Five new community tourism projects have been announced by G Adventures and Planeterra, aimed at empowering women globally.
- Projects are designed to support 444 women, providing economic opportunities and preserving cultural traditions.
- Initiatives include Kirtipur Community Homestay in Nepal and Restaurante El Manglar in Guatemala.
- Projects are funded by donations from Planeterra’s campaign and G Adventures’ tourism summit.
- G Adventures and Planeterra aim to develop 300 social enterprises by 2030.
In a strategic move to enhance women’s empowerment and preserve cultural heritage, G Adventures, in collaboration with its non-profit partner Planeterra, has unveiled five new community tourism projects. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to create economic opportunities for local women, integrating cultural preservation with tourism.
The newly announced projects are set to support 444 women across various regions. For instance, the Kirtipur Community Homestay in Newari, Nepal, is managed by indigenous women, providing them with a platform to share their culture with international travellers. Similarly, Restaurante El Manglar in Izabel, Guatemala, was founded by the Cayo Quemado Women’s Committee, offering authentic local culinary experiences.
In Laos, the Ban Ou Community Tourism Project will offer tourists hands-on experiences such as making traditional Laos rice noodles and learning the art of weaving. This approach not only empowers women economically but also fosters cultural exchange and appreciation.
Other noteworthy projects include the Lady Tuk Tuk Driver Association in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and the Mujeres Artesanas Zoológico Mágico, an artisan cooperative in Oaxaca, Mexico. These projects are structured to allow women to earn an income while promoting and preserving their local customs and traditions.
Notably, three of these projects received funding through Planeterra’s 20th anniversary campaign, as well as G Adventures’ inaugural GX Community Tourism Summit held in Cusco, Peru. Such financial backing highlights the global commitment to sustainable tourism and women’s empowerment.
G Adventures and Planeterra have also set an ambitious goal – Project 300 – which envisions building 300 social enterprises within their travel itineraries by the year 2030. This initiative underlines their forward-thinking approach to integrating social impact with business growth.
These community tourism projects epitomise the integration of sustainable tourism with women’s empowerment on a global scale.