Eighteen organisations worldwide have been chosen to receive financial support from the Planeterra Foundation’s Global Community Tourism Fund.
The travel non-profit organisation provides grants of up to $3,000 as well as community-specific training and mentorship to help local entrepreneurs and communities scale up and improve existing experiences.
The latest recipients were selected after careful evaluation of numerous applications from community-led projects for their outstanding proposals and compelling vision for using tourism as a catalyst for community development, according to Planeterra.
Global Community Tourism Network manager Evie Nhdlovu said: “These organisations have demonstrated a deep commitment to responsible travel, showcasing innovative initiatives to promote cultural exchange, environmental conservation, local economic development, empowerment and more.
“Their projects have the potential to create a lasting positive impact on their communities while offering visitors the opportunity to engage in meaningful and more responsible travel experiences.”
Each recipient will be granted financial assistance and logistical support from the non-profit.
The selected community tourism enterprises are:
Train & Travel with Women For Africa (Côte d’Ivoire)
Tribal Textiles Zambia Ltd (Zambia)
Muhabura Cultural Experience and Craft Centre (Uganda)
Red Rocks Rwanda (Rwanda)
Centro de Turismo Comunitario La Moya (Ecuador)
Asociación de Artesanas de Chorrera (Colombia)
Cooperativa de Agroturismo Red de Turismo Campesino (Argentina)
Asociación de Mujeres María del Mar Bocagrande (Colombia)
Sociedad de Turismo Comunitario Suni Uta Choquemarca (Bolivia)
Jamao Eco Tours (Dominican Republic)
San Vicente Ecoturismo (Mexico)
Asociación Turismo Rural Comunitario Kusi Kausay (Peru)
Tenacious Bee Collective (India)
Odisha Ecotourism Foundation (India)
North Andaman Network Foundation (Thailand)
SPOONS Cafe Restaurant (Cambodia)
Barauli Community Homestay (Nepal)
Sharing Seeds (Nepal)