As global tourism continues to expand, so does our responsibility to shape it for the better. At the DERTOUR Foundation, we believe that travel should be about more than just discovering new places. It’s about forging genuine connections, creating opportunities on the ground, and preserving the natural and cultural treasures worth protecting.
The new project by our DERTOUR Foundation is redefining what sustainable tourism can look like. In collaboration with our partner Planeterra, we are pursuing an ambitious goal – to create five sustainable and community-oriented travel experiences, that:
The new project by our DERTOUR Foundation is redefining what sustainable tourism can look like. In collaboration with our partner Planeterra, we are pursuing an ambitious goal – to create five sustainable and community-oriented travel experiences, that:
In order to ensure that the enterprises’ experiences meet the expectations of our travellers while also benefiting the local communities who host them, intensive preparatory work begins behind the scenes. Together with Planeterra, we search for potential Community Tourism Enterprises – local tourism initiatives that offer something unique in terms of culture, nature, or tradition and are willing to share their experiences with guests.
Once selected, a tailor-made development process supports the communities in making their experiences marketable. The focus is not only on quality and authenticity, but also on the respectful use of resources, culture, and nature. True change can only happen together. Local communities are involved in every step – with pride, dedication, and heart – to create a lasting positive change.
These new experiences will be integrated into DERTOUR’s existing trip offerings, giving travellers the opportunity to learn directly from local communities, support grassroots initiatives, and deepen their understanding of the places they visit.
This initiative goes beyond traditional tourism. It is a model of how tourism can work when it is carefully planned, implemented in partnership, and locally anchored. The project not only strengthens economic structures but also contributes to the protection of natural and cultural assets. Ultimately, it supports communities who have long been sidelined from tourism’s benefits in reclaiming a leadership role in shaping how tourism happens in their region.
This project protects the marine environment in southern Thailand while actively engaging young people. Through more sustainable forms of eco-tourism – such as coastal kayaking tours and batik workshops with local residents – environmental education, cultural heritage and local income opportunities are meaningfully combined.
In the Laem Sak community, a holistic model is emerging that brings together nature conservation and cultural preservation with tangible future prospects for the younger generation.
Within Khao Sok National Park, the local community is committed to preserving indigenous traditions through community-based eco-tourism, linking immersive nature experiences with cultural learning. Homestays, farm-to-table initiatives and traditional crafts create sustainable sources of income while strengthening regional identity.
In partnership with ASOQUEGRAN, a non-profit association of artisan cheese producers, the DERTOUR Foundation supports the preservation of the island’s cultural and culinary heritage. Twenty-three dairies benefit from farm visits, workshops and tastings. This strengthens the sustainable development of rural areas, safeguards jobs and ensures that traditional cheesemaking remains a vibrant part of the region’s identity.
This initiative empowers local women by preserving and passing on authentic culinary traditions. The cooperative runs a local market and offers guided tastings, traditional lunches and cookery classes. In doing so, it enables visitors to experience the region’s cultural heritage first-hand while creating a sustainable source of income for the women involved.
The Carob Mill Arts & Cultural Centre brings the historical significance of the carob tree back to life. Through cultural events and culinary experiences, it keeps traditional knowledge alive and presents it in a contemporary way. At the same time, the centre brings people together, strengthens community collaboration and actively supports local businesses.
Learn more about our partner, Planeterra, on our partner page.
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