03/01/2024
I've experienced some incredible moments during my journey, but the GX Peru Summit with G Adventures was something entirely different...a truly inspirational event. As part of the World Tourism Day, we hosted group of Australian/NZ travel agents & joined the Inaugural Community Tourism Summit in Cusco.
We listened to an array of inspiring speakers from all walks of life, who shared their personal travel and life journeys. The united belief was for travel being a force for good, a two way conversation between the traveller and local communities visited for everyone to benefit from, and that visiting local communities is a privilege that deserves respect.
To bring that truth home, we visited local sustainable Tourism Community Projects in Peru supported by Planeterra Foundation. These projects have transformed the lives of locals, preserving their cultural heritage, Quechuan language and way of life. Ccaccaccollo Womens Weaving Coop: established 2005, and benefiting 560 members of the Ccaccaccollo Community.
Parwa Community Restaurant: established 2014, and benefiting nearly 100 members of the Huhuy Qosco Community. Parque del la Papa: established in 2006, and benefiting five communities and 510 members....and many more!
A key takeaway for me though is being hopeful for the future of travel. How travel can give more than it takes if we chose sustainable travel options, and how we can guide the next wave of global adventurers to go deeper with their travel experiences by connecting with local communities
