Community Tourism
Integration
A Path to Impactful Travel with Planeterra
Tourism that uplifts communities
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 path to a travel experience
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.
A travel experience that connects
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.
Planeterra
Planeterra is the world’s leading nonprofit using tourism to uplift communities. Through partnerships with community-led tourism enterprises and local organizations across the globe, Planeterra ensures that travel creates lasting, positive impact. By strengthening local capacity and connecting communities to meaningful market opportunities, it supports efforts to protect natural and cultural heritage, generate sustainable employment, and empower local leadership within the tourism sector.