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We stop at a women's cooperative called Altyn Kol, which means "Golden Hands" . This female-led cooperative was created to preserve the traditional craft of felt-making while providing local artisans with the opportunity to earn an independent and reliable income. Here, we will take part in a masterclass on felt carpet production, allowing each of us to have a hands-on experience as we work on a section of a carpet in progress. The cooperative specialises in the making of shyrdaks (traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets) with skills and techniques passed down through generations. Income from workshops and the sale of handmade products is shared amongst the female artisans involved, helping to support their families and strengthen the local community. Part of the proceeds is reinvested into the workshop, ensuring the continuation of this important cultural tradition and creating opportunities for future generations of craftswomen.
On our Upgraded Peru tour (from 2027) we include a lunch at AMA in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Ran by the charming and charismatic Julio, AMA is a beautiful refuge from the bustling town of Uruabamba, and offers visitors tasty lunches made from locally-sourced ingredients. The proceeds of the lunch and our visit go towards two projects AMA is supporting, firstly supporting 14 single mothers in the Sacred Valley by providing them financial support to them and their children, and also providing them employment opportunities at the restaurant, with a safe environment for their children after school. The proceeds also support an initiave to provide healthy and nutritious primary school meals to local children.
We'll head to visit a local self-made craftsman who over the years has specialised in using bamboo to produce a multitude of objects from carpets to baskets, and necklaces to lampshades. This workshop is a great opportunity to learn about how such projects support the livelihoods of the younger local villagers who may struggle to fit in with the more traditional life. And should you wish to, you could also take a unique souvenir home with you.
We visit a traditional cantina (wine cellar) where we enjoy a small sample of local food and wine. Our host will give us a short explanation of the farming challenges faced in the Amalfi region, along with the ancient agricultural practices that local communities continue to protect and preserve today. Our visit and contribution here help support these traditions and keep them alive for future generations.
We'll visit the Carmien Tea Shop, where we'll join the Rooibos Experience. This includes a guided walk through the nearby rooibos fields at De Tol, where we'll learn how rooibos is grown and harvested. The visit includes a short presentation, a tasting session of a number of different rooibos teas as well as a tea blending activity where we'll attempt to create our own rooibos blend using a variety of natural ingredients. Founded as a local co-operative in the early 2000s, Carmién was established to create employment opportunities and support community development in the Citrusdal area. Today, the organisation continues to invest in local communities through educational centres, wraparound care facilities and annual apprenticeships for local residents.
The CCF is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their eco-systems with an extensive visitor's centre which encourages visitors to learn more about these beautiful cats and the efforts being made to save them. We visit the Foundation on Day 10 of our Namibia Lodge Safari.
We'll take a visit to Altit Fort and the Ciqam Women's Carpentry workshop. A pioneering social enterprise in Hunza, Ciqam trains and employs local women in traditional carpentry and design. A visit here offers a fascinating insight into their craftsmanship and the positive impact the project has on women's livelihoods in the region.
We visit a coffee-producing community project run by nuns. Their aim is to empower local women and allow them to have their own source of income. This is also a great opportunity to sample the excellent quality of the coffee in Flores, known for its floral, sweet chocolate and woody flavour.
We'll visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary in search of howler monkeys. Here, we'll have a chance to watch black howler monkeys swinging from the trees.
Our cooking class at Hotel con Corazón delivers quality services but also generates a meaningful positive impact in the local community. Most of their profits are reinvested into educational programs, developed in collaboration with local NGOs, with the aim of supporting and encouraging students to complete their schooling. Link to read more: https://www.hotelconcorazon.com/impact/our-focus In addition, their business model is designed to foster local economic development: they operate profitably, create jobs, maintain fair relationships with suppliers, and offer professional growth opportunities for their staff.
On our Family tour to North Thailand we take part in a Cooking class at the Borderline collective. The Collective offers employment and training opportunities, enabling refugees to develop skills, preserve their culinary traditions, and earn a living, thereby ensuring that your cooking experience has a meaningful impact on both the people and the community.
Damartes was set up by a cooperative of women to generate their own income independent of the traditional patriarchal model. They create jewellery and other accessories from a variety of local materials, and here we'll learn their story and even have an opportunity to try and craft our own.
Explore the park by jeep as well as paying a visit to the Elephant Transit Home where orphaned elephants are cared for until they're old enough to be released back into the wild.
This ethical tourism initiative is dedicated to the protection and well-being of elephants. At this sanctuary, visitors can observe the elephants in their natural environment, but the focus is on respect and care - touching the elephants is not allowed.
The institution offers traditional Thai massages performed by inmates as part of their rehabilitation program. These massages are highly regarded for their quality, providing visitors with a unique experience while supporting the inmates' reintegration into society by helping them develop professional skills.
On our Bhutan tours we visit the Green Weaving Centre set up by the Youth Development Fund to keep the age-old tradition of hand-weaving alive in Bhutan.
The "Hayat Village Project" in Uzbekistan refers to a tourism initiative focused on showcasing the unique culture and natural beauty of the Nuratau Mountains region, particularly through community-based tourism. This involves showcasing the village of Hayat and its surroundings, including ancient petroglyphs and local traditions. The project aims to provide visitors with an authentic experience of rural life in Uzbekistan, with opportunities to stay with local families and explore the area on foot.
The Hope Centre is a project set up to help Hue’s disabled and disadvantaged residents find employment and vocational training. The centre produces varieties of colourful ethnic garments and local handicraft items.
A short distance from Kakum and on the border of the forest, we find the International Stingless Bee Project. There have been approximately 9 species of stingless bees identified here in Ghana and their importance to the eco system is paramount. Our tour of the centre teaches us about the importance of bees locally, their medicinal qualities and we get to see their hives, and taste and buy quality stingless bee honey. There is a walkway and butterfly garden where many of the forest butterfly species come to feed.
Kiliele Son is a community of dancers and musicians deterimed to keep Afro Caribean culture alive through performances and interactive workshops
Korgah is a unique, women-run carpet weaving center in Gulmit, Gojal, Upper Hunza, established in 2005 by a group of 18 local women. It has gained wide recognition for its beautifully handcrafted carpets, created by skilled female artisans. The center was initially established in 1998 by the Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO) to empower Wakhi women by providing them with economic opportunities.
KOTO (Know One, Teach One) is a social enterprise in Ho Chi Minh, renowned for providing disadvantaged young people with vocational training and life skills. Eating at KOTO is more than just a dining experience, it also offers you a connection with the local community and the chance to support a great cause.
We'll visit the local representative for Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative which is a Fairtrade organisation that ensures its members, who are cocoa farmers, get a good price for the cocoa they grow. If you have ever tasted Divine chocolate, then it is most likely from here as Kuapa Kokoo farmers own 44% of Divine chocolate. When eating a bar of Divine chocolate, you'll see a photograph and information on one of the Ghanaian farmers and their family who grow the cocoa and sell it through Kuapa Kokoo. During our time at the farm, we'll see the entire harvesting process, hear how the children use the unripe cocoa as sweets and learn how locals use the cocoa pods to make soap amongst other uses.
On our Kerala cycling tour there is the option to do a Keralan village activity where you can learn about thatch roof weaving, coir weaving (rope making using coconut fibres) and local life. The activity is run by the Kerala Government as an initiative to create more income for rural villages.
A grassroots project that works to provide elephants with a safe, natural environment while supporting the Karen people who have cared for them for generations. By staying here, we're helping to sustain an ethical alternative to elephant tourism, protect the surrounding forest, and create long-term opportunities for the community.
Community Based Tourism initiatives in Misminay have been going since about 2010 - before tourism activity the rural community couldn't afford schooling, doctors, kitchens etc - surviving through basic agriculture. Now tourism activities have helped fund things like a community greenhouse, and education that will keep children within the community. For customers its a chance to learn about their lives, from sharing Andean meals to hands-on participation in traditional techiniques such as weaving or agriculture. Explore actually part-funded the creation of this project, along with our supplier over 15 years ago, to help support the families of Inca Trail porters.
A community led/run inititive where the lodge and the all associated excursions are run by the local community, providing many employment opportunities, and with 100% of the money going back into the community
Yellowstone to Yukon is an initiative that has been set up to provide wildlife corridors which connects habitats and national parks across some 2,000 miles of the US and Canada. Every departure includes a donation plus an opportunity to learn about and see their amazing work first-hand.
Nicaragua Libre, a small rural community at the base of Volcán Mombacho is part of the UCA community-tourism project. A locally run village cooperative, it provides economic opportunities by showcasing traditional skills like chocolate-making and sustainable farming. Visitors engage with the community, supporting local artisans and farmers through their participation. The farm-to-table meal, prepared and served in a local home, ensures that tourism revenue stays within the community, fostering financial stability and preserving cultural traditions. By choosing this experience, travellers contribute to responsible tourism that empowers local people and sustains their way of life.
An inspiring community-led recycling project working to tackle plastic pollution while supporting rainforest conservation and local livelihoods. During our visit we'll learn how discarded PET bottles are transformed into eco-bricks by filling them with cleaned plastic waste, creating durable building blocks used throughout the village. We'll have a guided tour of the project, watch an eco-brick making demonstration and visit the e-gallery to learn more about the organisation's environmental work and the positive impact it is having on local communities. We'll finish off our visit with dinner at the project.
We take a tour of Old Delhi with a unique and delicious twist, organised by the Salaam Balak Trust. This not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation is dedicated to providing essential support services for street and working children in Delhi. Established in 1988, the Trust has evolved from simply offering shelter to street children to now providing education, skill-building, and mental health support for vulnerable youth. Under the guidance of our guides, who are former street children and alumni of the Salaam Balak Trust, we will wind our way through the bustling backstreets and alleyways of Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk, sampling a handful of Indian delicacies like a local. We'll experience local life in Old Delhi through the eyes of our guides, who will share personal stories about their experiences in the city, as well as delve into the rich history of Delhi.
A non-profit organisation whose mission is to teach young farmers sustainable farming practices to help them make a living in their home villages. Many young Nepalese men and women leave their villages and towns in search of work abroad and a better quality of life. Sharing Seeds was established to support local farmers in learning how to harvest and sell Arabica coffee beans by generating income for themselves. Here, we'll learn all about the project's mission, whilst also seeing the whole bean-to-cup process, before enjoying a cup of coffee at the end.
We visit Sidab Women's Association, a sewing group founded in 2004, which has been providing local women with an opportunity to work both from the association headquarters or from their homes with the final aim to empower them and give them the opportunity to earn their own income. A delicious home-made lunch will be served during our visit.
Solheimar Eco Village is a unique sustainable community where people with and without special needs live and work together in an inclusive and creative environment. The village is known for its handmade candles, ceramics, woodcrafts, herbal products and organic vegetables. During our visit we'll learn about the community's inspiring philosophy, sustainability projects and long-standing commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Our visit helps support local employment, traditional craftsmanship and the village's important social initiatives, contributing directly to the continuation of this remarkable community. We'll also have time to relax in the village's cosy coffee shop.
Visit the Sthree Café in Kandy for a lunch. It is a social enterprise run by women who are either differently abled or come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The café gives them a chance to earn a meaningful income. In addition to the meal, there is a small on-site workshop where guests can see the women crafting handmade products, which are sold in the adjoining shop. If guests are interested in joining in and making the products, it can be done for a fee, to cover the cost of raw materials.
This small project began in 2018 when a group of locals decided to organise a reef clean up to tackle the threats posed to the reef and native marine wildlife from discarded fishing tackle. The project has expanded onto the land, and the volunteers now use microplastic collection data from the beach to lobby regional councils about their plastic waste. We'll take a walk with a guide and learn not just about the project but also about the surrounding environment.
In the 1960's knitting was recognised in Sirogojno as an opportunity for women to gain an income, whilst still looking after their families and maintaining their homes. In 1962, women began producing woolen clothing at home as part of Sirogojno's Agricultural Cooperative. As a result of these enterprising women, this remote village, originally without roads, electricity or water, was put on the map as a tourist destination, and is now one of Serbia's most visited attractions. Today, the town of Sirogojno celebrates its original female entrepeneurs, and in 2008 the Open Air Museum was founded. Visitors now have the opportunity to come and experience first-hand the traditional knitting techniques still used today by local women. All the knits are made using natural materials, ensuring the quality of the items produced.
The Spirit of Prespa orchard in North Macedonia is something extra special. In addition to growing apples, the orchard brings together local women to share their skills and passion for rural life. Run by the wonderful Ana who has dedicated her life to preserving the traditions of the orchard and the local area, all the while collaborating with The Rural Women of Prespa community organization. The organization brings together young and old women from across the Prespa region, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Prespa basin and promoting cooperation between women from different ethnic backgrounds who share a common rural heritage. Through the programme, older members preserve and pass on traditional recipes, food preparation techniques, agricultural knowledge and local customs, whilst the younger women contribute organizational skills, innovation, and hospitality expertise; ensuring the continuity of traditions and long-term sustainability.
On our Upgraded Namibia tour we head out to the Torra Conservancy, a rugged and remote wilderness and one of the largest conservancies in Northern Namibia. We'll spend the morning and early afternoon together with a conservationist literally walking in the steps of the endangered black rhino (in partnership with Save The Rhino).
An important sanctuary for the Griffon Vulture, a species that was once endangered in the region. The colony here is one of the largest in the Balkans, playing a crucial role in the conservation of the species. We'll take a short walk to the Molitva viewpoint for panoramic views, and there will be an optional boat trip (depending on river conditions) to further explore the canyon.
Engaging in boat rowing trips within Van Long Nature Reserve helps contribute to the conservation of the area. The revenue generated from tourism, including boat tours, helps fund the reserve's management, research, and conservation efforts. Additionally, the tours provide opportunities for educating visitors about the importance of the wetland ecosystem and the conservation work being done.
An educational trip to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, just outside Agra. The non-profit organisation was set up in 1995 with a mission to rescue and rehabilitate the Asian elephant. India is home to almost 60% of the world's remaining Asian elephant population, so the need to protect these animals was the main driver for its inception. Now home to over 20 elephants, the project works to rehabilitate elephants who were used for tourism, manual labour and entertainment purposes. Following a short presentation about the project and the majestic elephants that call the centre home, we will get a chance to observe them in their habitat. Keeping in line with our Animal Welfare Policy, we will maintain a respectful distance as we watch the elephants being fed, bathed, or walked by the dedicated staff and volunteers.
The Women's Alliance of Ladakh is a not for profit NGO set up to raise the status of women in the region of Ladakh. Women from over 100 local villages came together and sold their handicrafts, from pashmina products to ladakhi jewellery, from the building built for them in Leh.
We'll enjoy a special traditional lunch at a café owned and managed by women. It employs 25 women from the area and no food is wasted - all leftovers are shared with the less fortunate and even food scraps are given to the neighbourhood animals.
This is a non-profit organisation that supports orphans and disabled youth, providing them with access to quality education. We join a workshop with adult locals who teach customers how to hand-make their offerings. After visiting the temple and royal tombs, we return to the local project for lunch, which is served by staff with disabilities who are taught a profession and earn their own income.