The Weavers from Ollantaytambo

The TUI Care Foundation, started in 2021 a beautiful pilot program called ¨Ollantaytambo's Wonderful Weavers in Peru¨, aimed at enriching the weaving skills of more than 135 talented craftswomen belonging to 5 rural communities located in Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco. Thanks to the success of the project, TUI Colorful Cultures Peru was born in July 2022 to continue developing the training of weavers, because in this corner of the world, the art of weaving transcends its main function as clothing, becoming a fundamental pillar of their heritage, culture and deep-rooted millenary traditions.

These communities, including Patacancha, Rumira-Sondormayo, Huilloc, Quellccancca and Yanamayo, have benefited from the program with comprehensive training that includes both production skills and market strategy training. This holistic approach aims to increase their sales, especially in the competitive tourism market, through the creation and commercialization of innovative, handcrafted products. These include a wide range of items such as cushions, table runners, rugs, coasters and paintings that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. Most recently, in February this year, the talented artisans received specialized technical assistance to standardize the most wanted designs that will result from the production of 10 collections between 2021 and 2023. These collections, characterized by a preference for natural colors, have been in great demand, even specifically requested. In response to this market interest, the weavers strive to remain faithful to the exact replication and standardization of the patterns. This commitment to quality and constant adaptation reflects the artisan's determination to optimize their resources and maximize the benefits of their work.

On the other hand, it′s worth mentioning that as of this month, the new configuration of the General Assembly of this cooperative is composed exclusively by artisan women from Ollantaytambo, marking an important milestone. These women, encouraged by the program, are not only strengthening their business skills, but also consolidating their leadership as empowered entrepreneurs. This transformation strengthens their individual identities and also helps preserve and enrich the region's great cultural heritage, ensuring that their traditions endure and thrive over time.

It′s important to note that, as part of the training, the community of Rumira-Sondormayo, known to date for its production of ojotas (traditional flip-flops), is in the process of receiving technical advice from experts. The purpose of this support is to facilitate the launch of a new collection that combines the art of weaving with leather work, in addition to expanding its product range and offering a more diversified offer. The products of this new line will include wallets, purses, belts and bags that reflect the creativity and craftsmanship of the community, while diversifying their sources of income and strengthening their position in the market.

The success achieved between July 2022 and the end of 2023, with the sale of 2,356 products in prominent tourist sites in Cusco and Lima, is the result of a combination of crucial factors. On one hand, the valuable support and knowledge provided by the TUI Colorful Cultures Program in Peru was fundamental.

However, the real driving force behind this achievement has been the tireless and dedicated efforts of the weavers, who have now become entrepreneurs. Their commitment and hard work has enabled them to significantly exceed the sales expectations set for 2024, achieving an impressive 106.67% increase.

This success reflects not only the program's effectiveness in empowering local communities, but also the ability of these women to transform their traditional skills into a thriving, sustainable business.?

The continuity of this program is crucial to ensure the constant progress of these rural communities of women artisans. Their training and the provision of tools are critical not only to their own and their families, but also to the preservation of a priceless cultural legacy. By continuing to pass on this knowledge and skills to future generations, these women ensure that our cultural heritage and richness will endure and be perpetuated.