Dertour Foundation partners with Planeterra on community tourism

The Dertour Foundation has “ambitious plans” to increase its charitable work thanks to a new partnership with community tourism non-profit organisation Planeterra.

 

Set up in 2014, the Dertour Foundation has supported more than 100 projects in 28 destinations around the world.

 

It said it has “ambitious plans” to increase the scope of its work and the partnership will help to establish at least five community tourism experiences by 2026, with the help of Dertour Group’s network of destination management companies.

 

In the UK, Dertour is the parent company of brands including Kuoni, CV Villas and Jules Verne, which are raising awareness and funds for the foundation.

 

The initial focus will be to build new projects in Thailand, Greece and Spain, where the Dertour group books a significant volume of holidays for customers.

 

The projects are likely to include non-profits, cooperatives or social enterprises led by women, young people or other underrepresented groups, offering experiences that generate local benefits while supporting the protection of nature and cultural heritage. Examples include shared meals, guided walks, cultural workshops and more.

 

Claire Ross, sustainability director at Dertour UK, said: “We’ve got ambitious plans for the foundation and this partnership will allow us to scale up our projects in some of our core destinations.

 

“By investing in community-led tourism, we’re not only enriching our travellers’ experiences but also helping to build a more inclusive and resilient tourism industry.

 

“We’re proud to support projects that celebrate local culture, protect the environment and create lasting economic opportunities.”

 

Pictured: Laem Sak and Mae Hong Son, Thailand, where Planterra has community tourism projects.