Positive Tourism: Giving Back to the Local Economy

What if you could enjoy visiting a location as a tourist, while also giving back and supporting the local economy there?

The term “tourist” has become a bit of a negative term among certain travel circles — but it’s not entirely fair. Enjoying new cultures can be transformational for both the traveler and the locations they visit — if tourists are socially responsible in their activities.

Feynan Ecolodge, Dana, Jordan

When you stay at Feynan Ecolodge, you’ll get a glimpse into authentic local Jordanian culture. Guests can choose from a range of Bedouin experiences, such as making traditional bread, kohl, or Arabic coffee. You can also spend the day hiking through the wilderness with local shepherds and their goats.

The fees for these experiences go straight to the families and the shepherds, directly supporting the local economy. It’s a great way to learn more about the culture of Jordan and what life is like there, while supporting small businesses

 

Friends The Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

While you are exploring Cambodia’s bustling capital city, take a moment to stop in at this colourful, welcoming restaurant. Not only will you be able to enjoy a delicious meal, you’ll also be helping build a future for teenagers who would otherwise be living on the street.

The restaurant employs young marginalized and at-risk locals and trains them in the culinary arts and hospitality. They learn valuable job skills that they can use to earn a living and all profits from the restaurant are invested back into the students and into social programs to support them on their journey to a secure future.

As well as the Phnom Penh location, there are also other Tree Alliance (the organization who runs Friends) designed in the same model in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville in Cambodia and in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

Ashanti African Tours, Ghana

This tour company, based out of Ghana, operates in a few different African countries and is devoted to giving back to the local community with their responsible tourism experiences.

For example, they have built a much needed 8 classroom school in the village of Brenu Akyinim in Ghana and they also donate towards the African Bird Club, an organization that works towards bird conservation in Africa. They also offer occupational training in areas like carpentry, construction, hairdressing, tailoring and other professions for the youth of the community who did not have the opportunity to attend school while growing up.

Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

This remote eco-lodge is dedicated to giving back to the local community. Explore the wild and beautiful landscapes of Mongolia while learning first-hand about one of the last truly nomadic people on earth.

During your visit, you’ll be able to ride a camel, meet a nomadic family, and soak in hot springs. The proceeds from the trip support the local people and go to an array of different causes, including building a kindergarten for the hearing impaired and supporting the Arts Council of Mongolia.

These are just a few of the positive tourism programs that allow you to give back to the community while also enjoying an unforgettable travel experience. If you know of any other great programs, please share them with us in the comments below.