17 September, 2024

New community tourism projects in India announced ahead of GX Summit

Edited by Travel Weekly

G Adventures and non-profit partner, Planeterra, have announced Incredible India as the headline sponsor for the GX World Community Tourism Summit from 24-28 September, 2024, in Jaipur, India.

They have also announced four new social enterprises that have been developed for travellers to India that GX guests will experience during their time in the country.

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and Planeterra, says both organisations are extremely grateful for the support of the Ministry of Tourism.

“Community tourism is an increasing focus for Incredible India, so sponsoring GX is a natural fit as tourism returns and builds back in a better way. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with Incredible India as we showcase our newest community tourism experiences,” Poon Tip said.

“These are all designed to give back through travel and help change the lives of local people through the economic support of tourism, as well as delivering memorable and life-changing activities to our travellers.”

While attending GX, guests will either have the opportunity to experience the project firsthand, or to sample it during a “Planeterra Marketplace” which will showcase the projects and people running them.

Four new initiatives available to travellers:

Anoothi India

Anoothi offers a deep dive into the local culture through a textile workshop led by women from marginalized communities in the Jaipur region. Travellers will interact with the women and learn about their experiences, at the same time gaining insight into this fine craft as they observe the intricate techniques and browse through and purchase some of the products created.

Pink City Rickshaw

Pink City Rickshaw in Jaipur offers women from low-income households in Jaipur sustainable livelihoods as they proudly drive designer e-rickshaws, taking tourists to iconic landmarks like the Hawa Mahal, providing a unique and personal experience beyond traditional tours. In addition to creating economic opportunities for disadvantaged women, the initiative promotes eco-friendly transportation to help reduce pollution in the city.

Sheroes Hangout

Sheroes’ Hangout in Agra is a café that offers livelihoods and support for acid attack survivors. It challenges stigmas and helps women from disadvantaged backgrounds find opportunities for personal growth and recovery. Beyond reshaping societal perceptions, Sheroes aids survivors in their medical recovery and pursuit of justice. By providing dignified employment at the café, Sheroes empowers women to support their families, raise their children, and live with respect and self-esteem.

Sunder Rang

The arts and crafts centre, based in Chandelao, Rajasthan, provides training and a platform for rural women to showcase their traditional handicrafts. Travellers can join the artisans, participating in beading and other hands-on activities to learn the techniques behind fine crafts. During their visit, travellers can also learn about the journey of these women artisans, who began with just five women in 2007 and have grown to over 30 women working to ensure the smooth operation of Sunder Rang. Travellers’ support goes a long way, helping engage more women from in and around Chandelao, allowing more families to benefit from employment and a stable income through tourism.

These enterprises join G Adventures’ and Planeterra’s long-standing community tourism experiences that have been delivered to travellers for many years, including Women With Wheels’ airport transfer service, and Salaam Baalak Trust’s Delhi City Walk, which trains and empowers youth to enter the tourism and hospitality space. Both will also be experienced by GX attendees during the 2024 summit.

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g adventures GX World Community Tourism Summit Incredible India Planeterra