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Planeterra, the world’s leading non-profit organization that works towards uplifting communities through travel, has launched the second round of the Global Community Tourism Fund. The grant program aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation for community tourism enterprises worldwide by providing small grants of up to $3,000 USD, community-specific training, and mentorship. This initiative aims to create opportunities for local people to benefit from tourism.

In many places worldwide, communities lack access to capital or recovery support, making competing in the tourism market difficult. Planeterra helps support enterprises to reopen safely through this fund, make more positive impacts, and provide unique tourism experiences.

To apply for the grant, community tourism enterprises must be approved members of the Global Community Tourism Network. The network is a free-of-charge supportive group of organizations working together to achieve ambitious impact goals. Planeterra provides network members access to online training, connection with peers around the globe, and partnership and promotional opportunities.

During the first funding round in May 2022, the Global Community Tourism Fund awarded grants to seven businesses, including Osmose, a Cambodian NGO dedicated to environmental preservation, and Red de Turismo Comunitario Jipijapa Wankavilka, an Ecuadorian network supporting tourism development in seven local communities.

This project helped rural communities in Ecuador get promotional materials needed for people to get to know their territory and all its potential to be a tourist destination. This project allowed access to training for community representatives, which will improve their skills and positively impact their territories and local organizations.

As part of its commitment to building a better kind of tourism, Planeterra has already supported over 100 community tourism enterprises worldwide through training, mentoring, start-up grants, and connecting them with the travel industry through its corporate partners. With this, Planeterra benefits both parties, as hosting travellers generate income for communities, while travel companies can offer meaningful experiences to customers.

Travel companies interested in partnering with Planeterra or supporting the Global Community Tourism Fund can contact [email protected].

In conclusion, the Global Community Tourism Fund is an excellent initiative to uplift communities worldwide through travel. By providing grants, training, and mentorship, Planeterra creates opportunities for local people to benefit from tourism. Moreover, the organization is committed to building better tourism that benefits communities and travellers. We hope more organizations follow in Planeterra’s footsteps and contribute to responsible tourism initiatives worldwide.