The second round of a Global Community Tourism Fund has been unveiled by travel non-profit organisation Planeterra.
The grant programme is designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovation for community tourism enterprises worldwide.
Planeterra provides small grants up to $3,000 through the fund, as well as training and mentorship to help local entrepreneurs and communities scale up and improve existing experiences.
The aim of the initiative is to create opportunities for local people to reap the benefits of tourism.
To apply, community tourism enterprises must be approved members of the Global Community Tourism Network, a free-of-charge group of organisations striving to achieve ambitious impact goals together.
Planeterra provides members of the network with access to online training, connection with peers around the globe and partnership and promotional opportunities.
The first funding round in May 2022 saw the fund award grants to seven businesses, including Osmose, a Cambodian NGO dedicated to environmental preservation and Red de Turismo Comunitario Jipijapa Wankavilka, an Ecuadorian network supporting tourism development in seven local communities.
Global Community Tourism Network manager Evie Ndhlovu said: “Many communities have nowhere to turn to access capital or recovery support to help them be more competitive in the tourism market.
“Through the fund, we help support enterprises to reopen safely, make more positive impacts, and provide unique tourism experiences.
“From new ramps for accessibility, to digging wells to provide safe water for communities and travellers, the Global Community Tourism Fund is what communities need at a time like this to come back stronger and more impactful through tourism.”
Planeterra has already supported more than 100 community tourism enterprises worldwide through training, mentoring, start-up grants, and connecting them with the travel industry through its corporate partners