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Tourythm Community recently hosted an engaging panel discussion featuring community members Anne, Poonam and Alexander. These esteemed panelists shared their wealth of experience in connecting tourists with local communities through sustainable and meaningful experiences. The 60-minute fireside chat delved into various strategies for creating better experiences that truly connect places and people.
Anne emphasized the importance of authenticity in tourism. At Hungry Birds, her focus is on culinary tourism, which she believes is a fantastic way to connect travelers with local cultures. “Food is a universal language,” Anne said. “Through our tours, people get to experience the true essence of a place by tasting its cuisine and meeting the people who make it.” She highlighted that meaningful interactions, such as cooking classes or market visits, allow travelers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture. These experiences create lasting memories and foster respect and responsibility towards the places visited.
Poonam shared her insights on involving local communities in tourism projects. She described how Fernweh Fair Travel engages around 557 people, primarily women, in cultural trekking programs through Himalayan villages. “Connecting people in a sustainable way makes them happy,” she said. Poonam elaborated on how she incentivizes local women to keep their villages and forests clean by contributing to their communal funds. This approach not only maintains the quality and sustainability of the experiences but also empowers the women involved. “It’s all about involving as many people as possible and creating immersive cultural and natural experiences,” she added.
Alexander discussed the importance of creating accommodations that positively impact communities and destinations. SocialBNB focuses on over 500 projects in 40 countries, each aimed at creating a positive impact. “People often ask what they can do when they stay in these places,” he noted. “It’s not just about contributing financially but also about engaging with the community.” Alexander highlighted their new initiative that packages stay with local experiences, involving more people in the value chain. This allows travelers to engage in activities offered by the community, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the local culture.
Anne addressed this by explaining how Hungry Birds prepares their guests to be respectful and aware of the local culture. They avoid overcrowded city centers and focus on smaller neighborhoods, ensuring that their tours remain authentic. “Discussing the importance of meaningful experiences on our tours makes people more aware of sustainable tourism,” she said.
Poonam echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of starting small and expanding thoughtfully. She shared how Fernweh Fair Travel screens their guests to ensure they seek transformative experiences. “We aim to keep our culture intact and not turn into another party destination,” she asserted. By replicating successful models in new areas, they maintain the quality and authenticity of their experiences while growing sustainably.
Overall, the panelists agreed that meaningful connections between places and people are achieved through authentic, community-focused experiences that respect and preserve local cultures. By prioritizing sustainability and thoughtful engagement, tourism can create lasting, positive impacts on both visitors and hosts.
As Poonam aptly summarized, “Sustainable tourism is not so easy, but it is doable. You have to think of a very clear plan that we are not the people who are going to spoil the authenticity of the place.”
For Tourythm Community members who couldn’t attend the session, these insights provide valuable guidance on how to create and sustain better experiences that connect places and people. By focusing on authenticity, community empowerment, and sustainable growth, tourism can become a force for good, enriching both travelers and the communities they visit.
