Remembering GX India

Can you believe it’s been two months since over 500 people gathered in India to celebrate community tourism?

GX India, co-hosted by G Adventures and Planeterra,? brought together travel industry representatives from around the globe, including travel agents, media, content creators, partners, suppliers, and travellers.?

It also showcased nine inspiring community tourism enterprises and organizations supported by Planeterra from across the country. These included:

Women With Wheels

The Women With Wheels program by Sakha Consulting Wings empowers marginalized women in India with safe transport jobs, challenging norms and boosting economic independence. Supported by Planeterra and G Adventures, the initiative has trained over 1,190 drivers and 213 logistics riders.

Sunder Rang

Sunder Rang is a community-based initiative that fosters the economic and social empowerment of women in rural India. Through arts and crafts, they showcase the rich cultural heritage of India while providing women with much-needed income and recognition.

Sheroes Hangout

Founded by the Chhanv Foundation in 2014, Sheroes Hangout is a café and support center for acid attack survivors. It provides income, aids recovery, and challenges stigmas, helping women rebuild confidence and live with dignity. [Learn more about Sheroes Hangout here.]

Together We Earn (TWE)

TWE’s café, led by the Theruvarom NGO, empowers rural women in Kerala by offering job training and creating employment. Planeterra’s support helped complete their training center and kitchen, boosting skills in catering and tourism. This initiative enhances women’s confidence and financial independence while expanding their job opportunities.

Tenacious Bee Collective

Tenacious Bee Collective revives and promotes beekeeping as a sustainable rural income source. They boost local bee populations and ecological balance while empowering beekeepers. Their impactful work earned them the 2023 Planeterra Global Community Tourism Fund grant.

Odisha Ecotourism Foundation

The Odisha Ecotourism Foundation empowers local communities by fostering respect for their natural and cultural heritage. They support eco-tourism, train grassroots communities, and advocate for sustainable practices. Their impactful work earned them the 2023 Planeterra Global Community Tourism Fund grant.

Pink City Rickshaw

Pink City Rickshaw empowers Jaipur’s women by training them to offer unique tours of iconic landmarks like the Hawa Mahal in designer e-rickshaws. This initiative provides economic opportunities, boosts social status, and promotes eco-friendly transport.

Salaam Baalak Trust – City Walk

Salaam Baalak Trust Delhi supports over 5,000 children in New Delhi with housing and education. Their “City Walk” program empowers former street children to lead guided tours, sharing their stories of survival and freedom. Discover Delhi’s street life through their eyes and see how tourism funds scholarships and job placements, enhancing their skills and creating a lasting impact.

Anoothi

Anoothi, a women-led social enterprise, empowers survivors of violence by providing skills for financial independence. With Planeterra’s support, Anoothi has enhanced its tourism facilities, offering hands-on block printing workshops and deeper cultural experiences for travellers.

Each organization had the opportunity to share their incredible work by hosting GX attendees and participating in the first-ever Planeterra Marketplace.??

In addition to these inspiring showcases, we gathered on September 27th for the World Community Tourism Summit, where vital conversations about travel, community tourism, and the environment unfolded through insightful panel discussions and keynote presentations. Read more about the summit here.

Ready to get involved? Support community tourism today by visiting our website and learning how you can make a difference. Together, we can create lasting change through travel.