The Power of Community-Led Tourism to Uplift Lives
Hello Friends,
We are in full swing into the summer travel season with many people planning to travel near and far. It is no surprise that the travel industry remains robust, especially after the pandemic, and is continuing to grow. In 2023, travel and tourism contributed 9.9 trillion U.S. dollars to global GDP, and this figure is predicted to reach an estimated 11.1 trillion U.S. Dollars in 2024 and an astounding 16 trillion by 2034 (Statista ).
While many challenges at stake lie ahead such as overtourism, climate change, environmental degradation, and loss of culture due to globalization, there is also opportunity and hope to forge a better path forward. In the face of these adverse impacts, the need for responsible, sustainable tourism could never be greater. AT GLP Films, we believe community tourism can help pave the way forward for tourism in a more sustainable, responsible, and equitable way. Community tourism is a sustainable tourism model in which local communities develop, own, and manage tourism experiences, allowing them to benefit from tourism directly.
Local communities are the backbone of a society and are one of the most significant parts of the tourism industry and key to destination stewardship and sustainability. Despite their importance, local communities are often neglected in the tourism industry resulting in many negative impacts such as tourism leakage, environmental degradation, cultural appropriation, and more.?
Community tourism seeks to address these negative impacts and instead work as a powerful force for change.
The Power of Community-Driven Tourism
GLP Films’ Content Editor, Nicole Melancon, recently spent an incredible, inspiring week in Nepal with Community Homestay Network (CHN) learning about the transformative power of community tourism. Learn more about how CHN is employing an inspiring model of community tourism that is uplifting lives and communities throughout Nepal. And how a transformative guest experience might conclude in an epic MTB descent.?
Read about Nicole’s exhilarating journey mountain biking down the foothills of the Himalayas to the ancient city of Panauti where she spent two days as a guest of Shila Amatya, the pioneer of the Community Homestay Network that has spread to 36 communities throughout Nepal changing lives, including her own.
Our Work on Community Tourism
Explore the heart of northern Thailand with GLP Films as we journey to Baan Rai Kong Khing, a village where community and well-being converge. Imagine a meaningful travel experience centered around sustainable living and local culture. From the ancient art of fire massage to savoring organic farm-to-table dishes, every moment here is designed to nourish both body and soul while providing positive socio-economic benefits to the local community. Join us in embracing Community Tourism at its finest and discover the beauty of Baan Rai Kong Khing with every step.
Partner News
Check out this year’s World Tourism Day Forum hosted by our friends at the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) , "Tourism, Justice, and Peace: Bridging Barriers and Amplifying the Voices of the Unheard."? Partnering with RISE Travel Institute , this powerful two-day event explores how tourism intersects with justice and peace.? Discussions will span crucial topics such as tourism's role in human rights, community development, storytelling, gentrification, migration, and access to justice.
?? Don’t miss out—get your tickets today!
Sustainable Snippets
WHAT OUR TEAM IS READING
领英推荐
Protecting Biodiversity Through Community Tourism
By Planeterra
“Community Tourism is a powerful alternative in the fight to protect and restore biodiversity. It involves local populations in the development and management of tourism projects, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt directly by those who live in these biodiverse regions.” In this article, Planeterra shares stories of 5 unique community-based tourism projects from around the world, with featured videos from Parque de la Papa in Peru and Tenacious Bee Collective in India.
How Community Tourism Empowers Locals and Enhances Travel
Written by Whitney Smith for Tourism Cares , this article examines the transformative potential of community-based tourism and showcases inspiring examples from around the world.
Marketing Communication Tips for Supporting Community Tourism
JoAnna Haugen of Rooted Storytelling shares insightful communication tips for writers and marketers delving into community tourism.?
The Panauti: Meet the Pioneers Behind Nepal’s Community Homestay
Nicole Melancon shares the inspiring story behind Community Homestay Network ’s pioneer, Shila Amatya.
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at Planeterra Foundation
4 个月So well captured Nicole Melancon
Chief Executive Officer at Community Homestay Network
4 个月Could not agree more, "While many challenges lie ahead—such as overtourism, climate change, environmental degradation, and globalization of cultures—there is also opportunity and hope to forge a better path forward. In the face of these adverse impacts, the need for responsible, sustainable tourism could never be greater. Community tourism can help pave the way forward for tourism in a more sustainable, responsible, and equitable way". Thank you so much for this write-up, I hope this will really help the readers understand Community tourism even better!!
Firmly committed to sustainable and community tourism
4 个月Community tourism is certainly anvery powerful tool to adresss the needs sustainable tourism. Incorporating local communities in tourism value chaina via involvement and benifit sharing not only creates meaningful impacts on the local lives but also empowers local to be active advocates of the sustainability in their communities. Very good read indeed thank you for sharing.
Freelance Travel Writer, Content Editor at GLP Films. Founder Thirdeyemom: Traveling the World and Doing Good. Passionate about sustainable travel and community tourism ??
4 个月I loved seeing the work of Community Homestay Network on the ground in Nepal last May. I learned so incredibly much and witnessed firsthand the power of community tourism to uplift lives, protect cultures and the planet, and most of all, leave an incredibly memorable experience and connection between locals and travelers. Thank you so much Aayusha Prasain Poonam Gupta Shrestha Shiva Dhakal for hosting me for #CommunityConnect. I promise to continue my work advocating for community tourism for years to come!
Brand Strategist at GLP Films
4 个月The strongest and most impactful stories we have ever produced always start and end with community.