Flying halfway across the globe then having cocktails while you lounge by the pool is either a thing of yesterday or is no longer “fashionable”. In times of flight shaming, climate change, and carbon footprints, a long journey should most certainly be worthwhile and meaningful. And this is exactly what community-based tourism stands for: the inhabitants at your destination share their country and their lives while you have the opportunity to take on social and ecological responsibilities while also taking part in authentic experiences.

Sustainable travel is a give and take; experiences and encounters on one hand and opportunities to preserve culture, flora, and fauna on the other. Most of us usually search for authentic experiences when we go on holiday, so it’s only right that we should also help preserve this authenticity.

It is also especially nice when you also participate in community projects and experience the hospitality of the local people – who also benefit from community-based tourism. They help decide how tourism develops and also have an additional source of income. This makes it a win-win for both parties.

5 Community-based Tourism Destinations Worth Exploring

Homestays in India, and unspoiled nature

For those who want a truly authentic experience of the Assam tea region and the culture of India, the Wild Mahseer in the eastern Himalayas will gladly organize one or more nights with a host family. At the homestays in the small communities, you will not only explore the village but also enjoy the delicious homemade cuisines, help with chores around the farm or try your hand at traditional handicrafts. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture and exchange ideas with the local people, while the communities of Mishing, Nysishi, and Garo, in turn, have access to another reliable source of income.

Thailand: Extraordinary experiences to cherish forever

Thailand is one of the most popular and most visited destinations in Asia. Community-based tourism is not only good for the country but also benefits travelers fleeing mass tourism. Thailand is known for its impressive biodiversity and lush green landscapes. A homestay is a great way to discover them and experience the life of the local people in a genuine way. You can learn how to whip up authentic Thai dishes, help create artisanal handicrafts or even accompany fishermen in their daily routines.

Organizations such as “Local Alike” work hand in hand with the locals. Residents offer a wide variety of activities, from working on a mangrove farm to enjoying a traditional seafood dinner on a boat. The prices are set by the local provider, and “Local Alike” receives only a small handling fee. Every tour and every community-based tourism experience contributes to the preservation of culture and nature and directly supports the communities.

Food for school children at the Zeavola Resort

The Thai Zeavola Resort invites all its guests to visit the local Baan Laem Tong school and help with serving meals. Every Friday, the Zeavola staff cook for students and teachers. The project is financed by the hotel and its guests who donate up to €3,000 a year. Around 40 students come from a small Moken village just five minutes from the Eco-Resort. The Moken, also known as sea nomads, are very grateful for the support of the resort as food and funds are often scarce due to the remote location. Those who help here can get to know life on Phi Phi Island from a different perspective.

Holidays in the Berber homeland

The Kasbah du Toubkal is situated at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in Northern Africa. And it’s not a hotel in the traditional sense, but rather an invitation into the home of the Berbers who run it. The local community and the hotel guests always have the chance to benefit equally from community-based tourism. For guests, a stay at the Kasbah du Toubkal offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the Berber culture and lifestyle. 95% of the employees come from villages in the region, and 80% from within a distance of 2 kilometers. This is what sets the Moroccan hotel in the Atlas Mountains apart from many others.

Community-based Tourism: Authentic Experiences on Holiday — ⓒKasbah du Toubkal

The Imlil Village Association – financed by a five percent overnight surcharge – supports local projects. A school for 80 children in a remote valley has already been built. Other examples include financing a waste disposal system and making the first ambulance and driver in the area possible. The “Education for All” project particularly supports young, disadvantaged girls and gives them the opportunity to complete school and go to university.

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Eco-Luxury and Nature Experiences in Peru

The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is located in the Cusco region which brings together a diverse offering of community-based tourism through unique natural experiences, social responsibility, guided excursions, and a range of cultural activities. We highly recommend an excursion to Cusco Centre for Traditional Textiles. Here, the employees showcase how wool is spun, naturally dyed, and then woven into a wide variety of textiles. The women here have secure jobs with fair wages. Each of them is responsible for their own craft from the wool production to the sale. For a single poncho this can take up to three months – so keep this in mind when negotiating!

The Inkaterra Asociación conducts ecological research within the Inkaterra hotels, in which guests can also participate. Above all, the Inkaterra Guides Field Station is an enriching experience for nature lovers, researchers, students, and volunteers, and invites everyone to explore the Peruvian Amazon through interactive excursions. That way, the rainforest can’t be closer or more authentic.

So, do you think you can give up one of your lavish tourism destinations for a chance to experience community-based tourism? If yes, where would you go?