and well-preserved Newari architecture. At the heart of the community is the Panauti Community Homestay, a women-led initiative that started in 2012 and today has spread to 36 communities throughout Nepal, creating hope, inspiration, and opportunity for rural communities worldwide. Meet the women behind the movement.

Panuati-CH — Panauti Community Homestay Nepal

This past May, as part of the Community Homestay Network’s #CommunityConnect, I traveled to Nepal to experience community tourism firsthand. As part of the Community Homestay Network program in Panauti, I stayed with Shila Amatya and her family in her home where I learned the inspiring story of how Shila became the first woman to open her home to travelers in 2012 sparking a movement that has empowered women and changed lives across Nepal. Today, she is the President of Panauti Community Homestay, one of the most successful homestays in Nepal.

The Pioneer

Shila was born in the Terai Lowlands of south-central Nepal near Chitwan National Park where she met her husband Ashok Amatya, who was working as a tour guide. Over a home-cooked dinner of Dal bhat (Nepalese lentil curry and rice), Shila sat down with us at her kitchen table to tell us the story.

“It was a love marriage,” confided Shila with a smile, “which was unusual at the time, and a little difficult because we are from different castes. I am Chhetri and Ashok is Newar. However, we made it work and after our marriage, we moved 200 km away to Panauti as it is the tradition in Nepal for the bride to move to her husband’s hometown”.

Ashok began working as a guide in 2002 with Royal Mountain Travel taking him frequently to the Himalayas for long trekking trips. Like most Nepalese women, Shila spent her days rising before dawn to clean the home, prepare meals, and care for her young daughter while her husband was away.

It was through his work as a guide at Royal Mountain Travel that Ashok met Shiva Dhakal (the founder), and they quickly became friends. During a visit to Panauti to attend a family festival with Ashok, Shiva experienced Panauti differently by being part of the community’s celebration.

While he had visited Panauti several times before, this time he realized what a beautiful, meaningful experience it was and how much Panauti has to offer travelers. Panauti is close to the capital city, filled with history, beauty, and culture. Yet few tourists have experienced Panauti or more so, real Nepali life.

Shiva had come from a large, close-knit family in rural Nepal and understood the power of family, tradition and community empowerment. He also believed strongly in the socio-economic importance of community tourism as a way to showcase the culture and beauty of lesser-known rural destinations in Nepal and use travel as a force for good.

Shila Amatya President of Panauti Community Homestay

After decades of working in the tourism industry with Royal Mountain Travel, he witnessed the profound ability of community tourism to uplift lives. Shiva vividly recalls a moment that deeply influenced his journey—listening to Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation, passionately speak about the power of community tourism. Bruce’s vision of how tourism can directly benefit local communities and genuinely transform lives resonated with Shiva in a profound way. It sparked a realization of how he could bring this vision to life in Nepal. With that inspiration, Shiva came up with an idea that would empower communities in a meaningful way.

Shiva recommended to Ashok that he and Shila receive some of their Royal Mountain Travel trekking guests at their home, in one of their spare rooms to share their culture and experience life with a local Nepali family. They began taking in guests and it was a win-win situation. Travelers loved the meaningful, authentic experience and Shila earned additional income to support the home.

“Tourists loved Panauti. They would come for a visit but after sightseeing they went somewhere else for food and lodging. We understood that we had a lot to offer them so decided to open up our homes” Shila told me.

Slowly, Shila and Ashok convinced other women to open their homes to travelers. It wasn’t easy in the beginning as the concept of homestays was new. Furthermore, there was a lot of doubt in the community that a women-led business could succeed. However, women began to see the positive impact it was making on Shila’s life, and they were more willing to give it a try. “At the time there was no opportunity for many women in our village except working inside the home, cooking, cleaning and taking care of children. Women like me, wanted to earn money, improve our lives and status in society. So we began forming our grassroots homestay initiative”.

Over time, the concept stuck and the movement grew. Travelers loved the experience of seeing the untapped beauty and diversity of Nepal, and the women involved in the homestay earned additional income and were empowered.

In 2012, ten women from the community joined forces to run the Panauti Community Homestay, and in 2017 after positive feedback from both the community homestay women and the guests, Shiva launched Community Homestay Network (CHN).

CHN is a social enterprise that supports a network of community homestays throughout Nepal. CHN connects travelers with communities across Nepal, providing a unique opportunity to stay with Nepali families and immerse in real Nepali life. At the same time, local host families get the opportunity to share their culture and landscapes with travelers while gaining access to a sustainable source of income through tourism.

The authentic experiences CHN offers travelers are created to have a positive impact on Nepali communities, women, and families, as well as on the travelers themselves. Best of all, all the homestays and experiences are created by the community. They are community-driven and community-led, by women.

With a shared vision and dedication to empowering local communities, Planeterra and CHN have forged a powerful partnership over the years. Together, they’ve worked to link CHN’s homestays with travel companies like G Adventures, ensuring a steady stream of travelers and boosting income for community members. Through this collaboration, CHN and Planeterra are fostering and promoting the growth of community tourism in Nepal.

According to Shiva Dhakal, what began as a small experiment quickly grew into something much larger. G Adventures and Planeterra became crucial partners, offering guidance and support as they expanded from that single home to connecting multiple communities across Nepal. Their belief in the potential of community tourism further fueled Shiva’s drive to create meaningful change through their work.

Shiva reflects on one of the most inspiring moments in this journey: “Discovering Bruce Poon Tip’s book Looptail was transformative. It became an invaluable guide that shaped not only my vision for Community Homestay but also changed my understanding of tourism as a force for good. The lessons from Looptail continue to inspire me daily, reminding me that tourism, when done right, holds the power to uplift communities, preserve cultures, and change the way we see the world.

Today, there are 362 households in 36 communities impacting the lives of over 1748 people, and it all started with Shila’s home.

“All over Nepal there are 36 homestays and I started this” Shila told us proudly during the second night at her home. “Slowly it expanded all over Nepal. I’m so happy, I thank God I have this opportunity, for me and my family.”

Community Connect Participants Visiting Panauti

After tea, we moved into the family room, and Shila’s 20-year-old daughter, Amy, joined the conversation. As Amy artfully applied earth-toned henna on me and Sara’s arms, Shila continued her story. “Slowly over time, the movement grew. My friends wanted to join because they saw what I was doing and were inspired. In 2015 we developed other community offerings for our guests such as a community hike and then the Panauti Bike station for our cycling tours. We employ almost 50 people in the community and the network has grown to 15 houses.”

Even Shila’s daughter Amy is involved and has worked with the tightly-knit group of homestay mamas for the past four years. While she just received her degree in Information Technology, Amy supports the Panauti CHN as often as she can by giving community tours. Shila is now the President of Panauti Community Homestay, and as the pioneer of one of the most successful, women-led community homestays in Nepal, she and her team have trained other women in and outside of her community sharing entrepreneurial skills and how to run a successful homestay.

“There have been many ups and downs along the way,” Shila says. “The pandemic and the earthquake were difficult times when we had to close our homestay program. We also had to build trust within our community that a women-led business would succeed. That was hard too but we never gave up and always persevered. Today we have a voice in our community, respect and also support from our local government. I feel so proud”.

During our stay in Panauti, we did many activities designed by the Panauti Community Homestay mamas with preserving their unique culture and heritage in mind. We had a traditional purse-making class where we learned the techniques used by the women’s grandmothers. We also participated in a cooking class hosted by our CHN mamas in their kitchen where we prepared momos (a traditional Nepali steam-filled dumpling).

We ended our visit with a large Newari feast featuring over 15 traditional Newari foods accompanied by dancing performed by two young girls in the community. “By doing these programs, we ensure our culture and traditions are not lost,” Shila told us. “The two young girls dancing during the feast learned this style of dance thanks to our scholarship funds from the CHN program.

Of the 80% of the income received through our homestay program (20% goes to CHN to cover training and other administrative fees), 20% of that pool goes into a fund that is reinvested back into community initiatives.

The fund is used for English and cooking lessons for the mamas, and for other training to help preserve culture and teach women how to run a hospitality business.

The impact

The Community Homestay program has been life-changing for Shila and the other Community Homestay mamas. The socio-economic empowerment of the program has been incredible for everyone involved.

“In Nepal women are always on the backside, meaning working inside the house and taking care of children, cleaning and cooking, and only the husband makes money,” Shila told us. “With the Community Homestay Network, women can earn income for the first time. We can spend money on our children’s health and education. We no longer have to ask our husband’s permission to buy something. We even have our own bank accounts. It has been incredibly empowering.”

The program has also given women a voice in their community along with leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Moreover, it has lifted women’s status and respect in a patriarchal society.

“In our society, women are not always respected but now I am, ” Shila confided to Sara and I. “People in the community now know who I am. While the project is small, I am very proud. I have big things in my life now, the local government is supporting me too”.

Another benefit of the program is it promotes sustainable tourism by bringing travelers to lesser-known destinations, easing the tourism strain on the environment and showcasing cultures and traditions that are unique to each community. As more and more youth leave the villages for work and education in Kathmandu or abroad, traditional life, culture, and heritage are being lost. “Nepal has over 142 ethnic groups and castes all with their own culture, language, dress, food, and traditions” Shila informed us. “Each one is different and must be preserved, which we are trying to do”. Community Homestay Network mamas design programs to promote and safeguard these traditional arts, cooking, dance, music, and more.

The impact for the guests

As Shila intricately wrapped me inside a stunning, elaborate saree, preparing me for our last night, the grand finale, an impressive hour-long Newari feast, and dance, my eyes began to fill with tears. The past two days with Shila, her family, and the warm, welcoming mamas of the Panauti Community Homestay were magnificent. Any doubts I had about returning to Nepal and wondering if I could ever be as special to me as it was before, dissipated into the back of my mind.

As Shila braided my hair into a lachha (a Newari hairpiece decoration) all I could do was smile at her with a deep, loving sense of gratitude. The past two days were such a beautiful, unforgettable experience where I truly was able to connect with Nepali culture and life. But what I enjoyed the most, was the connection that me and Shila had made. In only two short days, I no longer felt like a guest but like part of her family, living side by side in her home. What an incredible gift.

If you go:

Check out all the amazing experiences and available homestays at www.CommunityHomestayNetwork.com. CHN runs homestays in 36 different communities throughout Nepal, with several that are conveniently located in Kathmandu Valley and easily accessible from Kathmandu. Trips can be booked directly or as part of a G Adventures Nepal trip.

About the author:

Nicole is a freelance travel writer, content creator, and digital strategist with a passion for sustainable travel and storytelling that began after a life-changing trip to Nepal in 2010. The plight of the people she met compelled her to join a growing movement of dedicated journalists, content creators, and humanitarians striving to raise awareness, funds, and impact change fueled by the collective power of our online presence and voice. For the past 14 years, Nicole has worked with various nonprofits and social impact organizations sharing their stories on her blog which focuses on sustainable, adventure travel and social good. She recently dove into freelance journalism and has been published in National Geographic, BBC, Toronto Star, and more. She also works as the Content Editor for GLP Films, an award-winning full-service content marketing agency dedicated to sustainable tourism.

Empowering Communities, Restoring Nature: Planeterra’s Impactful Initiatives

May 22, 2024 Selene Orellana Climate and Biodiversity, News + Blog

Written by Thomas Armitt – Global Manager, Projects & Partnerships, Planeterra

From the air we breathe to the food we rely on, biodiversity is essential for life on Earth. Moreover, without biodiversity, tourism simply would not exist, and communities around the world would not be able to harness its benefits.

It is no secret that biodiversity is sadly under threat, but we don’t want to dive into that. Instead, we want to take action and play our part, doing what we do best: using tourism to change lives.

Planeterra believes that community tourism can be a powerful tool to help address the climate and biodiversity crisis. So, in today’s blog, we’ll explore three game-changing initiatives that allow us to support the work that communities around the world are doing to protect, restore, and manage their environment. Let’s get into it!

Innovating for Change: Climate & Biodiversity Initiative

Picture this: communities partnering up with tourism enterprises to tackle the impacts of climate change. That’s the essence of Planeterra’s Climate & Biodiversity Initiative.

Through this initiative, we’re not just looking to offset carbon footprints; we want to develop grassroots solutions that make a long-lasting, tangible impact. For this, we’re working hand-in-hand with our community partners to create life-changing experiences that can be woven into the fabric of tourism.

Imagine trekking through lush forests, guided by a community member who intimately understands the land. The aim of these experiences is for travellers to go beyond just being visitors to a place, and instead become participants in something much larger—a movement toward a more positive future for all.

Rooted in Resilience: Tree Growing Initiative

Communities at the forefront of climate change often face its impacts most severely and disproportionately. That’s where Planeterra’s Tree Growing Initiative comes in. Our mission with this initiative is simple yet powerful: “Growing Trees to Uplift Communities.”

We see trees as more than just symbols of biodiversity regeneration; they’re lifelines for communities facing uncertain futures. This is evident through the many benefits of growing trees: healthier ecosystems, food security, water security, and improved defences against soil erosion, flooding, and drought.

At Planeterra, we believe that by planting the right trees in the right places and for the right reasons, we can help communities build sustainable livelihoods, improve their well-being, and become more resilient to the growing impacts of climate change.

It’s a win-win situation that positively impacts both people and the planet.

We’re immensely proud to say that, to date, we’ve grown over 2 million trees in partnership with G Adventures and Flight Centre, and we collaborate with Reforest to monitor our progress and achievements with this initiative.

Nature-Positive Tourism: Investing in Communities

Nature-positive community tourism is not just about minimizing harm; it’s about actively investing in the well-being of Indigenous communities and the environments they call home.

Through this initiative, Planeterra is working alongside communities to help them integrate a nature-positive approach to the experiences they offer. From protecting animal welfare to reconnecting people with nature, every aspect of these experiences is designed to leave a positive impact.

The goal is to uplift communities and help travellers become stewards of the environment and advocates for social justice, forging meaningful connections and leaving a legacy of positive change.

So, What Can You Do to Get Involved?

As travellers, we hold immense responsibility and our choices matter. Let’s choose our adventures wisely! Opt for trips that prioritize responsible travel and uplifting communities. If you need advice on that, get in touch with Planeterra! We’re happy to support you on your journey to becoming a more responsible traveller.

Also, spread the word about Planeterra’s initiatives and the impact we’re creating and working to amplify. But most importantly, take action in your own life to reduce your impact on nature and guarantee a thriving planet for future generations.

Remember that the only way to protect and restore biodiversity is by working together and playing our part.

Pack Light, Travel Far: Sustainable Packing Solutions for Eco-Conscious Travellers

May 17, 2024 Selene Orellana Guest Post, News + Blog

Written by Ainsley Lawrence

The thought of arriving at a final destination without your bags sends most travellers into a cold sweat. It’s simply undeniable that the stuff we travel with plays a critical role in shaping trip experiences.

For this reason, intentionality is key when it comes to packing and storing your travel gear—regardless of whether you’re travelling across the globe or around the block. But what if this natural packing intentionality could go beyond having a smooth trip and serve to promote and preserve the world’s resources as well?

Many travellers are looking for ways to do just that by supporting sustainable tourism initiatives such as:

Reducing environmental waste and damage
Promoting local economies
Preserving global cultures

Let’s examine several practical ways eco-conscious travellers can prioritize responsible tourism by adopting sustainable habits while planning and packing for trips. (Looking for ideas on a sustainable family adventure? Click here)

Leave Responsibly

Sustainable travel habits start long before you walk out the door on your journey. Consider what resources you use in your daily life and how they will be attended to while you’re away. For most, the focal point of our natural resource consumption revolves around our housing. Everything from water or electricity usage to food waste and transportation is linked to your place of residence, which is why it’s important to establish a plan for these things while you are away.

For frequent travellers, consider selecting a home or residence tailored to your travel needs that keeps sustainability at the forefront. For instance, if you are choosing a place to live for remote work and travel, you should take into account the local transportation and entertainment options as well as your proximity to family and friends. Selecting a home near the things you prioritize will greatly reduce your environmental impact in fuel and transportation while also saving you time and money.

If you are planning to travel less frequently, create a plan for repurposing your current home and resources while you are away. Consider having a friend or professional house sit or try renting out your space to a tenant. There are many simple home storage ideas, such as decluttering and utilizing vertical space, that can create more space in your home for a guest or renter. Repurposing your residence and its resources in this way will ensure they won’t be wasted or unused for long periods and can save you on maintenance costs.

Pack Sustainably

Packing for a trip is a largely personal undertaking. A great deal of personality and security is attached to the things we own and use—especially in a foreign environment—which makes packing for a trip a fairly intentional process. Luckily, this intentionality can be easily linked with several, simple sustainable habits that allow eco-conscious travellers to make a big difference in small ways while packing.

For example, one practical habit is to resist the urge to purchase lots of new things for a trip. The reality is you will probably feel more comfortable and confident wearing and using items that you are familiar with than purchasing all new things, and reusing and repurposing goods is more sustainable for the environment. If there are items you need for an upcoming trip, consider purchasing durable, fair-trade goods from conscientious business brands. The Planeterra Partner Shop and others like it are great options for using your purchasing power to promote sustainability.

Another eco-friendly packing habit is to avoid purchasing and using single-use items while travelling. Single-use goods like disposable razors, water bottles, utensils, wipes, and more result in unnecessary waste. Instead, consider packing zero-waste travel essentials such as reusable water bottles, soap bars, and snack bags. Though it may seem insignificant, these small choices can add to a tremendous reduction in global landfill waste.

Consider the Weather

Packing sustainably can be tricky when you’re trying to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. The more types of weather you’re prepping for, the more clothes and other items you’re going to be packing, which obliterates attempts at packing light. Additionally, if you want to support a cause such as Pack for a Purpose, you want to save space in your luggage for supplies that will benefit those in need. Weather worries and the resulting excess of caution don’t exactly leave extra philanthropic space.

Therefore, keep a careful eye on your destination’s forecast. Try to pack items suited to the predictions from sources such as The Weather Channel and Weather Underground. One great option is to pack a light windbreaker and wear your heavier coat with you on the plane. That way, you’ll be prepared for colder temperatures and rain without using a ton of luggage space. Or, you could pack a backpacking rain poncho, which hardly takes up any space. Additionally, wear a pair of waterproof, comfortable boots. Sandals will take up minimal space in your bag.

For sunny weather, it’s best to buy sunscreen at your destination. Overall, remember that you can buy weather-specific supplies in most cities, and you could donate things like umbrellas and clothing instead of trying to tote them back home.

Stay Intentionally

Being mindful of your final destination and where you will stay is another valuable habit for sustainable travel. Planning and packing for a trip isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Having a full picture of what you will be doing and where you will be staying, whether it’s with a host family, at a hotel, or a rental property, will help you prepare to use your travel resources to their fullest potential.

Start by creating an accurate picture of the residence that best suits your needs and objectives while travelling. For example, if you are choosing a place to live for remote work, consider what you need to do your job, such as the internet or private workspace, and what timezone your working hours will be in. Or if you are choosing a place to stay to recreate and sight-see consider selecting a residence that is centrally located with good transportation to the places and things you wish to see. These types of lodging plans naturally support sustainability by eliminating unnecessary transport or purchases that would otherwise be needed to meet your trip objectives.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be mindful of how where you will stay will impact those around you. Believing that sustainable tourism is only about protecting the environment is one myth of sustainable travel. While the environment should always be prioritized, sustainability in travel goes beyond this and also focuses on celebrating and supporting local cultures. In this way, whether you are working or playing, be intentional to spend your travel dollars and time within a community that is genuinely empowered and enriched by your visit.

To conclude, the stuff that we pack and travel with matters when it comes to shaping overall trip experiences. For this reason, travellers tend to prioritize intentionality in their packing. This is why eco-conscious travellers who want to support sustainable tourism have a great opportunity to adopt more sustainable habits in their trip planning and packing processes.

Simple sustainable travel habits like being mindful to repurpose current resources, reduce waste in packing, and accurately plan to meet your trip needs and objectives will help save the world’s resources and better support local communities. So next time, you’re ready to see a new piece of the world, remember to plan and pack with sustainability in mind.

About the author:

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer who lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to travel, sustainability, tech, and accessibility. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings.

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