In 2007 we funded a project in Thailand supporting the Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute (CBT-I); a local NGO with over 800 members. CBT-I aims to spread the benefit of tourism more widely across Thailand.
We continue to support the project and encourage UK tour operators to offer the tours to their clients.
Community tours are designed to introduce tourists to the daily lives of the villagers, as well as their unique customs and traditions. They benefit over three hundred local families, both economically and socially.
When the project launched, a familiarisation trip was arranged for UK operators so that could learn more about the tours, funded by the Thailand tourism Authority.
The community tours are currently being supported by several operators, and offer a fantastic customer experience.
10% of income from the tours also goes into Tourism Community Funds which support a range of local community and environmental projects.
This project has been shortlisted for a 'Community Benefits' Tourism for Tomorrow Award, 2012.
The villagers of Ja Bo Village, and the Lahu community have got a great reason to preserve the traditional Lahu culture for future generations – as well as making a much-needed income for them and their families, thanks to community tours. Fewer villagers are leaving their homes… and visitors are getting an unforgettable experience of the real Thailand!