In Brazil, a destination which has recently opened up to package holidays, we created five community tours to help holidaymakers get close to the rich culture of the country.
In 2009 we worked with Estrela Exchange, an Anglo-Brazilian registered charity, to develop the first ever community tourism project in Salvador. We ran an extensive training programme to prepare the guides and community groups to understand tourists interests, and how best to socialise and engage with them.
In 2010, Estrela Exchange also teamed up with Project Zula, who are helping to enrich the tour experiences and raising money so that the project can continue.
We continue to support and promote the tours which bring tourists and communities together, help locals to make a living out of tourism and give visitors an experience of a lifetime!
The tours typically include an introduction to, and mini-tour of, the community and a performance by the group. There is also time for local people and tourists to interact, using translators.
If you are a tour operator and would like to sell this unique experience to your customers, please email Julia McNaught da Silva, project co-ordinator at estrela@atarde.com.br
The Estrela Tours were highly commended in the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards in 2009.
Once a shy young woman, Evanny received training to become a community tour guide and is now proud to show tourists around her neighbourhood. Evanny is now earning a reliable income for herself and her family - and helping visitors to discover the real Brazil!