Women

Supporting Nature-Positive Tourism: The Planeterra Nature-Positive Community Tourism Assessment tool

Protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change are increasingly urgent priorities for the tourism sector. Yet many tourism businesses are unsure where to begin or how to translate these commitments into practical action.

As part of our collaboration with easyJet holidays, and in partnership with Animondial, the Planeterra Nature-Positive Community Tourism Assessment tool was developed to help tourism businesses better understand their environmental impact and identify meaningful ways to support nature and communities.

Rather than focusing on a single aspect of sustainability, the tool takes a holistic view of tourism operations, recognizing that environmental impacts can occur across the entire visitor experience, from how accommodations are designed to how food is sourced, how activities are managed, and how transportation is organized.

By providing a structured framework, the tool helps tourism enterprises identify opportunities to improve their environmental footprint while supporting biodiversity protection.

A framework for responsible tourism operations

The Planeterra Nature-Positive Community Tourism Assessment tool encourages tourism enterprises to evaluate their practices across several key areas.

Governance and environmental responsibility
Responsible tourism begins with strong governance. The tool encourages businesses to comply with environmental regulations, support transparent and ethical procurement practices, and invest in training that raises awareness among staff and travellers about protecting nature.

It also emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable decision-making, ensuring that Indigenous peoples and local communities are respected as knowledge holders and stewards of the lands and ecosystems where tourism takes place.

Accommodation and infrastructure
Tourism infrastructure can have significant impacts on local ecosystems. The tool encourages accommodation providers to adopt practices that minimise disturbance to wildlife, reduce pollution, conserve water and energy, and integrate landscaping that supports local biodiversity.

Food sourcing and waste reduction
Food systems are closely linked to environmental health. The framework encourages businesses to prioritize local and seasonal ingredients, reduce food waste, avoid harmful chemicals in agriculture, and maintain transparency in their supply chains. These practices can support sustainable agriculture and strengthen local food systems.

Transportation and emissions
Transportation is a significant contributor to tourism’s environmental footprint. The tool highlights ways tourism providers can reduce emissions, such as monitoring transport-related impacts, promoting fuel-efficient driving practices, and minimizing disturbance to wildlife during transportation activities.

Activities and visitor experiences
Tourism activities themselves can either support or harm ecosystems. The framework promotes responsible guiding, wildlife-friendly experiences, and practices such as Leave No Trace principles to help ensure that tourism experiences respect natural habitats.

Local crafts and natural resources
Many community tourism enterprises also produce handicrafts or use local natural materials. The tool encourages responsible sourcing of natural resources and awareness of how these materials are shared and managed within local communities.

Supporting community leadership

A key principle of the Planeterra Nature-Positive Community Tourism Assessment tool is recognizing the role of Indigenous peoples and local communities as stewards of biodiversity.

Many communities have long managed forests, landscapes, and natural resources through practices shaped by generations of knowledge. Supporting these approaches is essential for protecting ecosystems and sustaining cultural landscapes.

The framework therefore encourages tourism enterprises to respect traditional knowledge, acknowledge land and resource rights, and support community-led conservation initiatives.

From awareness to action

Ultimately, the Planeterra Nature-Positive Community Tourism Assessment Tool is a practical guide for Community Tourism Enterprises to take meaningful action. It helps companies identify concrete ways to protect ecosystems, reduce environmental impacts, and support community-led initiatives that protect, restore and celebrate nature.

By using this tool, tourism can contribute not only to economic development but also to the long-term regeneration of the natural environments that make travel possible.

Join the Global Community Tourism Network, a network of over 550 community tourism enterprises located in 86 countries.

Reach out if you are a travel company wanting to integrate community tourism-driven projects that protect and restore Nature, and uplift communities.

Champion community-centric approaches to addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis, using travel as a tool to achieve this.

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.

A Journey into Community Tourism in Southern Albania

Written by Loneta Progni, Journalist

What I learned from gliko, wool, and the warmth of locals

I’ve always believed that travel has the power to change us, but I didn’t expect this trip to southern Albania to shift my perspective so deeply. I joined a familiarization trip organized by Planeterra and their travel partner, Evaneos to explore what community tourism can look like when it’s done with real intention and engagement.

Trips like this come to life thanks to collaboration between community leaders, local DMCs, and organisations like Planeterra and Evaneos, who work to support and strengthen locally led tourism experiences.

And let me tell you: it was eye-opening.

For two full days, I had the chance to step into workshops, kitchens, living rooms, and traditions that many travelers never see, not because they aren’t there, but because they haven’t been given space to shine. That’s exactly what this initiative does: it gives communities the chance to share their craft, their stories, and their heritage in ways that support their economy and keep their identity alive.

ProPermet, Albania, Gliko workshop | Photo Credits: Edvin Rushitaj

Day 1: Stirring sweet memories in Përmet

Përmet taught me about flavor, and tradition served on a small plate.

I joined the Gliko Workshop, an experience designed to preserve one of the region’s most cherished culinary traditions. Under the guidance of local women, we made gliko from scratch, learning not just the recipe but the meaning behind it.

Gliko isn’t just a dessert in Përmet. It’s hospitality. It’s identity.

It’s something every guest is welcomed with, and it carries generations of knowledge.

In between stirring pots, tasting gliko, and laughing with the women artisans guiding us, I realized how easily small traditions can vanish unless we create space for them. And this workshop is exactly that space, a bridge between the past and the future.

What made this even more meaningful was knowing the workshop was designed and led by local women themselves, with support from the local DMC and Planeterra to help bring their craft to travellers in a way that strengthens their own business.

Why this project matters, beyond the experience

It’s one thing to visit a beautiful place.

It’s another to understand how your presence supports the people who live there.

Southern Albania is undergoing a quiet transformation. Areas like Përmet and Gjirokastër are welcoming more and more visitors each year, not just for their landscapes, but for their culture, craft, and stories.

Përmet now sees over 150,000 visitors annually.

Gjirokastër welcomed around 600,000 tourists in 2024.

These aren’t just numbers. They’re opportunities. They mean jobs, income for families, revived traditions, and hope for young people who might otherwise feel that leaving is their only option.

These kinds of opportunities grow when communities, travel partners, and supportive organizations work together to build experiences that reflect local identity and create lasting benefits.

Community tourism isn’t just “nicer tourism.” It’s impactful tourism, a model where local people aren’t just part of the scenery, but partners who benefit directly from the experiences offered.

Visit Gjirokastra, Albania: Iso poliphony and cheese tasting | Photo Credits: Edvin Rushitaj

Day 2: Learning to “read” wool in Lazarat

Our journey continued in Lazarat, a village often misunderstood, but rich in tradition and resilience. This time, we weren’t there for the stories the media usually tells. We were there for something much softer, quite literally.

The experience was named “From Wool to Weave,” and it took us directly into the hands of local women who have spent a lifetime mastering the craft. Watching raw wool slowly transform into blankets and textiles made me appreciate a truth I had overlooked:

Heritage survives because someone keeps doing the work.

The rhythm of their hands, the patience in their movements, the pride in their eyes, it all reminded me that craftsmanship is a form of storytelling.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the day ended with iso-polyphonic music, not a staged performance, but an authentic, spontaneous moment shared with the community. The kind of moment where you feel the room breathe together.

At the end of our day in Lazarat, we enjoyed a small dairy tasting, fresh cheeses, creamy yogurt, and homemade butter, all prepared by local producers. As we tasted each product, the room filled with the haunting harmonies of iso-polyphony. The combination of traditional flavours and ancient voices created one of the most authentic and unforgettable moments of the entire trip.

Visit Gjirokastra, Albania, From Wool to Weave with homemade lunch | Photo Credits: Edvin Rushitaj

What I took with me from this trip

Of course I took some gliko and some handmade wool decoration for my christmas tree.

But I left feeling enriched, not only by the beauty of the places I visited, but by the sincerity of the people I met.

I felt grateful, for the music, the food, the craft, the stories, the warm welcome.

And I felt accountable, realizing that as travelers, journalists, or content creators, we help shape the kind of tourism we want to see.

Community tourism is not only possible in Albania, it’s happening. And if nurtured properly, it can be one of the country’s strongest tools for sustainable development, cultural preservation, and rural revitalization.

It also made me realize that behind each of these encounters is a quiet collaboration: community hosts, local operators, and organizations like Planeterra and Evaneos working together to ensure tourism supports local goals.

Final thoughts

This trip wasn’t just about discovering new places.

It was about rediscovering the meaning of travel.

Përmet and Lazarat… each of them taught me that tourism can be more than holidays and itineraries. It can be a shared effort between visitor and host, a collaboration that uplifts the people who protect the traditions travelers come to enjoy.

If Albania wants to stand out as an authentic destination, this is the path.

And I’m grateful I got to walk a small part of it.

About the author:

Loneta Progni is a journalist and TV anchor with over eight years of experience in national broadcasting, known for her clear reporting, engaging interviews, and human-centered storytelling. Alongside news coverage and feature reporting, she has profiled many of Albania’s cultural and regional destinations, bringing local stories and voices to wider audiences.

Women Leading the Way in Community Tourism

Around the world, women are at the heart of community tourism, transforming local traditions, skills, and knowledge into opportunities for economic empowerment and cultural preservation.

Through community tourism, they are creating jobs, strengthening their communities, and inspiring future generations. This month, in honour of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable women behind some of our community partners who are leading the way in sustainable tourism.

In this blog, we’re featuring inspiring female-led organizations and enterprises that Planeterra supports around the world.

Panauti Community Homestay – Nepal

In 2012, Shila Amatya and her husband, Ashok, welcomed the first travellers to the Panauti Community Homestay, igniting interest among other women in their community. More women soon joined, leading to the creation of the Community Homestay Network, which provides women with opportunities to earn an income while sharing their culture with travellers.

Panuati-CH — Panauti Community Homestay Panauti, Nepal

The impact of this initiative has inspired many, including Poonam and Ashish Gupta, whose mother is a homestay host. Poonam, who once helped her mother run the homestay while studying, is now the Chief Operating Officer of the Community Homestay Network. Ashish, recognizing the potential for further opportunities, co-founded Panauti Bike Station in 2019, a youth-led initiative offering cycling and hiking tours.

In 2024, Panauti Bike Station applied for the Planeterra Global Community Tourism Fund to expand their offerings and create even more opportunities for local women and youth. Their work continues to strengthen community tourism in Nepal.

👉 Learn more about the story behind Panauti Community Homestay.
👉 Read how the Community Homestay Network is championing gender equality in Nepal.

Tuk Tuk Lady – Cambodia

In Cambodia, tuk-tuk driving is traditionally a male-dominated field—but Kim, the founder of Tuk Tuk Lady, is changing that. Motivated by her determination to provide for her two children, Kim faced discrimination and skepticism but refused to give up.

She moved to Siem Reap, where travellers were more open to supporting a female driver, and from her perseverance, Tuk Tuk Lady was born.

More than just a transport service, Tuk Tuk Lady empowers women to gain financial independence and confidence. With support from Planeterra, Kim and her team received training and mentoring, helping them build a sustainable business and attract travellers—including those from our travel partners.

Kim’s journey proves that community tourism can break barriers and open doors. Every tuk-tuk ride in Siem Reap is now a step toward greater gender equality and opportunity.

👉 Read more about Kim’s story.

San Antonio Women’s Co-op – Belize

In San Antonio, Belize, large families and limited job opportunities have historically made it difficult for women to pursue education and employment. Determined to change this, nine Mayan women formed the San Antonio Women’s Co-op (SAWC) to earn an income, preserve their traditions, and inspire the next generation.

With Planeterra’s support, SAWC built a workshop space, increasing tourism and providing a centre for youth training programs. Visitors can now participate in traditional Mayan pottery workshops, enjoy home-cooked meals, and purchase handcrafted goods—all while supporting women-led economic development.

San Antonio Women’s Co-op San Ignacio, Belize

Beyond tourism, SAWC is funding education for young women, supporting scholarships for guiding courses, elementary school, and tourism-related studies. They’ve also expanded their impact by supporting a local children’s football team and distributing school supplies. This initiative shows that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.

çöp(m)adam – Turkey

In Turkey, çöp(m)adam is redefining women’s employment and environmental sustainability. This social enterprise—whose name translates to “garbage ladies”—provides jobs for women who have never had a salaried position before while turning waste into fashionable, functional products.

Since its founding, over 500 women have gained confidence, skills, and financial independence through çöp(m)adam. Thanks to Planeterra’s partnership, the enterprise has connected with our travel partners, ensuring a steady stream of customers who purchase upcycled products and support the initiative.

With female employment in Turkey at around 30%, çöp(m)adam is breaking down gender stereotypes and championing a more sustainable future—one creatively repurposed product at a time.

👉Watch the video to learn more about what they do.

Lusumpuko Women’s Cooperative – Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, the Lusumpuko Women’s Cooperative began with a group of determined women—many of them single mothers and widows—coming together to create economic opportunities.

What started as a chicken-rearing project has evolved into a Lunch Club, where travellers from our travel partners enjoy authentic traditional meals prepared by the cooperative. This initiative has provided income while also funding education for their daughters, granddaughters, and nieces, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

Lusumpuko Women’s Club Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Beyond financial support, Lusumpuko teaches valuable skills. Young women learn culinary techniques, hygiene standards, and business practices—all crucial for their professional and personal development.

The women of Lusumpuko prove that resilience, collaboration, and community-driven tourism can create lasting change, uplifting families and strengthening entire communities.

These stories highlight the power of women in community tourism—transforming challenges into opportunities and creating sustainable futures for their families and communities.

Through partnerships, training, and determination, they are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world. At Planeterra, we are proud to support these incredible women and their initiatives. If you’d like to explore more stories, check out these blogs:

👉 Zoológico Mágico: The Magic of Art Crafted by Female Artisans.
👉 Women in Community Tourism: Three Inspiring Stories.

Join us in celebrating their achievements and be part of the movement by choosing community tourism on your next adventure.

How Collaboration Created a Bigger Impact: Anoothi India’s Story

It all started with a beautifully crafted stuffed elephant, handmade by the talented women of Anoothi India—a social enterprise that empowers marginalized women through skills training and economic opportunities.

When Ant Stone, G Adventures’ Director of Marketing, EMEA, came across one of these elephants, it sparked an idea that would lead to a powerful collaboration. What if Anoothi India could create a special batch of elephants to be showcased at travel events? The idea took off, and soon, a limited-edition herd of G Adventures elephants stole the show at Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show—one of London’s biggest travel events.

Over 1,000 G Adventures-branded elephants were handcrafted by the women of Anoothi India. It took months of dedication, but it paid off, the elephants became one of the most talked-about features of the event!

Stuffed elephants in progress—handmade with care by Anoothi in India. 📷 Ant Stone

Visitors could take home an elephant by donating to Planeterra, making a G Adventures booking, or simply engaging in a meaningful conversation with the team at the booth. Each elephant came with a tag sharing its Anoothi India’s powerful story, bringing this meaningful connection to their new owners’ home.

Ant Stone and team showcasing handcrafted stuffed animals at the G Adventures booth. 📷: Ant Stone

Using community tourism to expand Anoothi India’s impact

Anoothi provides women—many of whom are survivors of violence—with opportunities to build a better future through vocational and life skills training. While selling handmade products helps, adding community tourism to their work gave them a new way to create sustainable income.

However, to host visitors and offer meaningful experiences, they needed additional funding to improve infrastructure and facilities. In 2024, Planeterra partnered with Anoothi India to support these goals, providing a grant to address their most pressing needs. The funds helped add a shaded seating area, upgrade walking paths, and improve visitor facilities—making the experience more comfortable for both travellers and artisans.

The grant also helped upgrade Anoothi India’s screen printing unit, something they had been wanting to do for a long time. Now, travellers visiting them can take part in a hands-on block printing workshop, learning the traditional techniques behind these beautiful textiles. And yes—they can also purchase iconic souvenirs, including those beautiful stuffed elephants!

Since September 2024, more than 1,800 travellers from G Adventures tours have visited Anoothi India, bringing direct support to the women behind this incredible initiative.

“I cannot thank Planeterra enough for opening up this possibility for us. We had this skill—a treasure of artisans working with us. More (women) wanted to join and we wanted to take them but we needed an outlet for them and for their products and Planeterra has provided that to us- We have expanded since.” — Jaimala ji, Founder & Managing Director, Anoothi India

Coming together to celebrate community tourism in India

Anoothi India has been an amazing community partner in more ways than one. At GX India 2024, they generously hosted the Planeterra Marketplace, where nine community partners showcased their products and shared their stories with travellers, industry leaders, and supporters. Read more about GX India, here.

Fun fact: “Anoothi” means unique and extraordinary in Hindi—a perfect name for a social enterprise that helps women realize just how incredible they are. We think their work is truly Anoothi. Don’t you?