The tourism sector is a multi-trillion-dollar field, but numerous local communities that contribute to the appeal of travel often do not benefit from its advantages.
That’s the first line of Planterra’s latest community impact report, and it’s important to reflect on its meaning. Local communities and areas around the globe that welcome tourists often don’t see the financial benefits from tourism revenue.
However, Planterra, a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes community-based tourism models, is dedicated to making this change happen. It is achieving this with the support of major players in the tourism industry and partners such as G Adventures, Iberostar Foundation, and the online platform for customized tours, Evaneos.
In 2024, the non-profit achieved substantial advancements in supporting community-based tourism initiatives across the globe.
As per Planterra’s recently released Impact Report 2024, community-based tourism initiatives led to measurable, enduring improvements for communities worldwide in the past year, including:
- More than 30,000 individuals generated revenue via Planeterra-backed travel and environmental programs
- Over 191,000 people experienced lasting benefits including job opportunities, better access to education, and enhanced infrastructure.
- 133,340 tourists participated in community-based travel activities
- 2.65 million trees were planted as part of nature-positive tourism initiatives
As discussions about fairness and environmental responsibility in travel become more prevalent and attract attention, the specialists at Planterra state that their report provides some understanding of what can be achieved when tourism is thoughtfully created.with communities, rather than travel being designedaround communities.
“Community-based tourism is changing the way we explore, by making sure that the individuals residing in the locations we visit are also the ones leading and gaining from the tourism industry,” states the impact report.
“When communities take the initiative, tourism serves as a means of self-governance: creating revenue, enhancing local leadership, protecting traditions, and fostering more equitable and long-lasting economic systems,” the report states.
Furthermore, as per Planterra, community tourism not only enhances livelihoods but also supports Sustainable Development Goals that are essential in a world facing challenges like climate change and widespread species loss.
What is community tourism?
Community tourism is a concept that can have various interpretations depending on who you ask. However, the commonly accepted definition refers to a tourism model where the revenue generated directly supports the entire community, whether it’s a village or a group of people.
In support of local economies, community-based tourism can assist in minimizing what the report refers to as “economic leakage,” which occurs when money from tourism exits the local economy.
“Community tourism focuses on local suppliers, in contrast to traditional tourism that frequently uses imported products,” states Planterra’s impact report.
In 2024, Planterra’s partners demonstrated this approach by having 66 percent of them obtain most or all of their goods from local stores, while 51 percent sourced their products from local farms.
“This helps keep more money within the community, supports local businesses, and typically reduces the carbon footprint due to shorter supply chains,” states the report.
At its best, community tourism also contributes to the preservation and restoration of nature. Additionally, Planterra’s community partners helped achieve this in 2024 by creating systems that align with nature and by investing in the future of the environment.
These initiatives involved: 63 percent of Planterra partners reconnecting people with nature, 59 percent safeguarding animals and their well-being; 87 percent promoting sustainable supply chains, and 59 percent allocating funds toward environmental investment.
These are just some of the key points from Planterra’s Impact Report 2024. Additional achievements in community tourism for 2024, made possible by the support of Planterra and its partners and donors, included:
- 119 community-based tourism businesses affiliated with travel agencies
- $668,488 in funding allocated worldwide
- 88 communities reaping the rewards of climate and ecological programs
“Collectively, we are turning travel into a force for good, generating income opportunities, honoring traditions, preserving nature, and empowering communities to build their own futures,” said Jamie Sweeting, president of Planterra.
