Planeterra's Global Community Tourism Fund - Creating more opportunities for communities around the world
Community tourism offers a chance to travel responsibly and promote meaningful connections between travellers and local communities, all while ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the hands of the locals.?
But managing and sustaining a community tourism enterprise is not always easy. Communities require various forms of support, be it financial or through training and mentorship. To provide communities worldwide with more opportunities, Planeterra has launched the Global Community Tourism Fund.
About the Global Community Tourism Fund
The Global Community Tourism Fund (GCT Fund) provides small grants of up to $3,000 USD, as well as community-specific training and mentorship to help community tourism enterprises in the following areas:
Meet the 2022 Global Community Tourism Fund recipients
During its first funding round in May 2022, the GCT Fund awarded grants to seven community tourism enterprises:
Asociación de Turismo Rural Solidario (ASTURS), Perú
In the Lake Titicaca region, ASTURS, a community-led organization provides homestay experiences. As tourism begins to pick up, local families are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of their guests. Thanks to the Global Community Tourism Fund, they were able to install water filters in the piped water system of 15 indigenous households. This has provided access to clean and potable water while also receiving training on how to use and maintain the filters.
Red de Turismo Comunitario Jipijapa Wankavilka (RTCJW), Ecuador
Seven communities in Manabí are part of the Jipijapa Wankavilka Community Tourism Network. Despite having the necessary infrastructure and tourist attractions, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented local businesses from thriving. Additionally, the lack of Internet access posed another challenge for the network. However, they developed a marketing plan that includes audiovisual promotional materials, an updated website, and training for local leaders to overcome these barriers and revitalize community tourism.
Red Rocks Intercultural Exchange Center, Rwanda
Red Rocks is a social enterprise that uplifts the local community and empowers youth and women through tourism. As tourism returns to Rwanda, they are working with locals to create and improve their handicrafts, visual and decorative artwork, and more, allowing visitors to purchase them. This initiative has increased the employability of women and youth, showcasing their talents to the world.
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Osmose, Cambodia
Osmose is an NGO committed to preserving the environment and promoting the socio-economic development of the Prek Toal area, a part of the Tonle Sap UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Osmose has undertaken various initiatives to support environmental conservation and ensure sustainable livelihoods for the floating village communities. Thanks to the Global Community Tourism Fund, they were able to repair a bridge platform that links different platforms in the area, making access safer for both locals and visitors.
The Cove, Malawi
The Cove is an eco-lodge in Malawi's Chitende Village that uses tourism revenue to support local development projects. Despite facing challenges with limited access to water, the team is working tirelessly to provide a sustainable solution. Their latest initiative involves installing a piped water source in a central location to provide cleaner and closer access to potable water for approximately 15 households. Not only is this project creating employment opportunities for the locals, but it's also making a significant impact on the community's well-being.
Lavender Jeep, Cambodia
Lavender Jeep, like many local enterprises in Siem Reap, suffered a severe blow to their main source of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With no jobs and no revenue, their future looked uncertain. However, with the assistance of Planeterra and a personal loan, they were able to jump-start their project. Thanks to the Global Community Tourism Fund, Lavender Jeep is now on the cusp of meeting all the licensing requirements for conducting tours in Cambodia and aims to soon be able to offer its unique tours to visitors in Siem Reap.
Girls Empowered by Travel, Nepal
This local nonprofit empowers women to travel and engage in community work safely. However, the rapid increase of road construction in the area has resulted in landslides during the rainy season, posing a threat to safety. To address this issue, the nonprofit has mobilized locals to remove bushes and pave walkable trails using stones. The project aims to enhance safety and well-being for both locals and visitors alike.
The Global Community Tourism Fund 2023 - Applications open!
Applications to Planeterra's Global Community Tourism Fund are open until April 30, 2023! For more information about the Fund or to apply for a grant, communities can visit?planeterra.org/community-fund/.
For more information in Spanish, please visit planeterra.org/fondo-global-de-turismo-comunitario/