Community Tourism Trips: 10 Amazing Destinations Worldwide | Travel

Stay with a herding family in Mongolia‘s Gobi Desert

Eternal Landscapes offers individual and small-group trips to Mongolia,with a focus on supporting local communities. On the five-day Erdenedalai Explorer trip, guests stay with a herding family in the vast steppes of the “Middle gobi”, an area frequently enough bypassed by travellers heading to the better-known sights of the desert’s southern region.

The trip offers a glimpse into local life in a wild landscape. A tour of the capital Ulaanbaatar is also included, during which you can visit projects working to improve life in the community. Eternal Landscapes (a member of The Conscious Travel Foundation) also visits other towns overlooked by mainstream tourism and provides employment for local women by using only female trip assistants.
From $1,045pp (£773) in a group of six ($1,800 for a solo traveller or $1,265pp in a group of two), including meals and transfers outside the capital, eternal-landscapes.co.uk

Book into a hotel run by women in Sri Lanka

Opened in January, Amba Yaalu, on a mango plantation on the banks of the Kandalama Reservoir, is Sri Lanka’s first hotel fully managed and staffed by women. in a country where less than 10% of the country’s workforce is female, the aim is to promote equality and provide employment for women – many of whom leave the island in search of opportunities in the Gulf states.

Part of the eco-friendly hotel chain the Thema Collection, the idea for Amba Yaalu came from its founder, Chandra Wickramasinghe, wh

Responsible travel: Holidays that give back to communities and the planet

From supporting wildlife conservation to preserving ancient traditions, a growing number of tour operators are offering holidays that benefit the destinations they visit. Here are three examples.

Tackling pollution in Tanzania

G Adventures puts responsible travel at the heart of many of its itineraries,with more than 130 projects built into its trips,working with nonprofit partner Planeterra. Local nurseries also grow a tree for every day a traveller is on a trip, providing revenue for communities too.

Among its initiatives in Tanzania is the Masai Clean Cookstoves project that helps people to replace their customary stoves, which cause deadly household air pollution, with modern models. An all-female team of engineers has so far installed 4,000 stoves across 60 Masai villages in the Serengeti.

The 12-day Serengeti Safari and Zanzibar trip includes a visit to the Clean Cookstove project, from £2,649pp, including hotels, camping, breakfast and some meals, gadventures.com

Preserving traditional customs in Georgia

Adventure specialist Wild Frontiers offers a range of tailored community-led trips, including Adventures with Purpose: Georgia, a 13-day itinerary with a focus on social enterprise projects that are preserving traditions and empowering locals, combined with classic sights such as Tbilisi old town and the Gergeti Trinity church.

Highlights include staying in the Tusheti region, a protected landscape managed by the Tushetian people, contributing to the preservation of the area and village life.In the Kakheti wine region, guests visit the Nukriani Workshops, a scheme that supports local communities and encourages the preservation of traditional crafts.

From £3,090, including accommodation, some meals and transport, wildfrontierstravel.com

Village life in Peru

Safaris and storytelling in rural India

!Grey langur monkeys in Kanha national park.
Grey langur monkeys in Kanha national park. Photograph: Daniel Lamborn/Alamy

One of the newest trips from operator Village Ways takes visitors to the central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to stay with forest-dwelling communities and learn about traditional life and crafts, and ancient beliefs. From staying in a community-owned guesthouse to discovering the Baiga and Gond people’s connection to the land, rivers and forests – and their medicinal use of local plants – the nine-night itinerary delves into village life.

Hikes through forests, fireside dances and storytelling, and a safari in Kanha national park are among many highlights. Village Ways is a pioneer in sustainable tourism, providing rural communities with additional income streams and job opportunities and helping to reduce urban migration.
Forests and Fables: A Discovery of Ancient India, from £889pp, including transfers, accommodation and meals, villageways.com

Volunteering with children in Ghana

!The ghana Teaching and Childcare Project
The Ghana Teaching and Childcare Project

Township and Village: experiencing Authentic South African Life and Responsible Tourism in Stellenbosch

Township and Village, a social enterprise based in Stellenbosch, South Africa, offers immersive cultural experiences designed to connect visitors with local communities and contribute directly to the regional economy. A finalist in the 2025 ICRT Global Responsible Tourism Awards,the project provides a unique window into daily life in the Western Cape province,fostering understanding and supporting sustainable growth. Launched in 2023, Township and Village is gaining recognition for its commitment to authentic encounters and community empowerment.

The Township and Village project. Photograph: Franna Lombard

What Experiences Does Township and Village Offer?

Township and Village curates a range of activities designed to provide genuine cultural immersion. These include:

* Home Dining: Enjoy traditional xhosa cuisine prepared and served in a local family’s home in the Kayamandi township. This offers a personal connection and supports household income. A three-course meal currently costs 550 rand (approximately £23 as of November 21, 2023) townshipandvillage.co.za.
* Djembe Drumming: Participate in interactive djembe drumming sessions, learning about the rhythms and cultural significance of this West African instrument.
* guided Walks: Explore the area with community-based guides who share insights into the local cultures, history, and contemporary life. These walks frequently enough delve into the complex history of the region, including the legacy of apartheid.
* Cultural Tours: Discover the vibrant arts, crafts, and traditions of the Stellenbosch area through curated tours led by local experts.

The Importance of community-Based Tourism

Township and Village distinguishes itself through its commitment to community-based tourism. This approach prioritizes:

* Local Economic Empowerment: A important portion of the revenue generated directly benefits the local community, supporting families and small businesses.
* Authentic Cultural Exchange: Experiences are led by residents, ensuring visitors gain genuine insights into local life and perspectives.
* Responsible Travel: The project promotes sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact and respect local cultures.
* Skill Development: Township and Village provides training and employment opportunities for community members, fostering economic independence.

Stellenbosch and the Western Cape: A Region Rich in History and culture

Stellenbosch, located in the heart of the Western Cape, is renowned for its stunning vineyards, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The region’s history is deeply intertwined with the story of South Africa,from its colonial past to the struggle against apartheid. Township and Village provides a crucial counterpoint to traditional tourism offerings, allowing visitors to engage with the realities of life beyond the vineyards and explore the rich cultural heritage of the communities surrounding Stellenbosch. The Western Cape province is a major tourist destination, and initiatives like Township and Village are vital for ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably.

Looking Ahead

township and Village’s nomination for the ICRT Global Responsible Tourism Awards underscores its commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism practices. As the project continues to grow, it aims to expand its offerings, empower more community members, and further promote responsible travel in the Stellenbosch region. by fostering meaningful connections between visitors and local communities, Township and Village is contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for tourism in south Africa.

Key Takeaways:

* township and Village is a social enterprise offering authentic cultural experiences in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
* The project prioritizes community-based tourism, ensuring that benefits are shared locally.
* Experiences include home dining, drumming sessions, and guided walks.