Planeterra - Impact Report 2023 by Planeterra

ANOTEFROMOURPRESIDENT

DearFriendsandSupporters,

Whatanextraordinaryjourneyweembarkedon togetherin2023!

Theyearmarkedamonumentalmilestonefor Planeterra-our20thAnniversary.Thismilestone notonlyrepresentstwodecadesofimpactful workbutalsoservesasatestamenttoourfirm commitmenttochampioningcommunitytourism andupliftingcommunitiesthroughtravel.

Wewerefortunatetocelebrate20yearsofPlaneterraduringthefirsteditionofGX,a uniqueeventthatunitedtravelindustryprofessionals,journalists,travellers,andlocal communitiesforseveralenlighteningdaysinCuzco,Peru.Over400people experiencedfirst-handwhatcommunitytourismisallabout,anditwastrulymagical.

OneofthehighlightsofGXwastheWorldCommunityTourismSummit,adayfilled withthought-provokingkeynotespeeches,engagingdiscussions,andtwo groundbreakingannouncements.First,weproudlylaunchedProject300,aimedat integrating300communitytourismexperiencesintoGAdventures’itinerariesby 2030,andwealsojoinedforcestoupliftcommunitiesthroughtheTreesforDays program,recognizingtheinterconnectednessofclimate,biodiversity,andtourism.

Anotherpivotaleventthatdefined2023forPlaneterrawastheannouncementofa newcornerstonepartnershipwithIberostar.Thiscollaborationissettinganexample forthewidertourismindustry,demonstratingthateachofuscanplayarolein transformingtravelintoaforceforpositiveimpact.Additionally,wejoinedforceswith theInternationalUnionforConservationofNature(IUCN)onceagain,thistime,to explorehowtourismcanempowercommunitieswhilepreservingandrestoringthe naturalenvironmentinAlbania.

Lookingaheadtothefuturefillsmewithimmenseexcitementandhope.Weremain steadfastinourcommitmenttousingtourismtocreatemeaningfulchangeinthelives ofcommunitiesworldwide.

Thankyouforyourunwaveringsupportanddedicationtoourmission.Ihopeyou enjoyreadingour2023ImpactReport.

ABOUT US

Planeterraisanimpact-drivennon-profitusingtourismtoupliftcommunities.

Tourismisatrillion-dollarglobalindustry,butmanylocalbusinessesandcommunities donotbenefitfromit.Planeterraisonamissiontochangethatbyhelpinglocal organizationsandcommunitiesusetourismasacatalysttoimprovepeople’slives.

Wewanttoseeaworldwherepeoplecreatetheirowneconomic opportunities,placesareprotected,andculturesarecelebrated throughtravel.

Weadvocateforabetterkindoftourism—onewhereeveryonebenefits.Through partnershipswithindustryleaders,weimplementourmarket-driven,traveller-centric model,ensuringthatmoremoneystaysinthehandsoflocalpeople.

Herearesomeofthewayswesupport communityinitiativesindestinations aroundtheworld:

Facilitatinglong-termpartnerships betweencommunityenterprisesandour travelcompanypartners.

Providingstartupgrantsforinfrastructure andequipmenttocreateandimprove tourismexperiences.

Offeringtraining,mentorshipandother opportunitiesthroughtheGlobal CommunityTourismNetwork. Growingknowledgeandunderstanding ofclimateandbiodiversitywhile supportingcommunitiesintheireffortsto restoreandprotectnature.

Raisingawarenessabouttheimportance andbenefitsofcommunitytourismboth forlocalpeopleandfortravellers.

CityWalk NewDelhi,India

WHAT WE SUPPORT

WOMEN'SEMPOWERMENT

Womenmakeupoverhalfofthetourismworkforceand yettheyareoftenunderpaidandhavelimited opportunitiestomoveintohigherpositionsintheirjobs. Planeterrahelpswomenredefinetheirrolesinsocietyby providinglife-changingaccesstoeducationandjob training

NEWPATHSFORYOUTH

Youthinmanypartsoftheworldhavelimitedaccessto formaleducation,andhavefewopportunitiesforjobs. Planeterrasupportsprogramsthathelpatriskyouth developskillstoworkintourismandhospitality,and providesthemwithachancetocreatepositivelifepaths.

CONSERVINGCULTURES

Planeterrasupportsprogramsthatrecognizetheunique offeringsthatIndigenousandruralcommunitieshavefor tourism.Wehelptocreatemeaningfulconnections betweentravellersandIndigenouspeoplethroughsocial enterprise

ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION

Planeterrasupportsprogramsthatpositivelyimpact communitiesbymanaging,protectingandrestoringthe naturalenvironmentforfuturegenerationstoenjoy.

OUR IMPACT IN 2023

Eachyear,PlaneterraconductsacomprehensivesurveyoftheCommunityTourismEnterprises (CTEs)thatwehavesupportedandconnectedwithourtravelcompanypartners.Ourannual surveyprovidesinsightsintotheimpactsoftourismonthesecommunities,helpingusmeasure progressandcelebratesuccesses.

PlaneterraIndirectlyImpacted:

80,679 PEOPLE

Howdowedefineindirectimpact?

Individualswhoarepartofahousehold benefittingfromtourismincomeor individualswhosebusinessesare benefittingfromthemultipliereffectof aneconomickickstarterliketourism.

Directlyimpacting:

Thisincludes:

$2,164,204 TravellerstoPlaneterrasupportedcommunitytourism enterprisesin2023

122,231

Planeterra'simpactnumbersinthisreportdonotreflecttheimpactoftheover+500communitiesin theGlobalCommunityTourismNetwork.Wecontinuetoseekwaystosharetheglobalimpactof communitytourismmeaningfullyandresponsibly. *AboutourImpactNumbers

PLANETERRA-SUPPORTED COMMUNITY TOURISM ENTERPRISES BENEFIT:

IndigenousCommunity:45%

RuralCommunity:39%

Women-33%

Youth-15%

Differently-abledCommunity-5%

Migrant/RefugeeCommunity-3%

OtherMarginalizedCommunities-2%

WAYS COMMUNITY TOURISM ENTERPRISES BENEFITTED FROM OUR ONGOING SUPPORT IN 2023

Webinars

Accesstolearningresourcesinthe

PlaneterraLearningHub

1:1Mentorship

GrantsforInfrastructure

developments

GrantsforEquipment

Improvements

CommunityHours

Creatinganenvironmentally beneficialprogram

Howcommunitiesareusingtourism incometopowertheirfutures:

EnvironmentalProtection,Restoration and/orManagement

Education&Scholarships

Health&Sanitation

EmergencyRelief

Infrastructure Technology

NEW JOBS CREATED IN 2023

Planeterra-supportedcommunitytourism enterprisesfeaturewomeninleadershiproles oractivelyengagedinleadershippositions 43%

Planeterra-supportedcommunitytourism enterprisesareownedandoperatedbyan IndigenousCommunity 38%

Planeterra-supportedcommunitytourism enterpriseshaveprojectssupportingthe Environment

*CommunitiesinvestedoverUS$178,000on environmentalinitiativesin2023by:

WHATCOMMUNITYMEMBERSIMPACTED BYPLANETERRA'SSUPPORTHAVETOSAY

“SihamisoneofthewomenwhoworkonthePlaneterraproject, sheisawidow,shedoesnothaveenoughstrengthtoworkina factoryandtoprovidefortheneedsofhertwochildrenand mother-in-lawwholiveswithher.Sheusedtoleaveatdawnand returnatsunsetforasalaryof$120permonth.ThePlaneterra projectallowsherastablejobforsevenhourseverydaynear herhomeand inawell-equippedkitchenandafeminine environmentwithoutriskofanyharassment,sheissatisfiedand herchildrenaretoo,shecantestify”

-AssociationFemmesetEnfantsRuraux(Morocco)

“OneofSoaZara'sguardsactuallylivedwithhiswifeandthree kidsunderasheetinthestreet.Hisjob(beforegettingthejob asourguard)wastocuttreesandchopthebranchessmall enoughtobeabletosellthemtostartcookingfires.Asaguard, henowliveswithhisfamilyinahouse.Thefirsthousetheirkids everlivedin.Asaguard,hehasasteadysalaryandisableto feedhisfamilyandsendhiskidstoschool”

-AssociationSoaZara(Madagascar)

GraceMazungunyeshares,“ourbusinesshasgrownandwecan nowdevelopourselvesmorethanbefore.Inolongerhaveto worryaboutschoolfeesformychildrenandnowIcanevengo backtoschool.”

-PrincessLaundryandSewingCooperative(Zimbabwe)

“Itcreatesacommunityamonghostfamiliesandprovidespurpose inlifefortheelderly.ThewayIviewoverseashaschangedand myhorizonshaveexpanded.Bytalkingwithguestswhohave come,Icanlearnaboutthesocialsituationinforeigncountries”

-HagiElderlyHomestay(Japan)

50 $1 3.5 MILLION travellersexperiencing communitytourism BILLION worthofincome reachingcommunities MILLION livesimprovedthrough communitytourism

20 YEARS OF IMPACT

In2023,wecelebratedour20thanniversary amilestonerepresentingtwo decadesofharnessingthepowerofcommunitytourismtomakeapositiveimpact.

ThroughoutPlaneterra’sjourney,we'veexperiencedpivotalmomentsandachieved significantmilestones Checkoutsomehighlightsinthe“ALookBackinHistory” sectionacrossthereport.

IN 20 YEARS, WE HAVE...

Grown the Global Community Tourism Network to over 500 communities in 79 countries, connecting 108 of these communities to our travel partners who bring travellers to experience their extraordinary offerings, creating sustainable livelihoods and life-changing impact. And we’re just getting started!

AND THE NUMBER CONTINUES TO GROW

travellersexperiencing communitytourism

Lookingaheadtothenext20years,wearemorededicatedthanevertocontinue growingcommunitytourismsothatitsrippleeffectscancontinuetomultiplyand createevenmorepositivechangeineverycorneroftheglobeforbothcommunities andtravellersalike.

worthofincome reachingcommunities livesimprovedthrough communitytourism

COMING TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE COMMUNITY TOURISM

Our20thAnniversaryandtheWorldCommunityTourismSummitatGX

GX Peru was more than just an event it was a testament to the power of community in shaping a better world. In September, over 400 participants experienced firsthand the impact of community tourism by visiting four different community tourism enterprises (Ccaccaccollo Weaving Co-op, Parque de la Papa, Tinkuy Community Tourism and Parwa Community Restaurant).

Then, on the 27th, U.N. World Tourism Day, everyone gathered for the first-ever World Community Tourism Summit in Cusco, Peru. A diverse lineup of speakers and panelists shared their thoughts and experiences, igniting discussions on how community tourism can make a lasting impact

20 YEARS OF IMPACT

2005 - The Ccaccaccollo Women's Weaving Co-Op became the first community tourism enterprise supported by Planeterra to be established in the Cusco region.

2012 - Planeterra and Inter-American Development Bank collaborated on a $1 million initiative to develop sustainable tourism projects in areas affected by the travel industry. The Parwa Community Restaurant in Cusco is one such organization supported by this effort.

PROJECT 300

Anexcitingannouncementwas revealedduringtheWorld CommunityTourismSummitatGX Peru:PlaneterraandGAdventures introducedtheirlatestinitiative, Project300.

Buildingonthesuccessofthe50in5 campaignandProject100,thisnew initiativehasasingularfocus:to upliftover300communitiesthrough tourismbytheyear2030.

WithProject300,ourgoalistointegrate300engaging andimpactfulCommunityTourismExperiences,driven bycommunitydesiresandcustomerdemand,intoG Adventures'productofferingsby2030.

Thismeansthat300communitieswillbenefitfromtourism,withthousandsofpeople impactedbyitsrippleeffects.

A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY

2015-Weintroducedthe50 in5campaignwithavisionary goal:todevelopand incorporate50newsocial enterprisesintoGAdventures tourswithinfiveyears.

2019-Launched "Project100" buildingonour50in 5campaigntogrow thecommitmentto 100projects.

P300Announcement GXPeru

MEET RAKEL FROM TINKUY

Rakel,oneofthekeymembersoftheTinkuy Association,facedanextraordinary challengewhensheassumedthepresidency ofherassociationin2023.

Hermission:preparethecommunityto welcomealargenumberofvisitorstotheGX Peruevent,thefirst-of-its-kindco-hosted byGAdventuresandPlaneterra.Addingto theenormityofthischallengewasthefact thatRakelwasalsopregnantatthetime.

Withcourageanddetermination,Rakel immersedherselfinmonthsofintense preparation,organization,anddiscussionsto ensurehercommunitywasreadytoreceive visitors.

WhentheGXvisitorsarrived,holdingher babyinherarms,Rakelledherassociation andensuredthatallserviceswere exceptional,leavingalastingimpressionon visitorsanddemonstratingherunparalleled dedicationandleadership.

Inthefollowingmonths,Rakelundertook anothersignificantresponsibility:obtaining officialrecognitionfromtheMinistryof TourismfortheTinkuyAssociationasa communitytourismassociation.Toachieve this,sheembarkedonalongjourneytothe

NationalCommunityTourismEncounter,accompaniedbyherbabyofcourse!Her effortandcommitmentpaidoffwhen,alongsideotherassociations,shereceivedthe long-awaitedrecognitionfromtheDeputyMinisterofTourism.

Rakel'sjourneyisaninspiringtestamenttohercommitmenttohercommunityand responsibletourism,provingthatmotherhoodisnotabarriertoachievinggreat things.

TheseimagescaptureRakel'sjourneytotheNationalCommunityTourismEncounter, whereshewashonouredbytheDeputyMinisterofTourism.

RakelandothermembersofTinkuy,alongwithBruceandJadaPoonTip

BRIDGING COMMUNITIES WITH THE TOURISM SECTOR

FACILITATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Advancing community enterprise development through scalable, market-driven solutions is central to our mission. Facilitating connections between communities and the wider tourism industry is a key part of how we make it happen. But how exactly do we do it?

PARTNERINGWITHTRAVELCOMPANIES

To develop successful community tourism experiences which are integrated into the travel companies products and services.

PARTNERINGWITHLOCALCOMMUNITIES

Identifying and assessing the community’s needs to establish long-term collaborations, always prioritizing the community in decision-making and actions.

PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT

Co-creating unique, meaningful, and life-changing community tourism experiences, seamlessly integrating them into existing tourism products and services.

PROVIDINGPRACTICALTRAININGANDFLEXIBLEGRANTS

Support the development of community tourism enterprises, including equipment, infrastructure and capacity development

CONNECTTOTHEMARKET

We collaborate with our network of travel partners and community-led organizations to integrate community tourism into the broader tourism value chain, ensuring that communities earn income for development.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

NEWCOMMUNITY TOURISMENTERPRISES DEVELOPEDAND INTEGRATED

COUNTRIES 13

AsocZoológicoMágico SanMartindeTlcaete,Mexico

D'danauCommunityHomestay KotaBeludSabahMalaysia

KirtipurCommunityHomestay Kirtipur,Nepal

ASOARTEP PuertoPlata,DominicanRepublic

TinkuyCommunityTourism CuyoChcocommunityPeru

GoodWorkFoundation Hazyview,SouthAfrica

NoLimitsCafe UlaanBataar,Mongolia

RestauranteElManglar CayoQuemado,Guatemala

BanOuCommunityTourism LuangPrabang,Laos

LadyTuk-TukDriver SiemReap,Cambodia

QuintanaRoo,Mexico

MuseoComunitarioIslaMaciel BuenosAiresArgentina

YimsooCafe Bangkok,Thailand

Luxor,Egypt

CHOCAL PuertoPlataDominicanRepublic

YimsooFarms,MaeRim ChiangMaiNorthernThailand

Funtasia

BejilHa

A JOURNEY OF IMPACT

TheStoryoftheKirtipur CommunityHomestay

Nestledapproximatelysevenkmsouthwest ofKathmandu,Kirtipurisanenchantingtown thatcaptivatestravellerswithits breathtakingviewsoftheKathmanduValley andtheHimalayas.

Historically,thecommunityprimarilyrelied onagriculturetosupportlocalfamilies. However,facedwithdiminishingfarmlandin theregion,thepeopleofKirtipursoughtout newincome-generatingopportunities, particularlyforwomen,leadingthemto ventureintotourism

Initially,theirvisitorsconsistedmainlyof day-trippersfromKathmandu.Thesevisitors wouldexplorethecharmingNewaritown duringthedayandreturntothecity,leaving limitedbenefitsforthelocalresidentsfrom tourism.

Recognizingthetremendouspotentialwithin thisvibrantcommunity,Planeterrastepped intoprovidesupport.

Afterinitialdiscussionstobetterunderstand theirneeds,ourCommunityTourismProject ManagerforAsia-Pacific,PriyankaSingh, embarkedonafieldvisit.

Duringhervisit,Priyankaconductedsessions onmindfulresourceusage,storytelling techniques,publicspeakingexercises,and strategiestoreducesingle-useplastic.The mentorshipsessions,tailoredforthewomen (andevensomemen!)ofthecommunity, involvedcollaborativediscussionstoidentify effectivebusinesspractices.

Thiscollaborationledtothecreationofauniqueculinaryexperience,allowingtravellers toimmersethemselvesinlocalculturebypreparingandenjoyingdeliciousmomos togetherforlunch.Tofacilitatethis,Planeterraprovidedagranttogetthenecessary kitchenequipmenttoruntheexperience.

Withthisenticingexperienceinplace,thenextstepwastoensuretravellerscouldfully enjoyit.PlaneterrafacilitatedaconnectionbetweenKirtipurCommunityHomestayand ourlong-timetravelpartner,GAdventures.TravellersonselectitinerariesinNepalcan nowparticipateinthemomo-makingexperience,exploreintricateNepalicalligraphy (RanjanaLippi),andindulgeinlocallymadericealcohol(Aila).

AspartofPlaneterra’songoingmentorshipprogram,thecommunityisfullysupportedin casetheyneedanytechnicalinputsortroubleshootingthroughPlaneterra’sStrategic PartnerinNepal,CommunityHomestayNetwork.

Thankstothispartnership,sixcommunitymembersdirectlybenefitfromtourism,with anindirectimpactonanadditional27communitymembers.Additionally,10%ofthe revenuecontributestoanewlyestablishedcommunityfund.Aftercoveringexpenses, thisfundisequitablydistributedamongallcommunitymembers.

TheexampleoftheKirtipurCommunityHomestayisaninspirationforusall, showcasinghowcommunitytourismhasthepowertotransformlives.

GLOBAL COMMUNITY TOURISM NETWORK

BRINGING TOGETHER 500+ COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE

TheGlobalCommunityTourismNetwork (GCTN)isamovementandasupportive groupofcommunityenterprisesstrivingto achieveambitioussocial,economic,and environmentalgoalstogether.

Through the network, Planeterra aims to provide community-led organizations with the essential tools and resources needed for success in the travel industry. Here's how we do it:

PROVIDINGONLINETRAINING

Training is provided online through the Planeterra Learning Hub, which features over 50 modules and resources in English and Spanish. We also offer complimentary monthly webinars and community hours bringing groups together for practical knowledge application.

FACILITATINGCONNECTIONSWITHPEERS

Fostering interactions among GCTN members through monthly webinars, community hours, WhatsApp groups, and a global Facebook group.

PARTNERSHIP&PROMOTION

Connecting GCTN members with our travel partners to enhance market connections and increase their income from tourism.

PROVIDINGFLEXIBLEFUNDINGOPPORTUNITIES

Through the Global Community Tourism Fund, we offer small grants to accelerate growth and impact by developing new or improved tourism experiences.

WhatsomeGCTNmemberssayabouttheLearningHub

"It's fantastic to learn about that travel tips tool because it reinforces the cooperative's policies." -IsraelMolasNarvaez

"The quiz was mind-opening and provided insight into the realities happening in our communities " -UpcycleImpactTours

"Great analysis material on sustainable tourism development in communities, which will greatly help us in continuing to implement and strengthen capacities within our organization."-LaTierradelosYachaqs

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

507 Communitymembers

Countries

GLOBAL COMMUNITY TOURISM FUND

PlaneterrawasproudtolaunchthesecondeditionoftheGlobalCommunity TourismFund,agrantprogramaimedatfosteringthegrowthofcommunity tourismenterpriseswithintheGlobalCommunityTourismNetwork(GCTN).

Throughthisinitiative,Planeterraofferssmall,flexiblegrantsofupto$3,000USD, alongwithcommunity-specifictrainingandmentorship.Theseresourcesareintended toempowerlocalentrepreneursandcommunitiestoamplifytheirimpactthroughthe creationorenhancementoftourismexperiences.

In2023,wefacilitatedgrantsfor18organizations,meticulouslychosenfortheir outstandingproposalsandcompellingvisionforutilizingtourismtodrivecommunity development.

ThismilestonerepresentedasignificantachievementforPlaneterra,aswedoubled thenumberofgrantssupportingcommunityorganizationstheGCTFcomparedto 2022.

Theseorganizationshavedemonstratedadeep commitmenttoresponsibletravel,showcasinginnovative initiativestopromoteculturalexchange,environmental conservation,localeconomicdevelopment,empowerment andmore.Theirprojectshavethepotentialtocreatea lastingpositiveimpactontheircommunitieswhileoffering visitorstheopportunitytoengageinmeaningfulandmore responsibletravelexperiences.

THE AMERICAS

CentrodeTurismoComunitarioLaMoya Riobamba,LaMoyaCommunity,Ecuador

LaMoyaisanIndigenousPuruhácommunity of50familiesthatsharesitsculture, worldview,andknowledgeinmedicine, gastronomy,customs,andtraditions.They operateaCommunityTourismCenter offeringlodgingandlocalfoodservices, aimingtogenerateadditionalincomeforthe communitythroughtourism.

Co-opdeAgroturismoReddeTurismo Campesino Salta,SanCarlos,Argentina

Establishedin2008,thiscooperative, foundedandmanagedby25familiesof small-scalefarmersfromruralcommunities intheCalchaquíValley,sellshandicrafts, agriculturalproducts,andruraltourism services

AsociacióndeArtesanasdeChorrera Atlántico,ChorreraJuandeAcosta,Colombia

ChorreraArtisansAssociationcomprises 130artisansspecializingincrochetand naturalfibrefabrics Throughtheirtourism experience,TejiendoIlusiones,they highlightandpreserveancestralknowledge andculture.

Asoc.deMujeresMaríadelMarBocagrande Nariño,CostaPacifico,Colombia

MaríadelMarBocagrandeWomen's Association,operatinginabeachareawith severeerosion,providestransportation, lodging,food,andguidingservicestotackle theissueandpromoteeconomic sustainability

Soc.deTurismoComunitarioSuniUta Choquemarca ParqueNacionalSajama/Tumarapi,Bolivia

TheSuniUtaChoquemarcacommunityin Bolivia'sfirstprotectedareaoperatesasa tourismcooperativetogenerateincomeand stemyouthmigrationtoneighbouringChile. Withalegallyestablishedtourism organization,employingfivepeople permanently,theyownAlbergue EcoturisticoTomarapi.

JamaoEcoTours

JamaoAlNorte,Espaillat,DominicanRepublic

Thiscommunityprojectiscomprisedof20 youngmembersfromtheMunicipalityof JamaoalNorte.Theyaimtopreservethe localenvironmentwhilefostering sustainabletourismopportunitiesforothers toenjoy.Theprojectalsohelpslocal communitymembersachieveeconomic independence.

Asoc.TurismoRuralComunitarioKusi Kausay Chinchero,Pongobamba,Peru

Eightwomenandthreemenfromthe communityofPongobambacomprisethis association LocatednearCusco,theyoffer varioustourismexperiences,including demonstrationsofhandicrafts,agriculture, gastronomyfeaturingnativeproductsfrom thearea,andlodginginfamilyhomes.

SanVicenteEcoturismo

SanJoaquínMorelos,Michoacán,Mexico

SanVicenteEcotourism,ateamof15 dedicatedindividuals,preservesthefirefly ecosysteminSanJoaquínMorelos.Over fouryears,they'vepromotednaturetourism inlocalforests,aimingtocreatejobsforthe community.Theyalsocollaboratewith researcherstostudyfireflyspeciesand offervariousactivitieslikehiking,biking, andcamping.

AFRICA

TribalTextiles

Mfuwe,Zambia

TribalTextilessupportslocalartisansby craftingexquisite,hand-paintedtextiles usingtraditionaltechniques.Theyproduce uniquehomewareandaccessorieswhile advocatingforfairtradepractices. Committedtocommunitydevelopment, TribalTextilesreinvestsaportionofits profitsintolocalinitiatives

MuhaburaCulturalExperienceCentre Koranyavillage,Kisorodistrict,Uganda

TheMuhaburaCulturalExperienceandCraft Centreisasocialenterprisededicatedto culturaltourismandempoweringlocal communities.Visitorscanimmerse themselvesinKigeziandVirungacultures, learntraditionalcraftsfromlocalwomen, andsupportsustainablelivelihoodsby purchasinghandmadesouvenirs

Train&TravelwithWomenForAfrica Abidjan,Côted'Ivoire

Train&TravelwithWomenForAfrica empowersyoungwomeninCôted'Ivoire throughsustainabletourismtraining.This programequipsthemwiththeskillsand knowledgetonavigatethetourismindustry, promotingpersonalgrowthandeconomic independencewhilecontributingto sustainablepractices

RedRocksRwanda NkotsiSector,MusanzeDistrict,Rwanda

RedRocksprovidesaffordablelodgingand culturalexperiencesnearVolcanoesNational ParkinMusanze,focusingonresponsible tourismthatempowersunderserved communities.Theytrainwomenandyouthin craftslikebasketweavingandsupporttheir businessventuresthroughcooperatives, marketing,andmicrofinance

ASIA-PACIFIC

TenaciousBeeCollective(TBC)

Badsar,Kangra,HimachalPradesh,India

Ledbywomenandyouthfromfivelocal communities,TBC’s"Communingwith NativeHimalayanBees"initiativeto revitalizebeekeepinginruralareasand boostbeepopulationsandprofitabilityin theHimalayanmountainregionsfeaturesan apiaryshedonfarmland,servingasa learninghubfortravellersandstudentsto gainhands-onexperiencewithbeekeeping andconservationpractices.

Odishaoperatestwocommunity-based ecolodgesinremoteareasnearOdishato conservenatureandpromoteeco-tourism. Thefundswereusedtotrain10Nature Guidesonthebiodiversityandnatural habitatofuniquebirdandplantspeciesin thearea.TheseguideswillleadNature Walksfortravellers,providingthemwith accurateinformationabouttheregionand contributingtothepreservationof knowledgeandconservationofnature

Since2016,Planeterrahascollaborated withtheKhaoteppitakcommunity,offering foodandhygienetrainingandaidinginthe enhancementoftourismactivitiesinthe area

SPOONSisatrainingrestaurantthatempowers underprivilegedyouththrougheducation, training,andemploymentopportunitiesinthe hospitalityindustry.Therestaurantprovides studentswithpracticalexperiencebyserving realcustomersandtravellers

OdishaEcotourismFoundation DesiaVillage,Koraput,Odisha,India

NorthAndamanNetworkFoundation Kuraburi,PhnagNga,Thailand

SPOONSCafeRestaurant

BarauliCommunityHomestay

Barauli,Nepal

Thishomestay,runbyindigenousTharu womennearChitwanNationalPark, providesanauthenticculturalandwildlife experienceinthenearbycommunity forests.

SharingSeeds

Sarangkot,PokharaNepal

SharingSeeds,situatedinSarangakot Pandelivillagenearthetourismhubof Pokhara,aimstosupportlocalfarmersin producingorganicArabicacoffee,engagein beekeeping,andprovideopportunitiesfor localwomenandyouthtocreaterecyclable handicrafts.

Formoreinformationonsupportingor joiningthenetworkasacommunitytourism enterprisepleasecontactPlaneterraat community@planeterra.org

NETWORK STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Strongpartnershipsarethebackbone ofourjourneytowardsambitious goals.AtPlaneterra,we'reincredibly luckytoteamupwiththefollowing organizations,workinghandinhand toupliftandstrengthentheGlobal CommunityTourismNetwork(GCTN):

Regenera Travolution

Tusoco

Codespa

Comunitur

FOCEN

FundaciónCorcovado

APTSO

HandsonInstitute

Trade+Impact

UCOTA

KECOBAT

ScottishCommunityTourismOrganisation

WorldAnimalProtection

FriendsInternational

CommunityHomestayNetwork

WiseSteps

TenaciousBee

AsianAdventures

CBTTravel,Vietnam

GERtoGER

BakriChhap-GoatVillage

Indecon

MalaysianWomenTouristGuideAssociation

IndianExperiences

DestinationMekong

NotonMap

Fosteringthegrowthof communitytourisminNepalwith CommunityHomestayNetwork

This collaboration stands as a shining example of how partnerships can have a great impact on expanding our GCTN. In 2023, we marked two significant milestones:

In July, we hosted our inaugural GCTN in-person gathering in Panauti, where members exchanged valuable insights and shared their experiences with community tourism enterprises.

Later, in December, GCTN members participated in the Community Haat Bazaar, a vibrant event that showcased local artisans and facilitated invaluable networking opportunities.

CLIMATE & BIODIVERSITY

CLIMATE AND BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversityisessentialforlifeon Earth.Withoutit,wewouldlackthe airwebreathe,thewaterwedrink, andthefoodwerelyon.Moreover, withoutbiodiversity,tourismsimply wouldnotexistandcommunities aroundtheworldwouldnotbeableto harnessitsbenefits.

Sadly,biodiversityisunderthreat. Climatechangeintensifiesthisthreat, puttingourcollectivewell-beingatrisk. AtPlaneterra,weremainoptimisticand believethatcommunitytourismcanbe apowerfultooltohelpaddressthe climateandbiodiversitycrisis.

Overtheyears,wehaveseenmanyof ourcommunitypartnersusetheir tourismenterprisestosupportthe protection,restoration,and managementoftheirenvironment.So weknowit’spossible!

ThroughourClimate&Biodiversity Initiative,weaimtodevelopclimatebiodiversitycrisissolutionsthat promotecommunityresilienceandwellbeing.

Ourworkisbasedonfourpathways:

RESTORE&PROTECT BIODIVERSITY

Support projects that regenerate biodiversity and protect Ecosystems, while directly benefiting communities.

GROWKNOWLEDGE& UNDERSTANDING

Provide accessible and inclusive knowledge to our community partners, ensuring they have access to solutions for addressing the crisis.

INNOVATEGRASSROOTS SOLUTIONS

Support communities in developing new and existing solutions for the climate and biodiversity crises which can be integrated into their enterprise strategies.

COLLABORATETOIMPROVE LIVES

Work with strategic partners who are taking climate action and actively delivering naturepositive solutions on the ground.

GROWING TREES TO UPLIFT COMMUNITIES

As a part of our Global Climate and Biodiversity Initiative, Planeterra launched its Tree-Growing program in 2023. Our mission with this initiative is simple yet powerful:

GrowingTreestoUpliftCommunities

We firmly believe that by planting the right trees in the right places, we can help communities build sustainable livelihoods, improve their well-being and become more resilient to the growing impacts of climate change.

To achieve our goals with this program, we work hand-in-hand with organizations representing local communities to ensure their active participation in every aspect of the project, from planning to implementation and monitoring.

OURTREEGROWINGPARTNERS:

Trees for Kenya

Tree Adoption Uganda

Soa Zara

Global Forest Generation

The High Atlas Foundation

Eden Reforestation Projects

AMBA Estate Plant With Purpose

Beingabletoemploymorestaffgives morepeopletheopportunitytoearna betterincomefromreforestation.Formost peopleinourcommunity,havingmore incomemeans,betternutrition,housing, educationandhealthcare.

Wehavebeenabletostartseveral projectsfinancedwithincomefromour hotelaswellasfromthePlaneterra reforestationproject.Weemploymany peoplewhohaddifficultiesbeforebutare nowdoingquitewell.Onedaywefounda youngwomanpickingupcornonthecob fromthestreetthathadbeenthrown away,tofeedherself.

Shefoundapart-timejobwithSoaZara workinginthetreenursery.Now,thanks toPlaneterraandtheincreaseofseedlings sold,shehasafull-timejobandrentsa housewheresheliveswithherhusband andtheirsmallchild.Theywereevenable totakeherparentsin.

MostSoaZaraorITCLodgeemployees haveapastofhardshipwhetheritbe havingtofindajobtofeedparentsand siblings,beingdivorcedwithchildrenafter aviolentmarriageorhavingbeen abandonedatayoungage.

-JacobTerVeen,AssociationSoaZara

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

16 Tree-growingpartner organizations

Projectsthatdirectlyand positivelyimpactcommunities

37,690 Communitymembersimpacted byourtree-growinginitiative

1,503,485 Treesplanted

Wealsolaunchedan insightfulmoduleonour LearningHubonthe subjectoftheClimate andBiodiversityCrisis

TreesforKenya TreeAdoptionUganda

SoaZara

JOINING FORCES WITH THE IUCN

InMarch2023,theAlbanianGovernmentdeclaredtheVjosaRiveraNationalPark, markingitasEurope’sfirstWildRiverNationalPark.

Thisdecisionismorethanjustalegaldesignation;it’sapromisetokeeptheVjosa Riverflowingfreely,benefitingbothpeopleandnatureforgenerationstocome.It standsasatestamenttotheunityofpeopleandgovernmentinprotectingthisnatural wonder

TheAlbanianGovernment,spearheadedbytheMinistryofTourismandEnvironment andtheNationalAgencyforProtectedAreas(NAPA),iscommittedtoensuringthat thecreationofthenationalparkdirectlybenefitslocalcommunities.Centraltothis visionisleveragingtourismtoempowercommunitieswhilepreservingandrestoring thenaturalenvironment

TheInternationalUnionforConservationofNature(IUCN)reachedouttoPlaneterra tohelprealizethisvision.Wecollaboratedondesigningarobuststrategyfor communitytourismenterprisedevelopmentinthearea.

Asafirststep,Planeterraconductedacomprehensiveanalysisofthemarket, stakeholders,andvaluechain.Ourmaingoalwastoformulateadetailed,inclusive, andrealisticactionplan,whichwillbeavitalcomponentofthecommunitytourism enterprisedevelopmentstrategy.

A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY

2022 - Established a groundbreaking partnership with The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to develop a more crisis-resilient and sustainable tourism landscape in and around protected and conserved areas in Vietnam and Peru.

PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF OUR OCEANS

Nomatterwhereyoulive,youaredirectlyaffectedbythehealthofouroceans. Fromtheairwebreathetothejobswerelyon,ourlivesareinterconnectedwiththe well-beingoftheocean.Tourismisjustoneofmanyindustriesthatnotonlydepend ontheoceansforeconomicgainbutalsohavethepower,whendoneright,to restore,protect,andconservemarinehealth.

InpartnershipwithGAdventuresandbackedbythousandsoftravellersworldwide, Planeterrahasbeenabletosupportorganizationsspecializinginprotectingthehealth ofouroceanswhilefosteringthewell-beingoflocalcommunities.These organizationsfocustheireffortson:

SpeciesConservation

OceanWasteReduction

ClimateandBiodiversityResearchandAction

SupportingtheNextGenerationofOceanStewards

ThroughtheOceanHealthFund,in2023,atotalof$25,900USDwasgrantedto benefitthefollowingorganizationscollectively:GalapagosWhaleSharkProject, AlbatrossTaskForceandGlobalGearInitiative

A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY

Since 2007, we've invested over $400,000 to safeguard the health of our oceans and have partnered with eigtht organizations to support impactful projects.

FUNDRAISING AT PLANETERRA

Raisingfundstosupportourworkandinitiativesisessentialforadvancingour missionofupliftingcommunitiesthroughtourismandcreatingtangiblepositive impact.Withoutthegenerosityofoursupporters,wewouldnotbeabletoeffect meaningfulchangeinthelivesofpeopleworldwide.

Afewyearsago,welaunchedTheWishListcampaign tocloseouteachyearonahighnote.In2023,ourwish wassimpleyetpowerful:

Toraisefundsaimedatstrengtheningcommunity tourismaroundtheworldsothateconomicopportunities arecreated,placesareprotected,andculturesare celebratedthroughtravel.

Witnessingtheincrediblegenerosityofourrecurringdonorsandwelcomingnew supportersfillsuswithprofoundgratitude.TheircontributionstotheWishListenable ustoempower,support,andconnectmorecommunitiestothebenefitsoftourismfor yearstocome.

Thankstotheircollectiveefforts,wewereabletoraisenearlyUS$20,000for communitytourism.

THE INSPIRING TEAM AT G ADVENTURES

Ifthere'sonethingthatsetstheteamatGAdventuresapart,it'stheirburningpassion tomakeadifferenceintheworld.Theyaretruebelieversandadvocatesforwhatwe canachieveifwealljoinforcestosupportthegrowthofcommunitytourism.

EvieNhdlovu Manager,GlobalCommunityTourismNetwork

Inour20thyear,theteamatGAdventuresoverwhelmeduswiththeirefforts,helping raisenearly$200,000USDforPlaneterrathroughseveralinitiatives.Hereareacouple ofthehighlights:

Raising funds for Planeterra’s 20th Anniversary - Nearly 200 employees came together to raise awareness and funds so that communities had access to the resources they need to thrive. From hosting comedy shows, and walking 115 km to Niagara Falls, to bake sales and more, the G Adventures team pulled out all the stops to support Planeterra and broke fundraising records raising over $100,000 in just four weeks!

The passionate G Adventures Expedition Crew worked hard to kick off their first sailing season post-COVID with a bang raising funds for Planeterra and our Ocean Health Fund! The Crew have been raising funds onboard the Expedition for Planeterra for many years. From creating custom artistic maps of the ship’s route to Antarctica and finding unique crafts that commemorate the journey, the team onboard make sure their fundraising auctions were always a huge success.

SHOWCASING OUR SUPPORTERS

Meghraj Kamath embarked on a 30-day journey to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. He began the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage on September 11th, 2023, from St. Jean Pied De Port in France and walked an estimated 819 kilometres to raise awareness and funds for two causes that he believes in. We were incredibly grateful that one of them was championing community tourism with Planeterra.

When Adam Kemp, Managing Director of G Touring (Travelsphere and Just You), took on his first-ever marathon in Venice in October of 2023 he decided to also use it as an opportunity raise funds for Planeterra. A huge thank you to Adam and his network of supporters who generously donated to Planeterra’s work.

Louise Reay, a member of the fantastic team at Travelsphere, generously donated her artwork and took on a 250,000-step challenge. All of this comes in addition to her successful completion of a Sky Dive to raise funds for Planeterra in March 2023. Way to go, Louise!

FINANCIALS

$1,641,238

Notes:

Planeterra'sFiscalYearisAugust1-July31 AllfiguresinthisreportareCADandrefertoFY2023unlessotherwisenoted

ThesefiguresareacombinationofthePlaneterraInternationalFoundation,Canada,Not-for-ProfitCorporation Number:793488-2andPlaneterraInternationalFoundationLtd.,USA,501(c)3EIN:83-1619668.

OUR SUPPORTERS

ImpactInvestors+$50,000

JustYou

ers$25,001-$50,000

5,001-$25,000

TierranjaniAfricaLtd Travelsphere

GXPeruSupporters

Amadeus

Angkor7th

ArcticAdventures

AtlasTravel

AventurasalSur

BrokerLink

CasonaPlaza

Charmission

CuscoPlaza

Desafio

EasyTravel

EcoTripColombia

EdgarAdventures

ExploreGreece

Gemina

Go2Inkas

Humantay

InsightHanoiTravel

JungleExperiences

KeniaTours

LagoGrey

LetsGo

LimaWasi

MunicipalityofCuzco

MarcoPolo

MabeyUrubamba

NaturBike

Nine17

NunaRaymi

OTV

Friend$501-$5,000

DeLisiFamilyFoundation

TrevelloTravelGroup

PeruRail

Prisma

PlanetariumCusco

ProColombia

QuestTravel

RefugiodelPirata

RoyalMountainTravel

Taypikala

TourRadar

TravelBuddies

UnitedAirlines

VillaUrubamba

WideEyedTours

Windigo

Xima

OUR DONORS

Giftsgreaterthan$500CAD

ReneeBikker

TonyBourdain

MarilynButtery

PatriciaCalvo

CarolCarlson

CristinaCarretero

BipashaChakravarty

ThomasChun

SusanChung

JohnCotter

GuyCraig

JaniceCraig

JustineDucros

AmmaarEsmailjee

VanessaFang

GJFlannery

JenniferFrendo

LeslieFry

SteveGlinert

AnnetteGravelle

NatashaGray

DavidGreen

DavidHahs

BrodieHall

TaraHopkins

DeborahHowe

SarahJanes

DonnaJudd

GailKnight

RobertKnight

ElayneKollins

MarkandBarbaraKraft

SteveLima

DawnMatsuoka

ChristopherMiller

KayleeMitchell

RichardNabert

LapNguyenDinh

CitizensofChange(MonthlyDonors)

TaraleeAlcock

AnnieBain

JeanneBalkman

LauraBickel

ZacharyBillard

ClaireBramley

DaniqueCieremans

KarenColeman

JenniferDesharnais

DamienDuke

CyrilDuport

NicoleDymond

MichaelHewlett

CharlotteHuggins

BrigidIsenor

PhilipLLaymon

FrancisLeblanc

StephenLewis

KatarinaLucas

EricaMallin

PaulMarval

MaudMasiyiwa

SeleniMatus

TeeMcDonald

GailMoore

ElizabethMuehl

GillPrieto

TerryRosenfeld

AndrewRowe

TriciaSchers

SarahO'Neill

LisaPenstone

RobertandElainePerry

BrucePoonTip

GurmeharRandhawa

IrmaRodriguez

WhitneyRuby

KathrynScaysbrook

JaneenScott

VirginiaShyluk

MelissaStevens

NeilStewart

SandraSykes

LaurieThackery

RiinaTohvert

NatalieVegaQuesada

RichardWeiss

Jenny&SamWong-Pappas

KarenZiffer

MariusSchober

KimShields

IlanaTylerRubinstein

YokoVanHorn

AlannaWallace

JoanneWallace

StirlingWeir

PhillipWild

PaulDWofford

Volunteers

JulesDemoulin

MadeleineLoh

ChloeFriedland

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Planeterra'sBoardofDirectorscomprisesindividualsselectedfortheirexpertisein internationaldevelopment,conservation,andtourism,aswellastheirunwavering commitmenttocommunitytourism.Weprioritizediversityandinclusionbywelcoming womenandIndigenouspeopletoourboard.