Tourism contributes significantly to revenue generation in many countries. However, the income generated can remain concentrated in the hands of a few. Inclusion in tourism provides a chance to ensure that the revenue generated stays in the communities where the travel occurs. Community-based tourism is defined as tourism in which local residents (typically rural,poor, and economically marginalised) invite tourists to visit their villages in exchange for overnight lodging.
Many people and organisations have launched such tourism projects to encourage inclusive growth and ensure that tourism benefits local communities. When you travel, you can choose such initiatives, stay with locals, and purchase locally-made handicrafts. On World Tourism Day 2023, we've compiled a list of community tourism initiatives from across the world that you might want to add to your vacation bucket list.
Relive a time when working in the fields with horses, piling hay in haystacks, and preparing meals from homegrown produce was the norm. In Transylvania, visit isolated Saxon villages with fortified churches, Maramureș village life, and Bucovina's painted monasteries. Stay in a family-run homestay and travel on two steam small gauge railways.
The 12-day trip starts from £3,115. The tour dates are September 13 to September 24, 2024.
More details here.
Install cook stoves to make life-changing improvements for local villagers; help a village in a remote corner of the beautiful Sacred Valley in Peru; gain an intimate insight into the fascinating Andean culture; work alongside the people of Huilloc village; and see local women give a weaving demonstration.
The 4-day trip costs around AUD 1290. Departure dates are from October 3 to November 3, 2023.
More details here.
Be a part of 10 Pieces, a litter collection initiative that encourages travellers from around the world to positively impact the environment by taking out more than they take in. The initiative focuses on litter "hotspots" on mountain trails. You can choose Bali, Rinjani Climb and Gili Islands trips where you can enjoy spectacular trekking, the cultural highlights of Lombok and relax on the Gili Islands. During the trip, travellers are given a collection bag for the litter and asked to pick up ten pieces of litter each day.
The 11-day trip costs AUD 2650. The departure dates are from October 1 to November 10, 2023
More details here.
Travel to villages in India's unspoilt regions to experience the rhythms of life in unique settings. Local guides will assist you in connecting with and interacting with your hosts. You will stay in our one-of-a-kind, village-owned guesthouses hosted by communities and eat excellent local cuisine while learning about traditional ways of living. With only a few visitors at any given time, their traditional, agricultural, and economic lives coexist with this low-impact form of tourism.
Trips are organised across India throughout the year. You can keep tabs on their website for details.
More details here.
Travel and train 90 underprivileged female farmers to help them create sustainable lives. This regenerative project contributes to the Trans-Himalayan Environment and Livelihood Programme (T-HELP), whose goals are to develop women's capacities in sustainable eco-tourism practises, the use of alternative and environmentally friendly technologies, organic agriculture practises, and business skills and market linkages to the tourism industry.
More details here.