COMMUNITY TOURISM

A New Generation of Travelers Brings Alternative Livelihood Strategies to Indigenous Communities

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series called “Theme of the Year 2011: Community Tourism." Community tourism is also called Community-based Tourism or Community Development Tourism. Throughout the year, we will bring you several cases of community tourism - examples where suitable methods for safeguarding local Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) combined with sustainable local development for the benefit of the community at large. We hope this series will serve as a good reference, answering your questions and stimulating creativity to preserve and promote ICH.

Are you dreaming of a ho-hum vacation at stereotyped holiday inn with bland foods, following a flag and taking pictures without context? Or, are looking something different, something exciting, and something that creates a memory while doing the community some good? If so, let’s have a look at what the World Tourism Organization (WTO) said on the uprising new trend in experiential Community Tourism.

According to the WTO, the demand for experiential tourism with respect for nature, local culture and community has been increasing constantly. According to International Labor Organization (ILO) Online, in one rural area in Guatemala, this new trend of eco- and cultural- tourism in concert with the community’s resourceful, cultural diversity has brought about improvements in the indigenous community’s livelihood and well-being.

As part of the ILO’s project ETEDPI (Education in Labour, Employment and Rights of Indigenous Peoples), “Hostal Nuboso Maya Pokomchi” opened in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala in 2004. The hostel, located in the northeast, is run by a community group called Ethno-touristic Development Association for Environmental Conservation and is composed of 36 families from several indigenous communities: Pamuc, Pampacce, Mexa Abaj, Panzal, San Sebastian el Refugio and Chipozo. The communities offer guided tours, food and accommodations. After walking through the rainforest with local Mayan guides, travelers to this unique rural area can participate in traditional ceremonies, learn about Mayan culture and see handicrafts manufactured by engaged community members.

For the residents of Alta Verapaz, Community Tourism has been a pathway out of poverty. ILO Online states that, “Community Tourism allows indigenous community to preserve their cultural heritage and their lands, by encouraging economic self-management, and reinforcing their traditional institutions of self-government.” Hostal Nuboso Maya Pokomchi has become a center for improving and mobilizing the whole community to promote indigenous culture and the community itself through tourism.

Incomes from the hostel and its related activities create opportunities for indigenous adults to go to school, combat illiteracy and receive training in various skills. They go on to start their own micro businesses and manage their own resources. As a result, their economic situation improves dramatically.

To sum up, Community Tourism generates economic benefits for indigenous communities while respecting and protecting cultural heritage. It’s a holistic development where the idea of sustainability covers everything; economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects. Not only that, Community Tourism also fulfills the needs of a new generation of travelers looking for an experience, not just another ho-hum, boring vacation.

So tell me, are you still dreaming of a holiday in a fancy resort watching a stuffy performance or, something more adventurous, eco-friendly and part of a living culture?