The travel industry stands on the precipice of a revolution. Leading this charge is the groundbreaking collaboration between Iberostar Group, through its Iberostar Foundation, and Planeterra, a renowned non-profit centred on transformative tourism.

Setting its sights on profound change, this partnership is poised to overhaul community tourism experiences at Iberostar destinations, aiming for the holistic development of local communities and safeguarding their invaluable ecosystems.

The Vision: By 2030, the synergy between Iberostar and Planeterra aspires to:

Community-based tourism projects

• Engage over 955,000 potential travellers in authentic community tourism experiences.
• Elevate the lives of more than 13,000 individuals across 35 distinct communities.
• Rollout 36 meticulously crafted tourism projects.

Amplifying the initiative’s scale, pilot projects have successfully taken off in the tourism hotspots of Mexico and the Dominican Republic, regions boasting 18 luxurious Iberostar properties. The ultimate objective? Encompass all global destinations under the Iberostar banner within this transformative journey by the decade’s close.

Alejandro Borrás, spearheading the Iberostar Foundation, passionately elaborates, “Our vision transcends mere tourism. We envision empowering local communities, making them not just beneficiaries but proactive stakeholders. Through this alliance with Planeterra, we’re weaving them into the very fabric of the tourism value chain.”

Community tourism experiences

Planeterra’s President, Jamie Sweeting, echoes this sentiment, remarking, “While many chains observe from the sidelines, Iberostar is setting unparalleled benchmarks. Envision the seismic shift if this model, stretching across 16 nations and 100 properties, becomes the industry gold standard.”

Caribbean’s Cenotes Conservation: Iberostar’s commitment is evident in Mexico’s Caribbean community of Chemuyil, where over 50 cenotes and the vibrant Yucatan Peninsula flora and fauna are preserved. By promoting exclusive itineraries beyond the traditional tourist paths, more than 30 families reap the benefits, guiding guests through breathtaking locales, cenote visits, and delectable gastronomy trails.

Dominican Republic’s Craft & Cocoa Chronicles: Showcasing the program’s adaptability, the Iberostar Costa Dorada Hotel introduces guests to the mesmerizing world of cocoa processing and wood carving. Collaborations with local groups, like the Chocal Cooperative and the Petrified Wood Association, help over 450 local families while educating travellers on sustainable practices and traditions.

Such experiences, exclusive to Iberostar, allow guests to contribute directly to the communities, bypassing traditional tourist avenues. The by-product? Enhanced awareness of local conservation, culture appreciation, and stimulation of regional economies.

In conclusion, Iberostar’s revolutionary partnership with Planeterra isn’t just reshaping the future of tourism but redefining its soul. Their pioneering approach demonstrates that major hotel chains can indeed be catalysts for community well-being, environmental guardianship, and celebrating culture and traditions, creating a blueprint for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Written by: Jill Walsh

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