Planeterra is the world ’ s leading non-profit organization using tourism to uplift communities . For the last 20 years , their efforts have centered on providing opportunities for local organizations and communities around the world to harness the benefits of tourism . Through Community-Based Tourism ( CBT ), Planeterra strives to see a world where people create their own economic opportunities , places are protected , and cultures are celebrated through travel . Through its work , Planeterra has successfully developed and supported over a 100 communityowned enterprises , proving that , when done right , community tourism can be a catalyst for positive change . Its work comprises the provision of capacity building training to local communities whose interests lay in building tourism related skills , granting small startup funds , and more . As Planeterra celebrates its 20th Anniversary , Planeterra ’ s work directly impacts around 2708 women , 825 youth and 5218 community members and has indirectly impacted over 67,852 people . These are individuals who are part of a household benefiting from tourism income and activities such as running homestays , hiking tours , cycling , meal preparation experiences , environmental conservation experiences and handicraft making . These communities receive mentorship and much needed training on aspects related to community tourism .
With the world emerging from a global pandemic , a shift for the better can be seen in travelers who want to experience meaningful encounters that create benefits for both the communities they visit , and the planet . This is where Planeterra ’ s community partners fit in well as they use their local knowledge to provide a world class experience that allows travelers to get a taste of the local culture while fostering respect and understanding . More often than not , community tourism experiences also have positive impacts on the environment . Some of the practices travelers can learn and apply during their visits include eating locally , consuming seasonally grown vegetables , not using single-use plastics , or eating on biodegradable plates , which used to be a common local practice among communities before the influx of plastic .
To expand support and reach more communities during the Covid-19 pandemic , Planeterra launched the Global Community Tourism Network ( GCTN ). This online platform offers a space for peer to peer learning and most importantly , it provides a sense of
Visitor learning how to make clay jewelry . Photo by RMT .
54 www . insidehimalayas . com by Royal Mountain Travel