How can travel companies get deeply associated with community-based tourism
Travel companies can associate themselves with community-based tourism endeavors in the regions they are familiar with. Local communities should be willing to invite tourists into their communities, giving them insight into their culture and daily lives. This form of sustainable tourism allows responsible travelers to connect closely and more authentically to the communities and regions that they travel to. Travel companies will need to showcase these experiences, including the culture, diversity, customs, traditions, and more. Travel companies will need to actively interact with the local community and educate them on skills such as homestay management, guiding tourists on a farm and village visits and nature trails, cooking and crafting together, storytelling, and teach these communities how to effectively showcase their daily lives. These activities will create a unique immersive experience for travelers and increase awareness and knowledge of another culture, its customs and norms. Travel companies need to create a futureproof varied tourism industry, working with local communities and also sustain local culture and nature for future generations!
As more and more travellers look for varied, unique, and authentic experiences, community-based tourism is a promising segment. Travellers are willing to spend money on these activities, especially if the benefits goes to local communities.
As travellers become more and more responsible, there has been an increase in the commitment of travellers towards local communities. 55% of 1405 respondents have indicated to have actively contributed to local wellbeing. This is a great improvement and as a travel company or as a member of the tourism industry, we need to work with local communities. This will add great value to the tour company and also creates a positive impact towards the communities, and foster good relations between the two.
Once the community is willing to host visitors, it is essential that they are prepared and educated. Dealing with visitors from a completely different culture is often difficult and it is important that the community knows what to expect, how to offer their services appropriately and also how to properly communicate to your clients. If not done properly, a lack of understanding can lead to unbalanced communities fed by jealousy and rivalry. It takes time for local communities to accept and develop a tourism culture and this is best done by organising workshops that prepare them for their new jobs and the practical possibilities in the best way possible.
Travel companies should question if the community they would like to work with desires change. Are they willing to invite tourists to their homes? Do they want to spend time teaching tourists their customs? If they do, then great!
You can now start talking about what they can and want to offer in terms of products and services. What is unique about their culture? What are they willing to share? It is extremely important to let the community have a say in the decision-making process and development of the new tourism products. In the end, they are the ones creating the product, you are a means of getting their services to the traveller, as well as providing necessary support.