BuildingResilientFutures,Together
How community-led tourism is unlocking opportunity, equity, and lasting change.
This Annual Report shares the story of why we do what we do—because we believe that every person, no matter where they live, deserves the chance to thrive.
In the rural communities we walk alongside, resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a daily necessity. It’s a parent finding new income through a homegrown enterprise. It’s a student discovering confidence through hands-on learning. It’s a village taking ownership of its future through regenerative, community-led tourism. And behind it all is a shared commitment to dignity, equity, and opportunity.
At Discova, our purpose is to empower this resilience to support communities in designing experiences and enterprises that work for them, while also creating meaningful impact for travellers and partners. We’re not here to lead—we’re here to listen, co-create, and grow stronger together.
This report is both a reflection and a call to action. As you explore the milestones, data, and stories ahead, we invite you to see the communities not as beneficiaries, but as partners and innovators—each shaping a future where tourism regenerates more than it consumes. Because when community voices lead, real transformation begins.
OurPeople,OurPurpose
Meet the Community Development Team
Our work is only as strong as the people behind it. Meet the passionate team members leading change on the ground across Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Chi Ngo – Vietnam
Xin Chao! I am Chi Ngo, Community Project Leader, based in Vietnam. I’m passionate about working hand in hand with communities to create meaningful, lasting impact.
My focus is on projects that combine education, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism, ensuring they meet real local needs. Collaboration is at the core of my work I believe communities thrive when they lead their own solutions. Whether co-designing training or supporting cultural and environmental preservation, I’m committed to helping communities build resilience and opportunities for the future
Seeing individuals grow with confidence and pride inspires me every day.
Sopheak Chheang – Cambodia
Sousdey! My name is Sopheak, and I have been working as a Community Project Executive at Discova since 2023. During my time here, I have thoroughly enjoyed working for Discova and collaborating with the local community.
I am grateful for the opportunities to create mutually beneficial initiatives that have a positive impact on everyone in the community. A significant part of my work involves engaging with local communities through meaningful and sustainable development initiatives that positively impact everyone in the community.
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Siwaporn Sooksai – Thailan
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Chau Ha – Vietnam
Xin Chao! My name is Chau, and I’ve of the Discova story since 2003. I started village cook for educational travel preparing meals and sharing stories travellers over warm, home-cooked always believed in the power of connection, and over time, that belief led me path.
Ten years ago, I was invited to support activities, and later, I became Coordinator. Today, I work closely communities, Discova teams, and travellers to coordinate both infrastructure projects and cultural experiences. speak much English, but I’ve mastered vocabulary of smiles, gestures, construction words to get the job done—and I’m proud to be part of something my village grow stronger, together.
OurCommunities
Our Discova projects are entirely and exclusively run by our Community Development team, addressing a range of socio-cultural, environmental, and economic challenges in grassroots communities across our destinations. In 2025, we remain committed to continually supporting, empowering, and uplifting the communities we work with while delivering transformational educational experiences and expanding our travel offerings to include leisure travel and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Our Communities:
Manggis Community, Bali, Indonesia
Knapor and Chansor Community, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Trei Nhoar Community, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Kok Na Sai, Tai Yuan, and Muang Ngam Village in Sao Hai Community, Saraburi, Thailand
Om Goi Community, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Vinh Long Community, Vietnam
Na Chao Community, Mai Chau, Vietnam
Quyet Thang Community, Mai Chau, Vietnam
Bidayuh Community, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia
LeadingwithPurpose
Read the full story: discova.com/leading-with-purpose-reflections-on-our-2025-leaders-conference
During our 2025 Leaders’ Conference, we brought our purpose to life on the ground in two of our long-standing community partners—Trei Nhoar in Cambodia and Sao Hai in Thailand.
In Trei Nhoar, our teams worked alongside local leaders to install 10 solar lights, improving safety and visibility after dark for families across the village. We also participated in immersive experiences designed and led by the community themselves, including Dining Under the Stars and Khmer cooking workshops. These activities didn’t just provide insight into local culture—they generated direct income and helped amplify the community’s hospitality skills.
Meanwhile, in Sao Hai, we joined Tai Yuan and Lao Vieng women, as well as returning youth now training as cultural guides, in a series of heritagebased activities that celebrate and preserve local identity. From a forest ordination ceremony to Jekchoey rice processing and community-led cooking classes, each moment was a reflection of Sao Hai’s commitment to keeping cultural practices alive through tourism.
The week reminded us that community development doesn’t happen in isolation —it’s powered by connection, co-creation, and shared purpose. Our presence wasn’t just symbolic; it generated real impact, strengthened partnerships, and deepened our collective resolve to ensure that when communities lead, tourism becomes a true force for good.
Dining Under the Stars in Trei Nhoar, Cambodia
Cooking class in Trei Nhoar, Cambodia
Traditional rice processing in Kok Na Sai, Thailand
Traditional snack making in Kok Na Sai, Thailand
Cycling in Sao Hai, Thailand Monk offering in Tai Yuan, Thailand
OurStrategy:EmpowerResiliencein LocalCommunities
The team came together in 2007 to set up and manage our eight exclusive development projects, designed to support local communities at our destinations. We also actively collaborate with NGOs and Social Enterprises to support and drive sustainable projects that promote responsible tourism across Southeast Asia.
In 2025, our mission to foster resilience in marginalised communities took root through projects that spanned education, infrastructure, tourism, and enterprise development.
We focused on three core areas of impact:
1. Infrastructure and Education
We upgraded and built essential community assets—roads, sanitation, housing, clinics, and schools—ensuring they are safe, inclusive, and conducive to learning and growth. Free English and digital literacy classes provided young learners with future-ready skills.
3. Social Enterprises
We supported small-scale, community-run ventures—from handmade skincare and woven textiles to rice and tea production— building economic independence and celebrating local craftsmanship.
2. Community-Based Tourism
We co-developed tourism experiences that celebrate local culture while creating sustainable income. These include immersive village visits, hospitality training, homestays, and wellness programmes designed and delivered by the communities themselves.
OurApproach
We are intentional in how we invest and operate. Every project is guided by four principles:
Maximising impact from available resources
Ensuring clear accountability for funds and actions
Meeting genuine, locally identified needs
Fostering ownership and leadership within communities
OurGoals
What we set out to do: For the 2024-2025 financial year, the Discova Community Team remained committed to our core goals, with a renewed focus on measurable impact:
Ensure services to provide for quality education:
Build and upgrade education facilities that are child and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all. Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education.
Provide free English and digital classes for children to make a significant impact on their education and future opportunities.
Ensure services to provide for basic human needs:
Services that enhance the safety and welfare of the community, such as solar lighting; water dams, roads, etc.
Provide safe, decent, affordable housing with safe and healthy living conditions. Programmes to improve hygiene: clean and safe water. Programmes to protect natural resources and promote sustainable living practices.
Create employment opportunities and economic growth:
Support public improvement projects in qualifying neighbourhoods. Support economic development activities.
Foster environmental stewardship
Implement projects focused on conservation, sustainable resource management, and ecological restoration.
Promote community-led initiatives that enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts.
OurAchievements
Discova Community accomplishes its goals through:
1. Educational services
2. Project management services
3. Job creation
4. Local entrepreneurship development
5. Community micro credit funds
The 2025 financial year saw Discova Community not only continue its core work but also strategically adapt to emerging community needs, embracing innovative solutions to maximise impact. We are proud of the progress made and the resilient spirit of the communities we partner with.
OurContributions
Discova Educational Travel had successfully provided direct financial contributions to communities, supported by 1,818 clients travelling and fundraising a total of USD 260,927.
Contribution in financial year 2025
These contributions were instrumental in enabling more than 1,000 children to attend school, providing six villages with access to clean water, and creating sustainable livelihoods. Every dollar directly translated into tangible improvements and empowered local communities to build a brighter future.
CommunityDevelopmentProjects
Discova Educational Travel provides professional project management services that allow our clients to effectively contribute to the economic and social development of communities they visit. Project management services are conducted free of charge as part of Discova’s contribution to community development. In this way, we ensure that 100% of client donations go directly to the project, with no management or administrative fees.
Projects are usually a limited activity to achieve a specific goal within a specified time frame. This might entail building a school or other village infrastructure or providing professional services. In the financial year 2025, we successfully managed projects in Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia worth USD 106,927, which focused on strengthening the education, economy, healthcare, and environmental resilience of the local communities we worked in.
Community toilet in Trei Nhoar, Cambodia
School toilet in Trei Nhoar, Cambodia
Community road in Mai Chau, Vietnam
Clinic water tank in Mai Chau, Vietnam
CommunityDevelopmentProjects
Chansar and Trei Nhoar, Cambodia
Trei Nhoar Classroom
Trei Nhoar kitchen for community hub
50 Solar lights installed at village
Chansar English teacher salary for one year
Trei Nhoar Toilet for community hub
Na
for villagers and visitors
safety and visibility in the village after dark
Sustained English language education for about 200 students.
for villagers and visitors
a safe and functional space for community gatherings, training, and cultural activities
CommunityDevelopmentProjects (continued)
Project Name
Na Chao Microfinance fund to support 20 women 3000
Na Chao 01 Water dam and 02 bridge building 12,800
Na Chao 01 Clinic renovation 2000
Na Chao 01 Water Tank for local clinic 2200
Khai Cai 700m Road building (on going) 4,500
Vinh Long 01 Social house building 2,000
Vinh Long 24 Solar lights Installed at villages 1,400
Enhanced financial literacy and business management skills
Improved access to farms and water management for approximately 200 farming households
Improved healthcare access and patient care by upgrading facilities for approximately 20 - 40 patients per day
Ensured consistent water supply, benefiting 20 - 40 patients per day
Enhanced accessibility and safety for two villages
Provided safe and stable housing for one vulnerable family
Improved safety and quality of life in the community Projects collaboration with local NGOs/ Social Enterprises
project in Hoi An, Vietnam 4,000 Contributed to local biodiversity and climate resilience
Enhanced quality of life, directly contribute to a better living environment and overall well-being for residents. Community Infrastructure improvement in Battambang, Cambodia 3,000
Enhanced quality of life, directly contribute to a better living environment and overall well-being for residents.
Elephants Conservation Projects, Cambodia 5,000 Protected and restored habitat.
ProjectPhotos
Playground at Trei Nhoar Primary School
Solar lights in Trei Nhoar, Cambodia
New toilet blocks in Trei Nhoar, Cambodia
Community Hub in Trei Nhoar, Cambodia
Solar lights in Om Goi, Thailand
Pakkeng High School in Seuang River, Laos
ProjectPhotos
Laptop donation in Sao Hai, Thailand
English class in Mai Chau, Vietnam
Chicken farm in Sao Hai, Thailand
Body butter product in Manggis, Indonesia
Na Chao village road in Mai Chau, Vietnam
Donation to a hospital in Vietnam
CommunityHealthPromotion
Health is a critical factor in poverty alleviation. Poor health can quickly lead to poverty, while health and wellness can lead to prosperity. Discova works with partner agencies, universities, and local health authorities to provide clinical placements for faculty-led medical and nursing students and professionals in remote, hard-to-access villages. Mobile clinics are set up to protect and promote good health through check-ups, vaccinations, and health education. Our clients work in the clinics to treat ailments under the supervision of the local healthcare practitioners.
The main tasks in these community health programmes include:
Basic health checks and primary healthcare provision
Skills exchange with healthcare workers through the course of a working day
Health education with the community and schools (sanitation, diet and nutrition, dental hygiene, etc.)
Women’s workshops focusing on ante and postnatal care
This financial year, we successfully managed two community health placements across two communities and served more than 300 patients with a funding of USD 4,000 for medication, equipment, and treatment
JobCreation
The Discova Community team works long-term with our community partners to develop sustainable community-based tourism products. This includes promoting aspects of the local culture to visitors that residents could ultimately benefit from.
We view this as the most fundamental opportunity that a for-profit company can engage in for long-term poverty alleviation. We create sustainable, well-paid employment in rural communities that protect local environments, enhance traditional cultures, and instil community pride through self-reliance.
In 2025, we channelled USD 105,079 in wages directly into local communities, creating meaningful livelihoods across a wide range of roles—from handicraft artisans and eco-tourism guides to homestay hosts, local cooks, and cultural facilitators.
VillageStay
The Discova Community team provides Village Stays at our community development projects in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. There is no better way to experience the local way of life than learning, living, and laughing together with the host community.
Participants have the chance to share homes in teams of three or four. Bedding is arranged with fresh sheets, blankets, pillows, and mosquito nets upon arrival. Living is basic, and all should expect bucket showers and very basic Asian-style squat toilets. All meals are eaten together as a group and prepared in the village by well-trained local cooks. We can cater to various dietary requirements if informed in advance.
In 2025, our Village Stays generated a total income of USD 9,668 for the communities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Guests consistently highlighted the authentic cultural immersion and the warmth of their host families as defining aspects of their experience, often praising the delicious local cuisine and the opportunity to participate in daily village life.
VillageFund
The Discova Community Development team works to ensure equitable distribution of income throughout a community by providing opportunities for all to participate. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. For example, not every household is able to afford a toilet and bathing area required to provide a homestay.
To ensure equity in the distribution of benefits, every guest at one of our communities provides a daily contribution to a community micro credit fund. These funds are managed and administered by the communities for agreed-upon improvements. These include road repairs, improving community health, and facilities for their guests.
In 2025, we successfully created village fund contributions for a total of USD 15,253 for the communities. These funds were specifically utilised to repair community infrastructure and support a local youth education programme.
2025 – 2026 Focus
Through the different projects we fund and support, in the 2026 financial year, we expect to keep contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in our destinations on the following issues:
1. Education:
Project
Idea: Digital Literacy and Community Tech Hubs
Establish and equip community learning centres with computers, internet access, and educational software. Develop a structured curriculum for digital literacy, coding basics, and online safety for students and adults. Train local facilitators to ensure sustainability.
Impact:
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education. Achieve gender equality by empowering women and girls with tech skills.
Project Idea: Vocational Skills and Entrepreneurship Mentorship
Partner with local vocational schools or skilled community members to offer specialised training workshops (e.g., sustainable agriculture techniques, advanced handicraft production, basic tourism hospitality, digital marketing for small businesses)
Complement this with a mentorship programme connecting trainees with successful local entrepreneurs.
Impact:
Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all.
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable communities.
2. Well-being
Project: Community-Led Sanitation and Hygiene Programmes
Fund and facilitate community-led initiatives for improved sanitation infrastructure (e.g., construction of communal composting toilets, waste segregation and recycling systems).
Conduct regular workshops on hygiene practices, water purification, and disease prevention, especially targeting schools and women's groups.
Impact:
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being across all ages
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
3. Economic
Project: Micro-Enterprise Development Fund and Market Access
Create a revolving micro-enterprise fund to provide small, interest-free loans to community members for starting or expanding small businesses (e.g., food processing, local crafts, eco-tourism services).
Develop partnerships with local markets, online platforms, or tourism operators to help these businesses reach wider customer bases.
Impact:
Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all.
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
3. Economic (continued)
Project: Sustainable Tourism Product Development
Work with local communities to identify and develop new, authentic, and sustainable tourism experiences (e.g., traditional cooking classes, guided nature walks, cultural performances).
Provide training in hospitality, customer service, and responsible tourism practices to community members who will lead these activities.
Impact:
Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all.
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
4. Environment
Project Idea: Community-Based Reforestation and Agroforestry
Organise community-wide tree-planting initiatives using native species, focusing on degraded areas or watersheds.
Introduce agroforestry techniques that integrate trees with crops and livestock, enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and food security.
Provide training on sustainable land management.
Impact:
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Project: Renewable Energy for Community Facilities
Fund the installation of solar panels or other small-scale renewable energy systems for key community facilities such as schools, health clinics, or community centres. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers operational costs, and serves as an educational example of sustainable energy.
Impact:
Ensure access to affordable, re Take urgent action to combat
HighlightsfromtheField
Showcasing the professional growth and global advocacy initiatives that have strengthened our team’s impact and elevated community voices on an international stage.
Regeneration Training
In March, Chi Ngo joined a ground-breaking Regeneration Training at Hoi An’s Community Learning Centre, led by changemakers like the Green Youth Collective. The programme explored how zero-waste systems, permaculture, and participatory leadership can build more resilient, equitable communities.
Chi learned how waste can be reframed as a resource, how soil can be rebuilt through composting, and how shared spaces can foster social connections. From tool libraries and community compost to circular economies and regenerative agriculture, she now brings practical tools to embed these concepts into Discova’s projects.
"This experience transformed the way I see community projects. Zero waste is not just about reducing landfill it's about designing systems that nourish people, land, and relationships at the same time " Chi
Spotlighting Isaan’s Rise in Community-Based Tourism
In July 2025, Judy represented Discova at The Secret Sauce Business Summit in Khon Kaen, Thailand, where a key session highlighted the growing role of communitybased tourism (CBT) in Isaan post-COVID-19.
The discussion emphasised that travellers now seek more meaningful experiences, with Isaan’s unique culture and hospitality making it a prime destination for sustainable, community-led tourism. For Judy, the summit reinforced that CBT is a movement focused on dignity, storytelling, and uplifting local communities.
Strengthening Collaboration in Siem Reap
A few months ago, Sopheak Chheang was invited to attend a meeting with the Governor of Siem Reap, local community groups, and NGOs. The purpose was to strengthen collaboration between organisations and local authorities.
During the meeting, participants shared their feedback, challenges, and experiences regarding their work with authorities and project implementation across Siem Reap. This meeting was a crucial step in building stronger partnerships among the government, local communities, and NGOs.
HighlightsfromtheField
Championing
Community and Climate at the World Economic Forum
This June, Ni Putu Ari Sintya Dewi represented Discova and Bali’s Kaura Learning Hub at the 2025 World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China. Among global leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society, Sintya joined critical discussions on climate action, green skills, and inclusive innovation.
Key sessions explored business models for climate resilience, revealing that sustainable impact must be both mission-driven and financially viable especially in community-led tourism. Sintya also reflected on how rising demand for “green skills” presents a unique opportunity to prepare youth at Kaura for future-focused careers.
As a speaker in the “From Forum to Campus” initiative, she shared Discova’s work in Manggis, inspiring Chinese university students to see the value of diverse, community-rooted pathways to higher education.
Her time in China reinforced the importance of systems thinking and global collaboration to elevate tourism as a regenerative force for good.
"This experience gave me a fresh perspective not just on climate and innovation, but on how deeply community and education must be part of the solution Tourism can be a powerful bridge when we work across industries and cultures."
Sintya
