Five innovative projects aim to empower women in communities worldwide, championing local traditions and offering new opportunities.
- G Adventures and Planeterra have unveiled five new community tourism initiatives ahead of International Women’s Day, uplifting 444 women globally.
- Among the new projects are Indigenous-led homestays and women-founded restaurants, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth.
- The projects span diverse locations, from Nepal and Guatemala to Laos, Cambodia, and Mexico, each preserving unique local traditions.
- These ventures contribute to a larger mission, Project 300, aiming to integrate 300 social enterprises into G Adventures trips by 2030.
In a bold move to enhance women’s roles in global communities, G Adventures, in partnership with Planeterra, has introduced five novel community tourism projects coinciding with International Women’s Day. These initiatives are designed not only to empower local women but also to preserve and celebrate cultural traditions that might otherwise be lost. By launching these projects, G Adventures furthers its commitment to sustainable tourism and social enterprise, providing local women with the means to support their families and communities.
The Kirtipur Community Homestay in Newari, Nepal, is a testament to Indigenous women’s leadership, offering travellers an authentic cultural experience while supporting the local economy. Similarly, Restaurante El Manglar in Izabel, Guatemala, led by the Cayo Quemado Women’s Committee, exemplifies how local cuisine can be a gateway to cultural understanding and financial independence for women involved.
Further adding to the diversity of experiences, the Ban Ou Community Tourism Project in Luang Prabang, Laos, offers visitors the chance to engage with local customs through activities like traditional weaving and noodle making. Such initiatives ensure that the rich heritage of these communities is not only shared with the world but also valued and preserved.
In Cambodia’s Siem Reap, the Lady Tuk Tuk Driver Association offers a unique perspective by empowering women to take an active role in a traditionally male-dominated profession. Meanwhile, in Oaxaca, Mexico, the artisan cooperative Mujeres Artesanas Zoológico Mágico supports women artisans in showcasing their crafts, thus promoting cultural preservation alongside economic empowerment.
These projects are part of a larger strategic framework aimed at incorporating 300 social enterprises into the G Adventures portfolio by 2030. This ambitious Project 300 reflects an enduring commitment to community-led tourism, supporting local economies while delivering deeply immersive experiences to global travellers.
These initiatives mark a significant step towards sustainable community development and women’s empowerment globally.
